Hövelmann Logistik is Set to Continue its Path Towards Digitalisation with Trimble

Hövelmann Logistik GmbH & Co. KG, which is based in Rees, Germany, has ordered 150 next-generation Trimble CarCube on-board computers. The CarCube will replace older existing Trimble equipment. The company, which specialises in pallet transport, has a fleet of 215 vehicles in total, all of which will be successively upgraded. With the new on-board computers, Hövelmann Logistik will be able to process even more data in less time in order to optimise additional workflows. The devices will provide drivers additional comfort and safety features such as high-resolution screens, advanced 3D truck navigation, 4G wireless communications and the ability to access information such as manuals, safety instructions or driver guides while the vehicle is not en route.

The company has been using Trimble telematics solutions since 2009, enabling it to automate numerous work processes. One area in which the benefits have been particularly noticeable is payroll and expense accounting. Fleet manager Malik still remembers the times when drivers had to fill in multi-page carbon copies that then needed to be processed by the accounting department. Today, all the necessary information is transmitted digitally, such as the automatic registration of drivers on the on-board computer, which has resulted in huge process improvements and time savings:

Hövelmann Logistik was also able to achieve significant improvements using Trimble Fleetworks’ eco-roll function and by transmitting data on the braking and acceleration behaviour of its drivers. As a result, the average fuel consumption of its entire fleet is now only 24 litres per 100 kilometres. Since 2015, Hövelmann Logistik has been using Trimble’s Performance Portal to analyse the data.

In addition to the Performance Portal, the company has recently begun using the Coach Assistant module, a program that supports driver trainers in the administration and documentation of their work. It also enables them to recognise recurring patterns and trends and to set specific targets, which can then be compared in real time with a driver’s actual performance.

In order to reduce the costs of fuel, maintenance and wear even further, Hövelmann Logistik was also one of four transport and logistics companies that took part in the Driver Coaching Academy launched this spring. In this joint venture between Trimble, INN-ovativ, the provider of the Spedifort e-learning programs, and Economic Drive Stein, a provider of driver training courses, four drivers were trained over a period of six months using a learning and video platform and driver trainers. Their performance was analysed and evaluated with the help of the Performance Portal and the Coach Assistant module in order to provide concrete advice on how to achieve improvements. Malik is satisfied with the results:

Malik is sure that he is on the right track with these digitalisation efforts: