Mapon Blog

Here we write about our latest updates and share our knowledge by publishing insightful articles on how to use fleet management telematics solutions to take your business to a new level!

Keskkonnahooldus: Cameras Save Hours of Work Every Day

Estonian company Keskkonnahooldus Eesti OÜ works in urban environment maintenance: street cleaning, rubbish removal, green spaces upkeeping. In spring 2025, the company installed Mapon cameras on some of its vehicles. We spoke to Maksim Akulistõi, the representative of Keskkonnahooldus, to find out why the company decided to use video telematics and how fleet camera systems have changed its day-to-day operations. Why cameras? Keskkonnahooldus had long considered the idea of installing cameras on machinery, but for a long time they couldn’t find a suitable solution on the market. The company needed not just video, but a single system that would combine GPS monitoring and visual control. When Mapon’s solution appeared on the market, it became clear – it was exactly what Keskkonnahooldus was looking for: a unified platform with GPS and video monitoring. Camera systems on specialised vehicles The company installed cameras on street sweepers, which are large self-propelled machines used for seasonal work on cleaning roads and sidewalks, removing granite chips and dust after winter, leaves, branches, needles of coniferous trees, garbage, etc. in summer and autumn. In addition, the company services parking lots and construction sites. Mapon camera systems help monitor brush activity, routes, and driver behaviour Cameras in the cabin – savings in the budget One such sweeper costs more than 200 thousand euros, and any breakdown is not just a technical hitch, but a serious blow to the budget. Often the cause of breakdowns are hidden operational errors: wrong tilt angle, hatch collision, incorrect trajectory. This is why it is important for Keskkonnahooldus not just to monitor where the equipment is, but to see how it is used in practice – in what conditions, with what driving style, and with what results. Cameras improve driving Keskkonnahooldus notes that having cameras helps to maintain a high quality of work. Video is used to: evaluate new drivers live; analyse recurring errors; save time on task checks. “I used to have to go to the sites and observe the work in person. Now I can go to the platform, watch 10 minutes on one driver, 10 on another and save a few hours a day,“ – says Maksim. One of the in-cabin cameras captures what’s happening in front of the vehicle Cameras as a monitoring and training tool The main purpose of installing cameras is not control for control’s sake. Keskkonnahooldus emphasises that no one has that much time to watch all the footage every day or to monitor the live feed constantly. The footage is checked when necessary, depending on customer comments, signals from drivers in the field and performance reviews of new employees. In Keskkonnahooldus’ experience, the cameras help to: avoid breakdowns by analysing and improving driving habits; resolve disputes with customers; train new employees; save managers’ time. Here’s how Maksim describes how he uses the cameras: “I already know which parts of the routes are the most difficult when they are travelled, and I know when I need to go to the platform and check the live feed or records.”  Video footage is available on the Mapon platform in real-time or from the archive Cameras help work in an urban environment Keskkonnahooldus’ special vehicles work in dense urban environments where navigating is often complicated by parked cars, construction zones and other typical obstacles. Previously, drivers had to take photos of the situation and manually send the images through an app. This was distracting and took time away from the main work, but thanks to the cameras, the problem has been solved. Now, managers just need to find the right segment of video by time and GPS, analyse it, then forward it to the client if necessary, and that’s it. Managers can watch videos of their fleet’s sweepers right on smartphones If in winter a driver catches a manhole or kerb and breaks a blade, the camera allows seeing exactly what happened. This approach ensures transparency within the team and provides undeniable evidence in resolving any disputes. Video as an argument for the customer Municipalities often receive complaints from residents, especially in winter: “The cleaning machine did not pass” or “the snow was not cleaned.” Previously, the driver had to take a photo of the work done and send it manually. Now the manager opens the platform, finds the right fragment, and takes a screenshot or a short video to send to the customer and confirm the work done. Keskkonnahooldus notes that it is also important to take weather conditions into account in their work. In autumn, for example, a machine may drive by and clean up, but in 15 minutes, everything will be covered with leaves and needles again. Video helps to prove to the customer that the job was done. The employees themselves ask to check the recordings The company installed the cameras at the Mapon service workshop in Tallinn and was satisfied with the result: “Everything was done well and the cameras worked immediately after installation.” Drivers have accepted the innovation calmly. Maksim recalls that at first, there was concern about sound recording and filming in the cabin. Then it was explained to the employees that no cameras were installed towards the cabin, and no sound is recorded – only the road and what happens around the vehicles. Now drivers are so used to the cameras that they even ask managers themselves to “check the cameras” if they have any questions. “We don’t use the cameras for total control, but to make the drivers realise that we can see how they work and help them improve,” says the Keskkonnahooldus spokesperson.  Front-facing dash cameras are quick to install and don’t require interference with the vehicle’s control systems A plan for camera expansion Sweeper sweepers are far from the only Keskkonnahooldus equipment. The company plans to replace conventional GPS devices with GPS-enabled cameras and install them on: hand crew vehicles (used in park maintenance, etc.); winter equipment for the next season. In these cases, the plan is to put cameras not only in the front and back, but also on the sides to record the entire work area. Mapon’s solutions allow you to create exactly the kind of camera system that your fleet needs. The rear-view camera helps drivers manoeuvre safely in narrow spaces and while reversing What GPS won’t show, video will Cameras have become an important work tool for companies such as Keskkonnahooldus, which operates in challenging urban environments and has many customers. When the cameras were installed, Keskkonnahooldus already had clear routes, a team of experienced drivers, and well-established processes. But it was the cameras that helped to close the blind spots that could not be monitored via GPS. Video gives the manager the ability to see the situation through the driver’s eyes and make decisions faster and more accurately – without on-site visits, unnecessary calls, and guesswork. It’s a new level of control that works for quality, safety and trust. *** Want to see how your fleet is really performing? Get in touch with our team – we’ll find a video solution that will help you understand situations on the route faster and make accurate decisions. Whether you’re managing trucks, street sweepers or service vans, we’ve got you covered!

