EWD uptake to triple

Research released by Teletrac Navman has predicted the use of Electronic Work Diaries (EWDs) to triple within the next 12 months.

The research, conducted by ACA Research, shows a third of fleets with six or more trucks plan to implement EWDs in the next 12 months. The research links this to many firms already having the functionality to activate EWDs within their existing telematics systems.

“The proposed changes in regulations on paper logbooks and EWDs presents a huge opportunity for transport operators to ensure compliance and improve driver efficiencies,” said Andrew Rossington, Vice President Transtech at Teletrac Navman.

“Implementation of EWDs shows how technology is improving driver behaviour, when you add Smartjobs and other solutions to that the efficiency savings are exponential,” he said.

The primary aim of this research was reportedly to gauge current perceptions of EWDs within the road freight transport industry and provide an insight into what role EWDs will play in managing compliance, monitoring driver behaviour and improving operational efficiency for fleets of all shapes and sizes.

According to the research, the primary reason for adopting EWDs changes depending on the size of the fleet. More than two-thirds of companies with fleets larger than 25 vehicles stated their primary reason for implementation was increased visibility into driver compliance. Operators with smaller fleets introduced the solution to eliminate inefficient paper processes.

“It’s easy to see why so many businesses plan on taking advantage of the proposed regulation changes and adopting Electronic Work Diaries,” says Mr. Rossington.

“For transport operators, keeping drivers safe and their business compliant is always top of mind. EWDs provide them with increased visibility into their fleet and enables automation of business tools, helping to combat driver fatigue and stay on top of complex legislator requirements.”