Frequent topics of conversation in the commercial vehicle industry revolve around the adoption of new vehicle technologies \u2013 the driving force behind such conversations being that spec\u2019ing technology throughout the vehicle can help optimize performance, reduce costs, and create a more efficient operation. Though seemingly left to the wayside of such conversations is the adoption of technologies from an organization\u2019s operational standpoint: There are technologies to incorporate in a fleet\u2019s organization that go beyond vehicle specification which can impact the way those interacting with the vehicles carry out their responsibilities.<\/p>\n
Driver vehicle inspection reports (DVIRs) are one such example. Abandoning the pencil and paper method of yesteryear and incorporating a digital platform to execute such a process can reveal profound efficiencies for a fleet\u2019s organization across multiple departments.<\/p>\n
Building an eDVIR<\/h3>\n
Filling out a DVIR is second nature for drivers today. Transferring to a digital process allows for some customization and flexibility in the way in which DVIRs are completed. There are many ways in which fleets can establish an electronic driver vehicle inspection report (eDVIR) system. First, a fleet must have an idea of what they want their eDVIR to include.<\/p>\n
\u201cMost of the things you are looking for in an eDVIR is anything safety related, anything that could result in a citation, anything that could impact the safety, the reputation, and the relationship of the company to its customers, drivers, and the community in general,\u201d said Ric Bedard, CEO and founder of Cetaris.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are specific items that are required by the Department of Transportation that must be inspected,\u201d said Kevin Aires, global leader of product success at Verizon Connect. \u201cBut, above and beyond that, it is really important that businesses think about what else makes their fleet safe. That depends on the company and what they do and the services they provide customers; that could depend on the types of vehicles they have.\u201d<\/p>\n
Image courtesy of Geotab<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Providers understand these needs, and accordingly offer both standard template formats for eDVIRs and customizable reports for fleets to accommodate specific items. Take electric vehicle inspections, for example.<\/p>\n \u201cA lot more [queries are raised] around the battery, some questions that we wouldn\u2019t be asking in a diesel situation, but we need to be asking those upfront depending on the vehicle,\u201d Mike Bosch, senior director of digital technology at Ryder, explained of RyderGyde\u2019s eDVIRs.<\/p>\n \u201cAs we are getting more and more mixed fleets, and over time I think we will have a mix of both EV and diesel, as well as some other alternative fuels out there, we have really been focused on the experience of how we can consolidate that and make that a single experience across the board for the drivers and for the fleet managers as well,\u201d Bosch said of standardizing eDVIRs according to vehicle-type. Trimble Transportation offers flexibility in the form of adjustable template reports.<\/p>\n \u201cYou can have different inspections for different types of vehicles,\u201d said Renaldo Adler, industry principal \u2013 asset maintenance for Trimble Transportation. \u201cThe inspection for a tractor is different than the inspection for a trailer, it could be different for a service truck or a pickup and delivery, versus a Class 8 tractor and trailer, or a flatbed, the list goes on \u2026 [The DVIR] can be customized by the customer by the type of equipment they are trying to inspect. [DVIRs are] provided through templates, and then you can add to and change those.\u201d<\/p>\n Telectrav Navman\u2019s eDVIR solution, within the TN360 Platform, offers customization options. Furthermore, there is the ability for fleets to create their own templates to assign to specific assets.<\/p>\n \u201cSay you have a crane truck, and a crane truck has a bunch of different items that your normal truck doesn\u2019t have because it is outfitted differently,\u201d said Oswaldo \u201cOzzie\u201d Flores, product manager at Teletrac Navman. \u201cAs an organization, you can go in there and customize [the DVIR form], add those additional fields, and save that as a template.\u201d<\/p>\n Inspection checklist customization is a critical component for fleets to remain agile in establishing safety reports according to their current needs.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat we saw during the pandemic is that safety took on a new meaning,\u201d Aires stated. \u201cWe think about safety for our drivers in terms of road safety, but all of a sudden, companies started thinking about the safety of my employee in terms of their health. We saw a need for companies to start using that customization aspect around inspections to incorporate things like vehicle sanitization.\u201d<\/p>\n Verizon Connect\u2019s reaction was to deploy a pre-configured sanitization template that fleets could incorporate into their eDVIR checklists.<\/p>\n Whether adjusting to changes in the needs of inspection, or accounting for different operational needs across a diverse fleet, having access to various reporting forms is crucial. Take, for example, fleets operating under varying DVIR mandates internationally between the U.S. and Canada, or across varying Canadian provinces and territories. Geotab accommodates such a need by providing different templates for U.S. and Canadian fleets.<\/p>\n Brent McInnis, product manager for Geotab, noted that there are additional stipulations for Canadian inspections, such as the inclusion of a signature on a completed DVIR. Plus, Canada requires more information on vehicle inspection reports compared to the U.S., such as the vehicle\u2019s odometer reading \u2013 which can be captured automatically using the Geotab vehicle tracking GO Device \u2013 or the height and width of the load, which must be entered manually by the driver.<\/p>\n \u201c[With Canadian DVIRs], we can automate it for [customers] and set it up for what is necessary for them,\u201d McInnis said of standardized DVIR forms. \u201cWe base it off of the license plate of the vehicle. If you have vehicles in several different provinces, as long as that [information] is populated in our system, then you will get the appropriate form. You can still customize your defects list, for example, but anything that is required on the report we will at least show you and give the driver the opportunity to enter that information.\u201d<\/p>\n Customizing a report to capture the information required according to a fleet\u2019s needs is one thing, but having the ability to determine the level of severity for defects on a report offers another level of customization which can establish prioritized action items for the organization as a whole.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have different severity levels, major and minor,\u201d McInnis said of Geotab Drive\u2019s defect designation capacity. \u201cWe also offer a third severity called \u2018regulated\u2019 in our system. That is usually stuff [like] a tear in your seat. It might not be super interesting, but at some point, it might need to be repaired. It may not impact the safe use of the vehicle, but still needs to be noted down.\u201d<\/p>\n The severity level designation for each item on the checklist is defined when the checklist is created, not when the pre- or post-trip DVIR is created, McInnis clarified, which means a driver cannot flag comfort or amenity defects with out-of-service severity.<\/p>\n The digitization of DVIRs changes the way various departments within a fleet receive, digest, and act upon the reported information with an emphasis on speed via real-time notification systems, prioritization alerts, and customized reporting configurations.<\/p>\n \u201cThe whole point of a DVIR is for the driver to sign off that these are the things that are wrong with my assets,\u201d said Cetaris\u2019 Bedard. \u201cThe next step is transmitting that to the company, to have a technician who also must sign off to say that they have performed the repair and that it is completed, and then the final stage is for the driver to sign off that the repairs were completed to their satisfaction.\u201d<\/p>\n Digitizing the reporting system provides opportunities for expedient communication.<\/span>Image courtesy of Geotab<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u201cEverybody wants information right now,\u201d Teletrac Navman\u2019s Flores said. \u201cBeing able to have that real-time notification and real-time alerting is a very valuable feature for customers. Not only that, but it cuts down on having to go through and run reports and do reactive management rather than proactive. Proactive management leads to better efficiencies and better safety.\u201d<\/p>\n Communication is key \u2013 and sharing the data gathered from eDVIRs to the appropriate parties is what creates communication expressways that organizations can lean into in order to expedite the sharing of critical maintenance data. Most eDVIR providers achieve this through offering customers the ability to customize, personalize, and organize their own notification system.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is infinite in the amount of context that you can add to the alerts,\u201d Flores said of Teletrac Navman\u2019s eDVIR solutions. \u201cIf you have, say, third-party mechanics that do your work for you, you can have their email addresses entered and they get notified as soon as a defect is found. And conversely, when a repair is made, they would get alerted as well.