Marija Assereckova

07. Jul 2025

Safer Fleet in 30 Minutes: Delta LV Experience with Mapon Cameras

If you try to list some of the most dangerous jobs, a truck driver is probably not at the very top. But Delta LV‘s experience suggests otherwise – congested roads and careless drivers increase the risk of accidents, filling drivers’ everyday lives with dangerous situations. Delta LV is doing everything it can to make drivers’ everyday lives safer by monitoring the road with Mapon fleet cameras. They ease information exchange with the road police because they record evidence of dangerous situations and help monitor events in real time. But how does the day-to-day work with the cameras look? Read on and find out what Delta LV logistics specialists Kristīne Ektermane and Artis Lasmanis shared with us. Life Before Mapon Cameras Delta LV has been a Mapon client since 2015, but they started using our camera solution in October 2024 because they realised that the existing one was not reliable enough. Before that, drivers had to manage the cameras themselves. There were times when the driver had erased the accident recordings or when the data was not retained due to full memory, so the old camera platform was not completely reliable. The company opted for the Mapon camera solution because it:1) provides a live stream2) allows remote access to the full camera recording3) stores the full camera recording on a memory card with the option to download needed clips4) automatically records dangerous situations and stores the footage in the Mapon cloud, which can be used as training material for new drivers A Simple Installation Process Given that Delta LV wanted to equip at least 100 vehicles with cameras, it was important to find a convenient and flexible way for the company to do this. With the help of the client manager Mārtiņš, we came up with the best approach – a Mapon technician went to the Delta LV service centre and showed their electrician how to install the cameras. The company gradually completed the rest of the installations based on vehicle availability, priorities, and the electrician’s capacity. Currently, it takes a Delta LV electrician about 30 minutes to equip a vehicle – the same time as a Mapon technician.  When the installation of the cameras started, the company informed drivers about the changes. In general, employees were positive about the process – there were no drivers who were totally against the new camera solution. However, some were sceptical at first because they were concerned about privacy and assumed that the cabin of the truck would also be filmed. But then the logistics experts showed what the footage looks like – it has no sound, and only the road is filmed. This was enough to convince the doubtful employees. Improvements in Driving Culture Since the implementation of the solution, logistics professionals have noticed improvements in the driving culture. Kristīne comments: “This is because drivers know that we can view their driving at any moment and catch them doing something improper, such as dangerous overtaking or breaking other traffic rules.” The live stream function is useful when a company is recruiting new employees. Logistics professionals can monitor the new employee’s driving style in real time and make sure, for example, that they make dangerous turns correctly, stay within the speed limit, and obey other rules. The video footage can then also serve as a learning tool – both as a good and bad example.  Fuel Savings with the Help of Mapon In the long term, the installation of cameras and improvement in driving culture could be reflected in reduced fuel consumption. The company already measures fuel consumption with sensors on some vehicles: “We have put in fuel rods as a control mechanism. Before, people could tamper with the fuel, but now that doesn’t happen anymore. We noticed that some people had shortages every month, but we put in a rod, and there are no more shortages,” says Artis. Safety on the Road and Evidence of Dangerous Situations There is no shortage of dangerous situations on the road – every second or third day drivers call the logistics specialists about minor incidents on the road, and around every two weeks report high-risk situations.  “For example, last week, there was a crazy, dangerous situation – one lorry overtook another without assessing the safety of the manoeuvre. As a result, a very serious accident almost happened involving three lorries. At least we can try to catch such incidents with cameras,” says Artis. After the incident, Delta LV logistics specialists received a panicked call from the driver and allowed her to rest for the rest of the day. Delta LV sends recordings of such serious incidents to the road police so that they can take further action in the hope that together, they can improve the overall driving culture. The company’s logistics specialists add that the police have given positive feedback on these types of submissions, as they are accompanied by clear evidence of what happened on the road. When we asked Kristīne and Artis about their overall experience with the cameras, they said: “We would definitely recommend installing the cameras; we can only give positive feedback. One company already approached us with interest – we told them about Mapon, and their eyes lit up because they liked our experience.” If you would like to join the ranks of our customers who are committed to road safety and driving culture, please contact one of our client managers by filling in the form.

Rebeka Nagle

01. Apr 2025

Lähivaara Oy: How Camera Systems Protect Drivers’ Rights

What if one video could save your company thousands – and prove your driver’s innocence? When unexpected incidents happen on the road, facts matter. Mapon fleet cameras let you know what exactly happened so that you can protect your drivers from false accusations. In this article, one of our clients shares how video footage has been critical in ensuring fair treatment for drivers and strengthening the company’s commitment to safety. One piece of video evidence can cut company costs by up to 15 work hours and €5,000 – read on to see how!  Our Client – Lähivaara Oy The family-owned company Lähivaara Oy, based in Kuopio, has been in business since 1959 when Lassi Lähivaara started working with licensed freight transport. Originally specialising in raw timber transportation, the company has since expanded into factory and terminal operations in wood processing. Building a Safety-First Culture with Video Telematics “At Lähivaara Oy, safety isn’t just a priority – it’s at the core of everything we do. We actively listen to our drivers when adopting new technologies and processes to ensure their needs are met,” says the entrepreneur Kari Lähivaara. Over the years, some of the company’s drivers have been wrongly accused of accidents that were actually caused by other road users. These experiences drove Lähivaara Oy to equip its entire fleet with camera systems. In one serious case, one of the company’s vehicles was involved in an accident that could have resulted in severe charges against the driver. Fortunately, the cameras captured every detail, providing undeniable proof that cleared the driver and ensured a fair outcome. Following this, the company’s occupational safety committee decided to install fleet camera systems in all their vehicles to protect drivers’ rights. Today, Lähivaara’s entire fleet of 26 vehicles is equipped with Mapon’s fleet monitoring system and our camera solutions. Mapon offers a range of camera options, including side and rear cameras, providing a full 360° view “We’re committed to continuously improving our safety culture and promoting transparency. The video data we collect not only helps enhance transport safety within our company but is also valuable to forestry companies looking to elevate their safety standards,” says Kari Lähivaara. He adds: “We’ve also shared video footage with SKAL (The Finnish Transport and Logistics Association, representative organisation for road haulage and logistics companies) to highlight hazardous road conditions – this benefits all road users and is part of our broader safety efforts.” Fleet Cameras Bring Security, Fairness, and Cost Savings Since implementing Mapon’s video monitoring system, Lähivaara has seen significant financial and operational benefits. For example, this winter, one of their vehicles slid off the road due to inadequate road maintenance. Thanks to the readily available video footage, the company was able to prove that poor road conditions, not driver error, were to blame. “The cost savings from the Mapon camera system are substantial. Resolving just one false damage claim saves our management team 10–15 hours of work – not to mention avoiding insurance deductibles, increased future premiums, and other unnecessary expenses,” says Kari Lähivaara. “In cases like this, savings range between €2,500 and €5,000. In fact, a single resolved case can cover the cost of equipping 15 vehicles with cameras.” Prioritising Ease of Use and Automation For Lähivaara, an essential requirement was that the cameras function automatically, without the need for driver intervention. Mapon video monitoring stands out for its user-friendly design, making it easy to access footage exactly when needed. Users can watch real-time camera feeds, automatic event recordings, or footage from specific timeframes. “Beyond a system that is easy to use, we were looking for reliable customer support and robust data security. As a large international fleet management provider, Mapon meets both our and our clients’ expectations in these important areas,” summarises Kari Lähivaara. “I recommend every transport company to implement Mapon camera systems” Protecting Drivers, One Vehicle at a Time Over the past few years, poor winter road maintenance, reckless driving by other road users, and various safety concerns have been growing issues for Lähivaara. Drivers have embraced the camera systems, knowing they provide crucial protection in accident disputes or ‘one word against another’ situations. “It’s reassuring to know that our employer supports us and ensures legal protection when unexpected incidents happen on the road,” says Lähivaara driver Nate Ruuskanen. Want to protect your fleet and employees while also cutting costs? Get in touch with us, and we’ll help you find the perfect camera system for your needs! Interested in Mapon, but not sure where to start? All you need to know is in our easy-to-read intro guide!

