Embracing future technology

Barloworld Transport is ready to embrace new technologies, positioned to disrupt traditional operational processes, in order to improve service, costs and market share.

By using data science, these technologies assist companies to move from management by experience to optimised management by analytics.

Jonathan Spencer, IT executive, Barloworld Transport, says that some of the disruptors include truck platooning, integration of devices, central data analysis and mobility.

“Platooning also saves costs as the trucks drive close together at a constant speed. This means lower fuel consumption and less CO₂ emissions,” says Spencer, adding that platooning is the first phase of automation which will eventually see driverless trucks.

He says that integration of devices and central data analysis will drive down the cost of transport by using the latest information technologies to improve efficiency and lower operational costs and help fleets generate more revenue.

“Mobility will see truck drivers having the power to communicate more than ever before. It will also make it possible to gather operational data in almost real time, which is something that has never really been available from a driver-centric point of view.
 
“Having more information and automation leads to better and safer decisions about how the truck should run – provided that someone is actively using the data,” says Spencer.

He is quick to add that one of the biggest pitfalls is “having all the toys and not using the data wisely”. Awareness, education and training, he says, will be critical to converting the mindsets of technology-averse truckers.

Spencer says Barloworld Transport has taken a considered decision to warmly embrace the disruptors, as their outcomes are aligned to the company’s critical priorities including teamwork, commitment, excellence, integrity and sustainability.

“It is vital to constantly evolve in the trucking environment. The challenge is not to chase every piece of technology that comes up, but to be selective and leverage all the benefits through integration,” he concludes.