\u201d<\/p>\n The concept of something as simple as a valid email address being the key to providing real-time actionable data insights, allowing for a fleet to know exactly when, where, and what is going on with a vehicle, provides an eye-opening opportunity to establish efficient communication processes.<\/p>\n \u201cWithin the Director Platform, we allow administrators to configure alerting based off what they found as far as the safety effecting defects. That alert can be sent to whomever it is in the business that needs to be informed of whatever issues that were found,\u201d Flores further explained.<\/p>\n Notification information can include defect details, timestamps, location data, and more, Flores noted.<\/p>\n \u201cFrom there, the people who are notified can take proactive action to set up a maintenance call to get it taken out of service and put in the line to get repaired,\u201d he continued.<\/p>\n Creating a full-circle loop is an important consideration when establishing these lines of communication to ensure transparency and accountability so that all involved parties remain informed throughout the entire process from report to repair to confirmation of service.<\/p>\n \u201cYou cannot get that kind of interactive communication between all the players in a paper format,\u201d Trimble Transportation\u2019s Adler emphasized. \u201cYou have three-way communication from the driver to maintenance to operations of what is going on with that truck based on the eDVIRs.\u201d<\/p>\n One of the most critical differences between the paper and pencil method compared to digitized DVIRs is the dissemination of that DVIR information to others in the organization beyond the driver after the report enters the system. How that information is transferred and then accessible varies by provider solution. This includes user interfaces and web portals that provide holistic views of a fleet\u2019s assets, and details of specific vehicles and their status. Furthermore, the customization and selection of where this information is sent, as well as who has access to it, can be adjusted to the needs of an organization.<\/p>\n \u201cThe whole planning process is critical and having the information to allow you to keep the asset rolling is absolutely essential to have real-time, high-speed delivery,\u201d Cetaris\u2019 Bedard said. \u201cThat means the entire delivery chain of data has to be tuned as close to real-time as possible.<\/p>\n \u201cYou have the onboard hardware; it is connected to the ECM; it is connected to sensors; it is pulling the information off of [the] engine CAN bus,\u201d Bedard continued. \u201cThat data is then funneled to us in varying formats through an API.\u201d An Application Programming Interface (API) is a software intermediary that allows two applications to communicate with one another.<\/p>\n \u201cDifferent styles and types of integrations are used today, but generally with the API \u2026 that data gets pushed up to a website using either cellular networks or satellite networks, depending on the trans communication media used by the individual platform providers or solution providers,\u201d Bedard explained. \u201cOnce it gets to that site, then we would pick up the data there \u2026 we then take that information and we have a real-time dashboard that is configured depending on the role you are in. If you are in the role to be watching for work to be completed, you would have a dashboard that would include an eDVIR. It would include maybe PMs that are due, different categories of work, [etcetera].\u201d efficiency.<\/span><\/span> Dashboards provide a centralized access point for data sharing and reporting and are a familiar way for fleets to digest information.<\/p>\n \u201cAs part of providing a mobile workforce management solution, it is critical that drivers, fleet owners, dispatchers, safety managers, and mechanics all have access to a platform that really unites their fleet management strategy,\u201d said Verizon Connect\u2019s Aires. \u201cAs part of that, we deliver various mobile apps and web-based software, [such as] something you can pull up on a browser and log into from anywhere with an internet connected device. That ultimately allows all sorts of information to be at anyone\u2019s disposal so that they are communicating efficiently about not just the status of vehicle inspection reports, but also location information, safety information, maintenance information, access to dash cameras and harsh driving events, those sorts of things.\u201d<\/p>\n Flores advised Telematics Navman\u2019s reporting data is accessible via a web portal. The company\u2019s data management strategy allows for various reporting options, including reports available in Microsoft Excel and CSV format.