Marija Assereckova

17. Feb 2025

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Vedam.lv: Fleet Camera Systems Help Resolve Unclear Situations

Successful fleet management should be data-based, and videos are one of the most reliable sources of information. That’s why capturing what’s happening around your vehicle using fleet camera systems has become one of the most sought-after solutions in the Mapon range. Vedam.lv, a Latvian moving company, confirms the benefits of camera systems. Vedam.lv has a fleet of 23 vans, 15 of which operate in Latvia and 8 in Estonia. We invited Vedam.lv CEO Gatis Rūtiņš to talk about successful implementation of cameras in fleet management and what to pay attention to when choosing camera solutions. Why choose Mapon camera systems? The CEO of Vedam.lv tells the Mapon team about his company’s experience with fleet camera systems Gatis says that before working with Mapon Vedam.lv had tried another camera supplier, but the experience was unsuccessful. “There was a moment when we really needed one video to prove our driver’s innocence in the crash, but there was no footage available. It turned out that the camera hadn’t saved the data for months, and we were left without an important piece of evidence”, recalls Gatis. This case also became a reason to look for another provider, and eventually, the company chose Mapon. “What attracted us to Mapon camera solutions was the quality and clear answers to all our questions“, says Gatis. Which employees watch the footage? Video footage recorded by Mapon fleet cameras can also be viewed from a smartphone Vedam.lv has a quality control specialist who reviews footage as needed. This employee usually logs in to the Mapon platform 3-5 times a week to watch the camera footage. To ensure full insight into the footage and to know what is happening on the road with Vedam.lv vehicles, the quality control specialist views the footage both randomly and based on customer comments. Cameras promote safety Vedam.lv points out that the company installed cameras primarily to improve security. Vedam.lv takes a holistic view of safety – it includes the safety of goods and vehicles, as well as the safety of employees and other road users. All Vedam.lv employees take security seriously. The company employs around 30 drivers, who are mostly positive about the installation of cameras. Gatis notes that attitudes towards any form of monitoring, including cameras, are strongly influenced by how management explains to employees its decision to start using such solutions. Vedam.lv focused on how cameras contribute to employee safety, for example, by allowing employees to prove their innocence in controversial situations. Vedam.lv director Gatis Rūtiņš visiting Mapon And what are the controversial situations? It’s not just about accidents or insurance claims. In Vedam.lv’s experience, there have been cases where a customer reported that they had not received part of an order, but the camera footage showed that the full order had been delivered to the customer’s address. Thanks to the camera systems and the footage, the company was able to justify its employees and maintain a good reputation. “It is very important that the camera system works smoothly. If a customer says they haven’t received their order, we can use the camera footage to prove that we delivered everything and nothing was damaged,” says Gatis. Camera systems are also useful for careful and safe driving. One incident Gatis recalls during the conversation is driving in a narrow space. The head of the company’s technical department uses the cameras to check blind spots and avoid vehicle damage. To do this, he can connect to a live stream using the smartphone and see how much further the driver can turn. What cameras does Vedam.lv use? A Mapon fleet camera installed on a Vedam.lv cargo minibus The company chose a set of six cameras, with cameras on the side, front, and rear of the vehicles. This comprehensive system allows them to see the load compartment, the road, the sides, and the interior of the vehicle. Vedam.lv took their vehicles to Mapon’s garage to install the cameras. Gatis remembers the installation experience very positively: “I would like to make a special mention of Mapon’s camera installer – he is the right person in the right place, knows what he is talking about, knows what he is doing, can answer questions and find solutions.” We’ll continue working with Mapon The CEO of Vedam.lv wraps up our conversation with positive feedback on Mapon. “Overall, on a scale of five, I would rate our cooperation 5+. Everything is always on time; you can call managers and get answers. Comments are listened to, any difficulties are addressed. We plan to install more cameras in our fleet, and we will do it with Mapon!” Want your vehicles and employees to be safe at all times too? Contact our team and we’ll suggest camera systems tailored to your needs!

