How an Integrated Workflow Makes a Driver’s Life Easier

If you ask drivers why they chose this career, they often answer that they enjoy driving and spending time on the road, and that it’s a passion for them. Few will ever say they enjoy work-related administrative tasks. Fortunately, technology can help simplify and automate certain types of tasks. Integrating telematics to your transport management system (TMS) allows creating workflows that make things easier for drivers.

With integrated workflows, drivers follow a set step-by-step process. The sequence of tasks to be performed is well thought out and optimized so nothing is left to chance. Easy-to-use integrated workflows generate many benefits for drivers – here are a few.

Step-by-step workflows

From the very outset of the trip, drivers are guided step by step on their telematics device. Steps are logically sequenced based on the task to be performed. Take, for example, a driver going out for a pick-up.

1. With geolocation that allows setting the customer location’s perimeter, the system can detect that the vehicle has reached its destination.

2. When the driver parks in the customer’s yard, the activity related to the stop, in this case the pick-up, is automatically displayed on the device.

3. By pressing the activity, the driver’s status switches from driving to on-duty. The logbook is automatically updated based on activities performed. This synchronization avoids having to switch between various screens and ensures the trip sheet and hours of service match.

4. When the pick-up activity is selected, the appropriate form relating to the current customer appears on-screen.

The driver doesn’t have to look for things – everything appears at the right time on the device screen. The driver needs only to fill out the appropriate form. Not only do integrated workflows help reduce the risk of error, but they also mean drivers can simply follow the steps, which are displayed on-screen in the most efficient sequence.

Pre-populated fields and automated information integration

To save time, relevant information from the TMS is added to various forms so drivers don’t have to fill it in manually. For less than truckload (LTL) trips, information such as exceptions, incidental costs, and item quantities are already recorded on the form.

Other basic information, such as the trailer number, is pre-filled in the driver’s workflow. The screen displays the scheduled time, the contact person on-site, the customer’s address, and the type of work to be performed.

Two-way communication

Communication between the TMS and the driver’s device goes both ways. While the driver benefits from information provided by the TMS, administrative office employees receive information inscribed on the form in real time. Document filing is automated. When a driver scans a proof of delivery, it is recorded and integrated into the TMS customer file, which helps speed up the invoicing process. Accounting does not have to wait for the driver to return to the terminal with a paper bill of lading to start working.

Integrated workflows have to be easy to use for drivers to buy into the process. With preset activities, programmed activities based on the truck’s location, and pre-filled forms, drivers quickly complete administrative tasks. ISAAC technology is known for its user-friendliness. Do you want to know how it can help you make life easier for your drivers? Contact us or request a meeting.