<\/p>\n Gathering data and sending it to a dashboard for a fleet\u2019s access can go beyond a single application with the incorporation of APIs. Many eDVIR providers utilize such a strategy to incorporate various data sources.<\/p>\n \u201cGeotab Drive works using cellular service,\u201d McInnis explained. \u201cOnce the driver creates that DVIR, it will be sent to the backend portal using that service. Then once it is there, there are several different options on how you\u2019d want to distribute that, but by no configuration whatsoever \u2013 it is available to anybody that you provide access to that back-office portal.\u201d<\/p>\n Open APIs allow the fleet to share eDVIR data with third parties, including transportation management software (TMS), to automatically populate information into these systems, explained Scott Sutarik, vice president of commercial vehicle solutions at Geotab. \u201cMyGeotab is the user interface the back office would use [to view and access the data],\u201d he said. \u201cWe have a variety of integrations using Geotab\u2019s open APIs. This data is available to third parties, including with TMT [from Trimble Transportation], and several others that pull our APIs and then bring it into their system. They can create work orders and a whole host of other different things within their system, but essentially, they can go back and forth through those integrations between the driver and their work order management software. We also have integrations with various rental and lease companies, like Ryder and Penske.\u201d<\/p>\n RyderGyde provides data management and access in various formats to accommodate end-users of different positions with specific needs.<\/p>\n \u201cThere is a web portal aspect of it, which is much more geared towards the fleet managers, dispatchers, some of those folks that need the macro-level view of the fleet,\u201d said Ryder\u2019s Bosch. \u201cThe fleet manager can log into RyderGyde.com and see the history of all the vehicles and all the DVIRs there.\u201d RyderGyde is also accessible via an Android or iOS application. Furthermore, Ryder provides on-site kiosks at various Ryder locations for users who prefer such a format. Ryder also integrates a suite of APIs into their data systems.<\/p>\n \u201cWhether it is a shop system, our data warehouses, our CRM systems, our accounting system, all that is encapsulated around this set of APIs, which is what these front-end devices typically interact with in getting most of the data from,\u201d Bosch explained.<\/p>\n Through its suite of APIs, Ryder integrates with many telematics providers.<\/p>\n \u201cGeotab, Zonar, PeopleNet, and Omnitracs are a few that we are already integrated with,\u201d Bosch said. \u201cWhen you register for RyderGyde, you can enter your telematics providers and if it is one that we currently support that data starts flowing in instantly. The experience is obviously much better for a driver when you are doing these eDVIRs, launch RyderGyde, and start clicking through and it has dragged all that data over.\u201d<\/p>\n Two-way communication through RyderGyde and their supported telematics providers is an advantageous aspect.<\/p>\n \u201cOne of the challenges there is that every telematics provider is a little bit different in how they use the data, or store the data, or transmit the data,\u201d Bosch stated. \u201cOur challenge is for every additional telematics provider we bring in, we make sure to normalize that data, even to a level where a mixed fleet might have two or three different telematics providers. For our customers, we want the experience to be exactly the same regardless of the provider.\u201d<\/p>\n Understanding the challenges fleets may face during the implementation process ahead of time, and how to curb such challenges or apprehension, can result in the successful adoption of an eDVIR information network.<\/p>\n It is useful for a fleet to understand the possible benefits that can be reaped through the digitization of DVIRs.<\/p>\n \u201cThe benefits are velocity \u2013 the speed with which you can react to issues,\u201d Cetaris\u2019 Bedard stated. \u201cThings are being reported [in] real-time; it gives your team more time to assess, adapt, address, and resolve. As an organization, it gives you much better control \u2026 It is tying all those things together so that the flow of data, the digitization of all of this data, leads to better efficiency, better visibility, better responsiveness. You can be more effective at what you are doing in your business.\u201d<\/p>\n Not only is the speed of communication increased, but so are the physical inspection processes.