Marija Assereckova

13. Nov 2024

Avers: Fleet Monitoring is The Key to Peace of Mind and Safety

Ukrainian company Avers has been working in the field of logistics and various auto services for more than thirty years. Since 2012 Avers has been actively cooperating with Mapon – it is not only our client but also one of the first partners distributing our solutions in Ukraine and Poland. After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Avers continued to work even under wartime conditions. The cooperation with Mapon has also endured – thanks to Avers, our company is still well-represented in the Ukrainian transport market. We met with Sviatoslav Korostelov, the head of Avers, to discuss what it’s like to do business under war conditions, and why companies need fleet monitoring solutions. Transport Business During the War Watch the video to learn how Avers operates in challenging circumstances and how Mapon solutions are helping the company and Ukraine! How Avers Implemented Fleet Monitoring Avers works in the field of transport services, logistics, and sales of various auto products. At the moment, the company’s corporate fleet includes about 15 vehicles, which are used for cargo delivery. The company’s main focus is now on providing various transport services to other enterprises and promoting Mapon solutions as our partner. Avers was founded in 1993, and for many years the company has been closely cooperating with the Baltic region, working with various companies, including those from Latvia. This is how Avers crossed paths with Mapon – Sviatoslav recalls that Mapon was once recommended to him by another client of our company. Back then, it wasn’t immediately clear that Mapon’s solutions could be used to build a partner business – but over time, the value of fleet management for all kinds of businesses became obvious. “I thought it was a cool idea to be able to monitor a fleet of vehicles. It’s important for me to have access to information. Heating sensors, electricity consumption sensors are great things. I think it’s wrong to have water running as much as you want, light bulbs burning nonstop. And I know there are a lot of people like me – people who value investment, who follow the rules. Mapon’s solutions allow people like me to live and work peacefully.” Peace of Mind, Not Just Savings Sviatoslav Korostelov, CEO of Avers, talking to the Mapon team at the Mapon office Sviatoslav notes that the big advantage of Mapon is that everyone can find how to use it to suit their needs. Solutions and integrations can be tailored to the specifics of a particular business and fleet. For example, companies working with truck transport should connect their accounting to Mapon to quickly calculate drivers’ salaries based on hours worked. Another important aspect is fuel consumption control. For trucks, a single refuelling can cost several thousand euros, and if a fleet has 20 vehicles and each one is drained of fuel, the losses can be huge. Sviatoslav emphasises that although saving money is a significant plus, for him Mapon’s main advantage lies elsewhere. “At the end of the day, when you glance at the monitor and see that all the cars are marked in red – that brings me peace of mind because it means all my vehicles are at the parking lot.  For example, we have a rule that all vehicles must be parked after 9 pm. Before Mapon, we used to take one’s word for it. Or we would call and ask the driver where he was. But sometimes the driver just didn’t answer the phone. And in the morning, he said everything was fine. Then the accountant had to find all these violations by kilometrage, it was all very difficult. When we connected our fleet to the Mapon platform, I finally realised that everything was under control, and I felt calm. “I’m Willing to Look After My Property” The Mapon team interviews Sviatoslav Korostelov at the Mapon Riga office At Avers, line managers use Mapon’s solutions, and all drivers are informed that the company has monitoring systems in place. Here’s what Sviatoslav says about the initial adaptation teething troubles. “Of course, there were some troubles at the beginning. We’ve all sometimes wanted to do several things at the same time, even during working hours. So I remember the amazement when I showed someone that yesterday he was driving to the office and suddenly he drove off 15 km to the right, then 30 km to the left and then stopped for another half an hour. Then explanations ensued, people said that they have one relative living here, another there, and that they needed to pick something up. After that, of course, employees remember this experience and realise that we look after our property and we are ready to do it again and again”. How Can You Find a Car in an Emergency? When war broke out in Ukraine, Avers had to instantly adapt and figure out how to rescue the 200 vehicles associated with the company at the time. Thanks to Mapon’s reliable GPS fleet tracking systems, they were able to find abandoned and stolen vehicles, including expensive agricultural equipment, harvesters worth hundreds of thousands of euros, and even ambulances. Mapon Helps Fight Car Thefts A view of the Mapon platform demonstrating the GPS monitoring solution In Ukraine, Avers is still working with many taxi fleets, and one unusual way taxi companies use Mapon solutions is to fight car thefts. When the Mapon app alerts drivers that their car is leaving, they take the second key and follow the stolen car. Then, they wait for the thief to stop, go to the WC or shop, unlock the car with the second key, and drive away. As confronting the criminal can be risky, drivers find their vehicles thanks to Mapon and just take them back. Correlate Monitoring Costs with the Risk of Losses According to Sviatoslav, people often don’t want to pay a relatively small amount of money to monitor a vehicle, but they are willing to pay even more for a subscription to a football channel or some other less important purchase. That said, a truck can cost €100,000 and carry a million worth of goods – from this perspective, spending on reliable monitoring is more than justified. Sviatoslav concludes our conversation with the words: “I adhere to the ‘better safe than sorry’ principle. The company equips its employees with cars for work, and the employees know that if they use this car to go about their business at the weekend, and this wasn’t agreed upon previously, there will be questions on Monday. And this possibility of control gives me peace of mind – which is much more valuable than money”. If you too want to be completely sure that your fleet is safe, contact our team, and we will prepare a personalised quote for your company!

Marija Assereckova

07. Nov 2024

Vervo: Trustworthy and Effective Delivery with Mapon

Logistics company Vervo has been using Mapon services since 2020 to manage its delivery processes more efficiently. As a result, Vervo’s customers can be confident about their cargo’s security and get better delivery time estimates. Read more to find out which Mapon solutions Vervo has chosen!

