Source: Car Fleets
Edition: October 2023 — Page 34
Journalist: Frédéric Blin
Periodicity: Monthly
Audience: 74,000 readers
Sector: Auto-Moto-Cyclo
The digitization of a car fleet, in particular via embedded telematics, is an often complex process. It raises questions, in particular the fear of “tracking” employees. However, the benefits are considerable: economic gains, logistical optimization, reduction of CO₂ emissions. So how do you remove the obstacles, train teams, and succeed in this digital transition? Here are the keys.
Digitalization is still timid in France
While Belgium has a fleet digitization rate close to 90%, France is still lagging behind with only a quarter of fleets equipped. However, the benefits are numerous. At a rate of €120 per year and per vehicle, telematics would allow fuel savings of up to 20%, i.e. around €800 in annual savings for a driver traveling 20,000 km.
Between return on investment and social distrust
Many fleet managers recognize the complexity of the digitization process, which is often hampered by the perception of “surveillance” among drivers.
As an anonymous manager points out:
“Users sometimes prefer to have a human contact person, especially in the event of a disaster.”
The main obstacle remains cultural: employees fear being geolocated, leading to frequent confusion between digital management and control.
The rules to be respected in terms of geolocation
The CNIL strictly regulates the use of geolocation. It is only authorized in the following cases:
- Justification/billing of services
- Employee and equipment safety
- Optimizing tours
- Monitoring of working time if no other tool allows it
- Compliance with legal obligations
- Vehicle use control
🔗 More information on www.cnil.fr
Testimonial: Philippe Gorse (CEO of Novares)
“No employee jumped for joy at the start. It was necessary to explain that telematics was not a control tool but a lever for optimization.”
The Novares company saw:
- One 20% reduction in fuel consumption
- One Gain of one hour on urgent interventions
- One initial fear dispelled with time and dialogue
Key steps for a successful transition
1. Explain the “Why”
Do not start digitizing to follow a trend. It is necessary to:
- Identify a concrete objective : cost reduction, safety, brand image, carbon footprint...
- Communicate with transparency to collaborators
2. Collecting and using data
As Franck Guillou (RSolutions Expertises) explains, data allows:
- To set progress indicators (fuel, maintenance, tours...)
- To adjust strategic choices
- To objectify the results in order to enhance the role of the manager
3. Make it a business project
Involve all stakeholders:
- Direction
- CSE and unions
- Collaborators
This creates a virtuous circle: performance + well-being at work + company sustainability
Testimonial: Tarik Ammi (Pro-Logis)
The renovation company has equipped its 30 vehicles :
- Monitoring of hours of use
- Optimized vehicle allocation
- Location in case of theft
- Fewer fines, fuel tracking
“Drivers have been informed, not trained: the tool is intuitive. They signed a document confirming their agreement.”
Highlighting the benefits for drivers
To convince:
- security : fewer accidents, better driving
- Comfort : digital glove box, shared routes
- Fairness : accounting for overtime, ending injustice
- Ecology : reduction of polluting emissions
Communication is essential: meetings, newsletters, educational materials.
The expert's opinion: Pierre Mathieu (Alternative Digitale)
“You have to lead a change management. This involves:
- Exchange with specialists
- Benchmark of best practices
- Dialogue with drivers
- Analysis of internal brakes”
Conclusion: successful digitization in 5 levers
✅ Set clear goals
✅ Communicate ahead of time and on an ongoing basis
✅ Involving employees
✅ Respect the legal framework (CNIL)
✅ Highlighting concrete benefits
#géolocalisation, #IA, #économie