<\/p>\n \u201cBy moving to an electronic DVIR, you are ultimately allowing your driver to get on the road quicker, which of course impacts the business in terms of on-time delivery and therefore customer satisfaction,\u201d Verizon Connect\u2019s Aires said. \u201cGiving drivers a tool that is easier to use, potentially even automated, customized to the type of information that needs to be collected, is a benefit of moving to a digital version.\u201d<\/p>\n Clarity of communication is also increased through digitization.<\/p>\n \u201cGoing digital also provides a certain opportunity to have less room for errors,\u201d Aires continued. \u201cDigital forms are going to be easier to use. It is going to be more legible. This improves the entire operation of the business, reducing the time that it may take for the back office to have to verify some of the information or potentially re-communicate and get in touch with drivers to ask questions. By bringing it digital, it reduces a lot of those errors that you may see on the paper side.\u201d<\/p>\n Reports will be cleaner, and so will the sharing of reports \u2013 particularly for drivers.<\/p>\n \u201cYou are not having to go out, get a piece of paper, fill it all out, make sure you hold on to it, turn it in at the end of the day, make sure it is in the right slot, grab the new one, look at that one from an old driver, hope you find it in the cab of the truck, those kinds of things,\u201d Teletrac Navman\u2019s Flores said of the paper and pencil DVIR method. \u201cWhen it is electronic, it is literally right at your fingertips. If you can articulate the value of what it is that that tool is meant to do, then you can climb that mountain a little bit easier,\u201d he continued, speaking to driver adoption.<\/p>\n eDVIRs also establish accuracy and legitimacy in reporting practices.<\/p>\n \u201cThere are bad habits that can result from paper-based forms,\u201d Aires warned. \u201cHabits [such as] simply checking the box, or there is something that drivers have been known to do, which is what I\u2019ll call \u2018batch-filing\u2019 of reports \u2013 basically filling out all of your inspection reports the last day of the week when you are returning to the office and you are handing over a stack of DVIRs, ultimately not doing them in the moment, but doing them at the very end. The immediate on-time nature of a digital form is going to prevent some of those bad habits.\u201d<\/p>\n Additional safety nets of the reporting process are integrated in some eDVIR offerings.<\/p>\n \u201c[The driver] has to do that pre-trip inspection before it will let him basically go on his trip,\u201d Adler explained of Trimble Transportation\u2019s built-in safety feature within their eDVIR solution. \u201cHe can\u2019t leave with the truck unless he goes through the inspection.\u201d<\/p>\n Adjustments can be made to establish best practices going forward once digital reporting structures are in place. If a better way of doing things is revealed to a fleet through the use of eDVIRs, the fleet can implement that new process immediately.<\/p>\n \u201cIf eDVIRs are coming in and they are getting real-time reported, and if there is a regulatory issue that you were written up for, this would allow you to assess that and change your inspection checklist,\u201d Bedard posed. \u201cFrom that day forward, or from that millisecond forward, once you make the change to your daily inspection, that would not be missed because it would be part of your inspection process.\u201d<\/p>\n Doing things in a drastically new manner can certainly be challenging. This is not lost on eDVIR solution providers, as they express common pain points that may arise in the adoption of a new technology and offer practices to realize a successful implementation.<\/p>\n \u201cI think, probably, the biggest challenge is buy-in,\u201d Geotab\u2019s Sutarik said. \u201cWorking with the drivers, getting their feedback, and making sure that they are trained properly \u2026 Everything is about habits and getting them to go from A to B is a challenge.\u201d<\/p>\n Driver buy-in is the first hurdle to cross. Introducing a new technology can be difficult, but ensuring that the technology\u2019s platform is not a foreign concept can expedite adoption. Taking eDVIRs into mobile devices reinforces such an approach. By not introducing a foreign tablet that has its own operating and navigation system (which could cause another level of complexity for adoption) and, rather, using familiar devices and processes can help new users quickly adapt to eDVIRs. The initial user experience is going to help users stick the landing of getting over the hurdle of technology adoption.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are really focused, at Ryder, that the experience is intuitive,\u201d Bosch emphasized. \u201cThat it is easy to use, at a minimum. It has to be on par with the paper approach, and ideally, it is much better so that the adoption is something that the customer is accepting, and it is not just forced on them.\u201d<\/p>\n People today have general expectations as to how a mobile application experience and navigation should look and feel.<\/p>\n \u201cOne of the places that we put a lot of focus in is making sure this experience works 100 percent of the time,\u201d noted Bosch, in reference to the RyderGyde mobile app. \u201cWe are really trying to empathize with the users and empathize with the drivers. Put yourself in the driver\u2019s shoes: It is the first time somebody told me to do [a DVIR] digitally and I am already a little bit hesitant, possibly. If I go through the experience and it just doesn\u2019t work, well we really have one shot to get them to use it, and understand it, and be happy with it, because as soon as it fails, [a driver] will just go back to paper. We are putting a lot of effort in to avoid those types of situations.\u201d<\/p>\n The goal for any deployment of new technology is that the user can pick it up and use it immediately and do so seamlessly.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have a huge focus on user experience in general,\u201d Aires said of Verizon Connect\u2019s approach. \u201cWe employ quite a large team whose sole role is to make it easier for our products to be able to be used.\u201d<\/p>\n Though if an eDVIR is so simple to use, will drivers be able to \u201ccheat the system\u201d and simply click away on their device? A sort-of digital pencil whipping? Solution providers have considered this as well.<\/p>\n \u201cOur mobile app utilizes something that I will call smart detection software,\u201d Aires stated. \u201cIt actually helps ensure that the driver has physically walked around and inspected the vehicle. In addition to going through a checklist, that mobile technology is also doing a check using accelerometers in the phone, ultimately detecting and verifying that that driver has gone outside the vehicle and done his or her inspections \u2026 We have employed mobile detection technology that does provide an extra layer of verification to the inspection report, ultimately giving the back office a little bit more peace of mind that those inspection reports are coming back to the office and they are legitimate.\u201d<\/p>\n Another apprehensive perspective fleets may have before taking on the digitization of reporting is a concern regarding integration of multiple devices and systems.<\/p>\n \u201cI think a challenge is getting all the products to talk together,\u201d Trimble Transportation\u2019s Adler cautioned. \u201cThere are a lot of telematics solutions or DVIR solutions, and from that standpoint, making sure they can communicate with all your business units, it may require developmental work,\u201d he continued. \u201cTrimble offers a full-service system and covers all the bases. Make sure that everything is connected upfront rather than having to invest in some developmental work on the backend as well.\u201d<\/p>\n Choosing a provider is one challenge in and of itself, so fleets should come into the adoption and selection phase with a plan of what data they are really looking to get out of such a platform. The concern of drowning in data is real, but providers are acutely aware of tailoring systems to ensure data is targeted and useful.<\/p>\n \u201cIt can create noise if it is not properly rolled out,\u201d Cetaris\u2019 Bedard warned of eDVIR adoption. \u201cData quality is a big one. You have to have data set up effectively. You have to make sure that [you differentiate] the serial numbers on the telematics devices \u2013 that is how to uniquely identify unit number one versus unit number two versus unit number three \u2013 that data all has to be right \u2026 We have got to get rid of the noise; we can\u2019t give [users] a tsunami of data. You have to filter it down and focus on actionable items. People not using the eDVIR as intended will create noise, but I think if you communicate well and you work with your team well, you can turn it into a very powerful tool.\u201d<\/p>\n Deployment of a system can be overwhelming, though most providers will offer support and guidance in that regard. Depending on the solution provider, fleets may have access to in-person, in-application, or video training, as well as access to customer call centers.<\/p>\n What is next for eDVIR data infrastructure? Experts say data consumed through reporting systems such as eDVIRs is a key piece in a predictive maintenance future.