Rebeka Nagle

16. Oct 2024

R GRUPA: Mapon Saves the Most Precious Thing We Have – Time

The larger a company’s fleet, the more solutions are needed for its management – especially if the fleet includes not only light vehicles or trucks, but also industry-specific machinery. One such industry is forestry, which encompasses much more than just cutting trees. It also includes forest planting, care, maintenance, harvesting, and soil renewal – all these stages of forestry require different techniques and equipment. The forestry company R GRUPA currently has more than 150 equipment units, most of which are connected to the Mapon platform. What made the company choose Mapon as its fleet management provider? What solutions are used for different purposes, and how can the information obtained from the Mapon platform be used for more efficient work? We sat down with Krišjānis Caune, the Head of Marketing and Communications at R GRUPA, to find answers to all these questions. Mapon Has the Most Comprehensive Solutions for Large Companies Krišjānis Caune, Head of Marketing and Communicationsat  R GRUPA, talks with Mapon representatives  R GRUPA’s fleet includes light vehicles used by administrative employees and forestry foremen, freight transport, logging machinery, as well as specific equipment, such as wood chippers. Each unit requires its own approach to data acquisition and analysis. “We are a manufacturing company and productivity is very important to us. To be able to improve it, we analyse a huge amount of key information, including fleet data. When we realised that the company needed to improve in this area, we did market research to understand what solution would best suit our needs. Mapon won because it offers the most versatile solutions that work for all our vehicle and equipment categories,” –  the R GRUPA representative explains the decision to choose Mapon. 6 Mapon Solutions for R GRUPA’s Fleet R GRUPA uses the following Mapon solutions for fleet management: GPS tracking for cars, trucks, and wood chippers Fuel rods for trucks Remote tachograph data download CAN data reading for forest machinery Tachogram – the tachograph data platform A camera system for the wood chipper Don’t Just Get the Data – Use It Properly Krišjānis Caune explains that having the tracking solutions is only part of the job. The most important thing is to understand what to do with the obtained data. For example, it is crucial to choose the most suitable route for cargo transport. Different data is used for light vehicles that drive over a wider area or for harvesting and logging machinery that works more locally, in specific regions. The same applies to fuel monitoring data. Differences in consumption between newer and older machinery are used in productivity calculations and job planning. See Deviations From the Norm Immediately Implementing fuel monitoring solutions can quickly and significantly reduce consumption by detecting theft or an inefficient vehicle. R GRUPA, however, is more focused on regular, long-term monitoring, which lets them keep track of accurate average indicators. The company has an innovative approach to fuel consumption management, as well as a positive employee culture, so fuel monitoring is mostly used to notice deviations from normal consumption and understand how to improve the situation. Fleet Management is Similar to Aviation An R GRUPA employee uses the Mapon fleet management platform When it comes to fleet management, R GRUPA takes note from aviation, where safety and flawless work with data is vital. Krišjānis Caune explains that the company backs up data records – both fuel management and remote tachograph download solutions serve this purpose. They help to ensure security and accuracy by minimising human error. Management Solutions Also Affect Productivity R GRUPA’s management is confident that thorough compliance with tachograph rules is a key productivity indicator for every driver. A rested person is much more productive while overworking reduces it drastically. A driver’s productivity on the road is closely related to safety – that’s why R GRUPA emphasises that it monitors tachograph data primarily to make sure that no driver has driven too much. The solution also helps to discover which drivers are currently under-worked and can be assigned extra trips. As it’s essential to comply with the legal requirements, R GRUPA has also set tachograph alerts for calibration and data download deadlines. Planning Routes – Easier With Mapon R GRUPA currently has more than 150 equipment units, most of which are connected to the Mapon platform Krišjānis Caune names the ability to analyse daily activities as one of the biggest advantages of using Mapon solutions. “We analyse not only to control but to become more aware of what we’re capable of”. Each fleet management solution contributes to a total result daily. Route planning is one obvious example – what once looked like a theoretical instruction to get from A to B is now a