eTrans Solutions: Integrated Fleet Management Systems for Logistics

How do you see the adoption of the IFM system in the Indian logistics industry?
The Indian logistics industry is witnessing a major shift in its operations with the introduction of new technologies and innovations. The core elements of the industry are evolving to meet changing customer needs, with a shift from traditional to digital models.
A classic example is the Integrated Fleet Management System (IFMS) - a technology-driven comprehensive solution designed to streamline, optimize, and continually improve logistics management through predominantly automated processes. Compared to the Western world, the Indian market adopted this technology much later, with widespread realization of the benefits of digitization and automation in logistics only occurring after the pandemic.
Our GPS Tracking system, for instance, uses AIS 140 Certified GPS Device to provide real-time tracking of customers’ fleet. Besides driver performance analysis, other features include Maintenance and Alerts about expiry date of vehicle documents, maintaining of trip history, en-route tracking and critical juncture as well as geo-fence mapping.
Our On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) is designed to monitor and report on various engine and vehicle performance metrics. Customers can access critical information, contributing to improved maintenance, reduced emissions, and enhanced vehicle longevity.

What challenges do you encounter during customer onboarding?
Since last two decades, the company has integrated a range of solutions as part of its Integrated Fleet Management System (IFMS), including monitoring and alert systems, predictive management of inbound and outbound logistics, and in-premise movement, to ensure supply chain efficiency, safety, and loss prevention. The portfolio also encompasses fleet management, driver management, and smart video surveillance systems, supported by Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Driver Fatigue Monitoring (DFM). Additionally, in-plant solutions and transport park management systems are part of the offerings.
Introducing any new concept always faces challenges. Even with an established system, we still encounter obstacles when onboarding new customers. The primary challenge isn't executing the system but sustaining it. Post-implementation reactions come from all directions, but our team has successfully demonstrated several instances that make customers comfortable and confident in adopting the systems.

How have your clients benefited from using your IFM solutions?
Several customers of the company, including leading Steel or Industrial Gas Manufacturers have seen substantial increase in productivity and optimized fleet utilization by using our IFM solutions. Some of our esteemed customers have been able to enhance fleet utilization to 100% and achieve cost reduction of up to INR 6 crores within six months.
Several transporters who are our customers derive immense benefit through our Fuel Management solutions. Loss Time Injury (LTI) has been almost zero for many of our customers. For in-plant vehicle management, VIVO (vehicle in vehicle out) time has been reduced significantly along with increased loading efficiency and doubling of dispatch volume.
The in-plant efficiency for many of our customers improved significantly, with the average TAT (Turnaround Time) reduced from over 20 hours to just 8 hours. Our system also allows customers to track their cargo in transit, ensuring transparency and faster resolution of issues. With video accessories such as ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) and DFMS (Driver Fatigue Management Systems), eTrans provides real-time incident alerts, which help reduce the number of incidents. Our video telematics supports the identification of the root causes of occurrences for future reference and driver training.

To elaborate further, ADAS assists drivers with safety-critical functionality to reduce accidents and save lives. Among others, it features Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Pedestrian Collision Warning (PCW) for enhanced safety and convenience. ADAS interfaces with the driver through auditory alerts and haptic feedback, ensuring seamless integration with the driving experience while minimizing distractions. DFMS ensures enhanced road safety by incorporating fatigue detection technology such as IN Cab Alert, Vibrator Cushion to identify and monitor driver behavior in real-time. The system is easily integrated with GPS Devices, Network Video Recorders where DFM footage are captured along with real time alerts and reports. It also ensures compliance with all regulatory safety standards.