<\/p>\n \u201cWith our TN360 solution, one of the focuses is on AI (artificial intelligence),\u201d Teletrac Navman\u2019s Flores explained. \u201cThat is where we are focusing on heavily, and that is going to tie into our compliance solutions as well. Eventually, that will tie into the vehicle inspection reporting solution \u2026 Providing advanced intelligence based on trends that you see as a fleet from inspections and repairs so we can start to alert people predictively. The users then can use that information to look back and say, \u2018If this is becoming a trend, how do we get in front of it?\u2019,\u201d he continued. \u201cThose are the kinds of things that are coming in the forefront, as well, for us.\u201d<\/p>\n Solution providers\u2019 ability to capture eDVIR data will be one of the building blocks in creating the predictive algorithms that analyze a fleet\u2019s generated data and subsequently present the predictive models that maintenance managers dream of.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are doing a lot more experimentation around predictive data models and machine learning,\u201d Ryder\u2019s Bosch said. \u201cData is so important. There is so much of it right now, but how can we use that data to create predictive insights for fleet managers? The possibilities are endless once you have that data, to be able to say, \u2018This type of vehicle seems to always have this type of issue around this type of mileage.\u2019 A hypothetical like that gives us so much more information than we had before.<\/p>\n \u201cWith the data availability, but then also being able to combine it with other data, too, we have become more mature in our big data analysis and what we want to do with it,\u201d Bosch continued. \u201cBringing in weather conditions or bringing in other aspects that may have affected [a vehicle], [we are able to contemplate] how can we predict what the next eDVIR will be for this particular vehicle.\u201d<\/p>\n Communication is key \u2013 and sharing the data gathered from eDVIRs to the appropriate parties is what creates communication expressways that organizations can lean into in order to expedite the sharing of critical maintenance information.<\/span>Image courtesy of Geotab<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Data accumulation and data accuracy will be the guiding hand in building a predictive maintenance future.<\/p>\n \u201cThis data is extremely valuable for any fleet,\u201d Bosch noted. \u201cThe more information we have, and the more accurate it can be by [obtaining] it through a digital means, the more active we can be with our insights and our predictive models \u2026 [The data gathered from eDVIRs] is the source data and training data that really pushes us out into predicting and understanding the current health of a fleet, but then even six months from now what a fleet manager can be expecting as well. It is very valuable data and I think creating a positive experience to make sure that we are getting the data is critical for success.\u201d<\/p>\n What is the goal of predictive maintenance models if not a maximization of uptime?<\/p>\n \u201cAdvanced organizations are trying to maximize equipment availability,\u201d Cetaris\u2019 Bedard said. \u201cIf you can coordinate hours of service when the driver is driving and when they are not driving, versus the opportunity to do repair, if you can optimize that so all the repairs are being done when the asset is not required \u2013 think about the implications of that from a driver satisfaction perspective, a planning perspective.\u201d<\/p>\n The ultimate achievement delivered through the digitization of DVIRs is not express communication, predictive analytics, nor uptime, but truly actualizing the safest driving operation possible.<\/p>\n \u201cThe DVIR is one piece of a broader theme, which is, \u2018How do you build a culture of safety within a company that is operating vehicles?\u2019\u201d Verizon Connect\u2019s Aires posed. \u201cHow do you get drivers to really buy in to that safety culture where they become advocates for safety; where they are excited to take on new technology, new processes, or new tasks in order to benefit the company, the customer, and the community that they drive in, to make it a safer journey for them, and ultimately give the company the opportunity to put their best foot forward as a business?\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Should a fleet decide to ditch the pen and pad and adopt electronic driver vehicle inspection reports (eDVIRs), there are plenty of options available to choose from; selecting the appropriate solution depends on a few factors regarding the fleet\u2019s composition and existing assets.<\/p>\n \u201cIf I am not using a paper and pencil, then what will I be using?\u201d a fleet might ask. It depends. If there is a cab-mounted electronic logging device (ELD) in the vehicle, chances are it has the capacity for eDVIR integration. Beyond the ELD however, there are options to incorporate a mobile device to carry out driver reporting.