data-driven decision. The company carries out detailed route planning, communicates with drivers, and develops the optimal route. Route maps are also produced and can be used by anyone who drives the company’s vehicles. R GRUPA is aware that a route that looks good on paper may not always be drivable, for example, due to weather conditions. To make the most of drivers’ time,  colleagues in the logistics department and drivers need to maintain good communication to make adjustments. It also positively impacts drivers’ pay as no hours are wasted. “Mapon saves the most precious thing we have – time. And if we can save time, then we can figure out what to do with it – the main thing is to actually free up that time”. What Do Drivers Think About Mapon Solutions? R GRUPA tracks a variety of vehicles, including trucks Fleet management starts in the vehicle and continues in the office – and both stages are closely related, so all employees must understand how and why the company uses specific telematics solutions. R GRUPA points out that while drivers haven’t extensively commented on Mapon solutions, it does not necessarily mean they do not understand or need them. On the contrary, one gets used to good things very quickly. If you don’t think too much about using something, it means that you have gotten used to the solution and its positive impact on your daily life. In work and life, we are much more likely to discuss the things that get in the way rather than highlight the good aspects – the same applies to fleet management. Krišjānis Caune compares the relationship between vehicle drivers and fleet managers to professional sports: “We can compare drivers to professional athletes, and managers to coaches. We ask drivers to remember one thing – to insert the card in the tachograph when they get into the vehicle. Afterwards, we can work with the drivers to see what has been done during the day and how to do it better. We are like coaches talking to athletes about ways to improve their performance.” R GRUPA also emphasises that drivers are not obliged to analyse the data of the Mapon platform – this is the administration’s task. Mapon Solutions – Not Only for the Transport Department Fleet management solutions provide a wealth of information. That’s why the Mapon platform is used by different departments to analyse all the data and provide actionable insights. At R GRUPA, the greatest demand for Mapon solutions is in the transport department. The next structure that also frequently uses these solutions is the logistics department. The harvesting and logging department also benefits from Mapon, as they too have to operate with movement or transport. In general, all R GRUPA employees who use fleet units tend to look at the data provided by Mapon to get reliable reports on driving routes and timelines. This information is also important for accounting, which uses Mapon solutions to make sure that every litre of fuel is accounted for correctly. Innovation Is Easier with Mapon R GRUPA implements innovations and follows sustainability trends The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted many companies to digitise processes and provide reliable, remote access to documents, meetings, and equipment monitoring. The latter is especially relevant for companies that use equipment in remote locations, including outside their base country. To monitor their wood chipping equipment, which R GRUPA calls a real mobile factory, the company decided to run an experiment – they had several cameras installed on one machine. Thanks to those cameras, it’s now possible to connect to the vehicle at any time and check the safety and real-time productivity remotely. Other sophisticated machinery is also connected to Mapon solutions – for example, fuel monitoring with CAN data is very useful for forest equipment, which R GRUPA uses extensively in its daily work. Krišjānis Caune even compares such technology to spaceships – while previously such complicated devices could only be seen on television, now almost equally advanced equipment is at work right here in our forests. In the future, it is expected that such machines will be operated remotely, without a driver. Even if this scenario comes true, fleet management solutions will remain relevant because they let you make sure that work is going on as it should, from anywhere in the world. What if Telematics Solutions Disappear? We end our conversation with R GRUPA on a humorous note and ask what would happen if telematics solutions suddenly disappeared? Krišjānis Caune answers with confidence: “I would compare it to the apocalypse. We are so used to different technological solutions that telematics is as valuable to us as the internet itself. What would happen if both suddenly disappeared? We would survive, sure – but it would be very difficult”. If your company also needs a wide range of fleet management solutions, book a consultation with one of Mapon’s Client Project Managers or contact [email protected]!

