In an industry-first move, vehicle tracking and fleet management company Ctrack, a subsidiary of Novatel Wireless, has demonstrated how its advanced fleet management software is being used to simplify audits for members of the Road Transport Management System (RTMS). The software solution was presented recently at a monthly meeting of the Transport Forum Special Interest Group (SIG) in Cape Town.
According to Hein Jordt, MD of Ctrack Fleet Management Solutions, this is the first platform of its kind to manage and store all information related to RTMS certification. More importantly, the platform includes policy guidelines that explain the different segments of RTMS requirements in detail.
Using Ctrack’s fleet management software, fleet managers can constantly check whether they are adhering to RTMS standards and are able to implement remedial action at an early stage to ensure compliance.
The platform was created after Ctrack identified a need for an efficient, all-in-one software tool to manage and keep track of the standard road safety and transport productivity guidelines as set out by the RMTS. The solution integrates with Ctrack’s existing advanced fleet management software suite, FleetConnect. The fully customisable platform enables a fleet owner to administer, manage and support the different aspects of a fleet’s activities.
Since its inception in 2004, RTMS certification has grown to become an official SABS standard in South Africa’s heavy vehicle transport sector. Today, more than 10 000 trucks and buses are certified within the self-regulatory initiative, with companies audited on an annual basis according to a strict set of requirements. These include guidelines on the maintenance of roadworthy vehicles, improving driver behaviour, and optimisation of load.
“Using this software to its fullest not only makes it easier for fleet owners to adhere to RTMS standards, but also for auditors. Theoretically, auditors could access the fleet owner’s web portal with a once-off password annually, and audit the fleet. This access will significantly reduce the amount of paperwork to be inspected at the transporter’s premises,” Jordt said.
Besides offering the RTMS capability, Ctrack FleetConnect also integrates all other components of fleet management into a singular, centralised database. This serves as a one-stop platform for assessing fleet analysis and fleet trends, managing risks associated with the fleet, viewing multiple hierarchical reporting structures, and a variety of other tools.
“Ctrack recognises the critical role that the RTMS plays in preserving road infrastructure, improving road safety and increasing the productivity of the logistics value chain,” said Jordt. “By making sure the annual auditing process goes smoothly, we hope to encourage more fleet owners and operators to invest in becoming RTMS accredited.”
Kathy Bell, a member of the RTMS board, said: “This platform will enhance the rollout and implementation of RTMS for all transport operators, and also ease the annual auditing process by third party auditors exponentially.”