<\/p>\n Teletrav Navman | Director Platform<\/a><\/p>\n An in-cab tablet has the option to perform eDVIRs separately or to integrate with the ELD.<\/p>\n Geotab | Geotab Drive<\/a><\/p>\n Users can enable DVIRs within the ELD workflow solution.<\/p>\n Verizon Connect | ELD-integrated offering<\/a><\/p>\n A \u201csimpler\u201d eDVIR offering, typically used by small businesses, that is a standard checklist integrated into the ELD.<\/p>\n Trimble Transportation | TMT Fleet Maintenance<\/a><\/p>\n A standalone application that can be used by drivers to complete eDVIRs.<\/p>\n Verizon Connect | Mobile app<\/a><\/p>\n The company\u2019s flagship eDVIR solution deploys customizable safety checklists.<\/p>\n Ryder | RyderGyde<\/a><\/p>\n RyderGyde is Ryder\u2019s platform for eDVIRs, based on a mobile application for drivers\u2019 use.<\/p>\n Teletrav Navman | TN360 Platform<\/a><\/p>\n A flexible, customizable eDVIR solution delivering adjustable reporting templates.<\/p>\n Cetaris | Mobile application<\/a><\/p>\n A feature-rich mobile app that offers customizable reports and inspection programming.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n By Tyler Fussner<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Source: https:\/\/www.fleetmaintenance.com<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n The audit is a key tool to know the overall status and provide the analysis, the assessment, the advice, the suggestions and the actions to take in order to cut costs and increase the efficiency and efficacy of the fleet. We propose the following fleet management audit.<\/p>\n Electronic driver vehicle inspection reports can expedite the sharing of critical maintenance information throughout an operation, allowing for planning, preparation, and timely execution of service. Frequent topics of conversation in the commercial vehicle industry revolve around the adoption of new vehicle technologies \u2013 the driving force behind such conversations being that spec\u2019ing technology throughout the…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":11593,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[18],"tags":[414,53],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11592"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11592"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11592\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11594,"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11592\/revisions\/11594"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11593"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11592"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11592"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11592"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}![\"Dvir](\"https:\/\/img.fleetmaintenance.com\/files\/base\/ebm\/fm\/image\/2021\/05\/DVIR_Log_Mobile_View.60aee45b0514e.png?auto=format&fit=max&w=1440\")
<\/span><\/p>\n![\"Dashboards](\"https:\/\/img.fleetmaintenance.com\/files\/base\/ebm\/fm\/image\/2021\/05\/16x9\/geotab_drive_app_thumbnail_2x.60aee456d11f8.png?auto=format&fit=max&w=1440\")
D<\/span><\/span>ashboards offer a familiar access point for critical maintenance data gathered through eDVIRs.<\/span>Photo courtesy of Geotab<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nDissemination of information<\/h3>\n
![\"Digitizing](\"https:\/\/img.fleetmaintenance.com\/files\/base\/ebm\/fm\/image\/2021\/05\/16x9\/geotab_drive_dashboard_mockup_1.60aee45ef2a65.png?auto=format&fit=max&w=1440\")
<\/span><\/p>\nData access, management, and integration<\/h3>\n
![\"Teletrac](\"https:\/\/img.fleetmaintenance.com\/files\/base\/ebm\/fm\/image\/2021\/05\/16x9\/teletrac_navman_2.60aee46e3a3f6.png?auto=format&fit=max&w=1440\")
Teletrac Navman’s TN360 platform leverages technology that provides telematics users the ability to simply ask the system questions about their business <\/span>Image courtesy of Teletrac Navman<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n![\"Edvir\"](\"https:\/\/img.fleetmaintenance.com\/files\/base\/ebm\/fm\/image\/2021\/06\/edvir.60b64f249b69a.png?auto=format&fit=max&w=1440\")
Image from Ryder<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nOperational overhaul<\/h3>\n
Benefits of eDVIRs<\/h4>\n
Challenges and how to curb them<\/h4>\n
The future of digital reporting<\/h3>\n
![\"Communication](\"https:\/\/img.fleetmaintenance.com\/files\/base\/ebm\/fm\/image\/2021\/05\/geotab_dvir_mobile_app_2x.60aee4634424f.png?auto=format&fit=max&w=1440\")
<\/span><\/p>\nElectronic DVIR platforms<\/h3>\n
ELD-integration<\/h3>\n
Mobile application<\/h3>\n
CUT COTS OF THE FLEET WITH OUR AUDIT PROGRAM<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/04\/nueva-ley-auditoria.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nFLEET MANAGEMENT AUDIT<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"