Marija Assereckova

05. Jun 2024

A row of white service vans belonding to SAEK, a Mapon client.

SAEK: Real-time Fleet Tracking Benefits the Entire Organisation

Many companies realise the need for efficient fleet management and real-time vehicle tracking as their operations grow and fleet size increases. This was the case for our client, SAEK.

Siiri Arola

23. Sep 2024

Side view of a large green truck belonging to Vesivek.

Vesivek: Mapon Is the Perfect Fit for Our Fleet Management

Vesivek, Finland’s leading provider of external moisture control renovations, has been handling gutter renovations for over 40 years and roof repairs for almost 30 years. The company started roofing projects in 1993 and has since expanded across Finland and Sweden. 

Siiri Arola

23. Sep 2024

19.05 trucking: We Check the Mapon Platform Like Instagram

19.05 trucking has been in the transportation business since 2021 and has been using Mapon solutions from day one. We caught up with the company’s owners, Artur Dukalsky and Pavel Korol, to find out how our solutions have helped a young company grow and deliver quality services in a fiercely competitive industry. Why Mapon? Artur starts by saying that when he and Pavel founded the company, it was immediately clear that telematics solutions must be used. Both founders of 19.05 trucking had a positive experience with Mapon in their previous workplace, and they liked the platform’s logical, user-friendly interface and extensive functionality. The Mapon team getting ready to talk to 19.05 trucking Now, as managers, Artur and Pavel continue to benefit from Mapon – their company uses almost all of the solutions we offer. Driver behaviour monitoring and fleet fuel management are particularly highly valued, as these solutions help quickly identify resource-saving opportunities, and for a young company, this is especially relevant. The Most Important Mapon Solutions In general, fleet managers first notice and feel the impact of high fuel consumption. Fuel monitoring and driver behaviour analysis are essential to improving this metric. The former helps to tackle fuel waste and theft, while the latter detects a range of fuel-wasting driving habits. 19.05 trucking actively uses both solutions, so we at Mapon were particularly interested to hear what results our platform has helped to achieve. Drivers Now Ask for Fuel Control All 19.05 trucking vehicles are equipped with fuel floats. This solution reassures all the company’s employees that their work is done in good faith. Artur points out that drivers also appreciate this approach – even when the fuel floats were not yet installed, employees knew that the company was using sensors to measure fuel levels and respected this decision. Artur Dukalsky explains how 19.05 uses Mapon solutions Artur recalls a case when someone tried to steal fuel from a vehicle while it was parked. After this incident, the company’s drivers themselves demanded a full fuel monitoring system with alarms. Now 19.05 trucking employees can feel safe because their fuel is protected by an alarm system. This is also communicated by stickers on the vehicle – so criminals know the theft attempt is not worth it. Driver Behaviour Monitoring Cuts Costs Mapon’s driving behaviour solution measures eight parameters – four risky and four safe driving patterns. 19.05 representatives point out that analysing grades for harsh braking or acceleration makes more sense in the long term, e.g. within one year. The impact of such driving behaviour can be detected during the annual vehicle inspection and repair. But fuel consumption impacts a company immediately, so it is essential to identify drivers with inefficient driving styles. This is precisely why 19.05 utilises Mapon’s driving behaviour solution. The company owners gave us a specific example of how driving behaviour analysis helped to identify and improve inefficient driving. Fuel consumption reports helped to detect the driver who was spending the most fuel, even though his overall driving style grade was not particularly bad. Here is what Pavel says: “I went for a couple of trips with the driver myself and realised that he drove the truck like a light vehicle. We discussed the situation with the driver, and then I sent him information from Mapon at the end of each day. We had regular phone calls and talked about daily results. We experimented with where and how to turn and at what speed, doing this for about a month so that the driver could develop new habits.” After this training, average fuel consumption dropped by 2 litres per 100 km, generating €300 in monthly savings. Getting back to the driver grades, they were already good at 19.05 to begin with. The company explains this is due to only hiring experienced drivers. In practice, however, a good driving grade does not always mean low fuel consumption. This is why 19.05 stresses the importance of talking to drivers and educating them on how to save money by adjusting their driving style. Driving Analysis Data for Driver Training Pavel is responsible for driver training at the company as he has been driving for many years and continues to deliver cargo in Europe. He also maintains his YouTube channel, Pavel Korol Live, dedicated to the work of a long-haul trucker. Pavel Korol talks about driver training at 19.05 trucking Both managers note that they are lucky with their role assignments at the company. Artur is more of an office person, working with numbers and looking at fleet management from an efficiency perspective, while Pavel keeps in touch with drivers and what’s happening on the road. That’s why he’s responsible for employee communication and training. 19.05 notes that feedback and suggestions from an experienced driver are much better received by employees than comments from an office specialist. Talking to drivers in their language can achieve better results. The aim is not to control for control’s sake or to impose some driving norms but to show how to drive better using the data gathered by Mapon. One of the 19.05 trucks visiting Mapon For Us, Mapon is the Instagram of Fleet Management “Every day we check out what’s new, whether everyone has caught up. I have to say, there are some mornings when the first thing I do is look at the Mapon manager’s app and check that everything is as it should be. Just as other people check Instagram, we in the transport industry check Mapon. Thanks to comprehensive fleet monitoring, we provide a high level of service, and our customers are very satisfied, appreciating that there are almost no delays. But in the background of all this is our work, where we keep track of everything with the help of Mapon.” – says Artur. Tachogram for Quick Payroll Calculations As 19.05 trucking transports goods across the European Union, it also actively uses the Tachogram platform to track drivers’ work and rest times. Another reason to opt for this solution was the need for a convenient accounting system, as the company has one person in charge of payroll: Artur. “As the person in charge of working with data, I can easily obtain reports, round up travel allowances, and other financial matters. It has become 100% easier to calculate payrolls, I don’t even know how I would have done it without Tachogram. It takes me up to one hour to calculate salaries for ten people because I already have a report ready to be sent to the accountant.” Another equally important benefit of Tachogram is the possibility of easily complying with EU working and rest time rules. As not only drivers but also companies must comply with these rules, accurate records of working and rest times are essential. If Tachogram did not provide this transparency, the company would be at great risk of heavy fines. “We no longer worry about reading cards and tachograph data within legal time limits – everything is automated. It’s one less headache for us,” – points out Artur. Pavel adds that drivers are now so used to Tachogram that they get very worried if the platform doesn’t work as it should. Once, Tachogram was unavailable because a tachograph had to be replaced, and the company card had to be removed. During those few days, the company received a huge number of messages and calls from drivers who were worried that Tachogram was not working. 19.05 Recommends Mapon for Everyone The founders of 19.05 trucking have had the opportunity to see the advantages of Mapon as both employees and managers. Now, Artur and Pavel recommend Mapon to everyone working in the transportation industry. “We are like Mapon ambassadors – we tell everyone we know about it and recommend it. “I’ve heard people working for companies that don’t use Mapon complain about missing features or functionality. We always tell them that implementing Mapon would solve their problems entirely. Honestly, I’m not sure how we’d manage our operations without Mapon.” – concludes Artur. Looking to optimise your fleet management and ensure high-quality, reliable operations? Contact our team, and we will prepare a personalised offer based on your company’s needs and possibilities!

Marija Assereckova

31. Jul 2024