Hövelmann Continues Digitalization Course with Trimble Technology

Hövelmann Logistics has ordered 150 state-of-the-art on-board computers ‘CarCube’ from Trimble Transport & Logistics. Gradually, all 215 vehicles of Hövelmann will be equipped with the latest devices. The innovations help to further optimize workflows.

(Münster/Rees) Hövelmann Logistik GmbH & Co. KG, headquartered in the Lower Rhine town of Rees, has now ordered 150 CarCubes of the latest generation from Trimble Transport & Logistics. The on-board computers will replace the existing older Trimble devices. The fleet of the company, which specializes in pallet transport, consists of 215 vehicles, all of which are to be gradually retrofitted. With the new on-board computers, Hövelmann Logistik can process even more data in a shorter time and further optimize workflows. In addition, the devices, which are permanently installed in the trucks, provide the driver with additional comfort and safety thanks to high-resolution screens, advanced 3D truck navigation, 4G telephony, and the ability to access information such as manuals or safety instructions while the vehicle is not in motion.

Long-standing Collaboration

“The collaboration with Trimble has worked very well in the past. Now we want to take the next step together,” says Robin Malik, fleet manager at Hövelmann Logistik. Since 2009, the company has relied on telematics solutions from Trimble. Numerous workflows have already been automated during this time. One area where the benefits are particularly noticeable is payroll and expense accounting. Fleet manager Malik recalls times when drivers had to fill out multi-page carbon copies, which were then processed by accounting. Today, the transmission of all necessary information is digital – from the automatic registration of drivers in the truck to deregistration. The result is a tremendous relief and time savings: “What used to take a whole month in our accounting now takes three to five days,” explains Malik.

Improvement of Driving Behavior

Hövelmann Logistik has also achieved significant improvements through the transmission of data on drivers’ braking and acceleration behavior, as well as the use of the Eco-Roll function. Today, the consumption of the entire truck fleet averages only 24 liters per 100 kilometers. To analyze the data, Hövelmann Logistik has been using Trimble’s Performance Portal since 2015. “I get a clear overview of the performance of all drivers right at the beginning and can then decide on a case-by-case basis whether I want to see more details. This is an incredible relief for me in everyday life,” says Malik. In addition to the Performance Portal, the company has recently also implemented the Coach Assistant extension. The program supports driver trainers in managing and documenting their work. Furthermore, it allows for the recognition of recurring patterns and trends. Specific target agreements can also be established and continuously compared with current performance. “The Coach Assistant is clearly structured and easy to use. As a fleet manager, I always have everything in view and can also optimally plan the work for the coming weeks using the calendar function,” says Malik.

Participation in Driver Coaching Academy

To further reduce fuel, maintenance, and wear costs, Hövelmann Logistik also participated as one of four transport and logistics companies in the Driver Coaching Academy that started in spring. In this joint project by Trimble, the provider of the Spedifort e-learning programs INN-ovativ, and the operator of driver training Economic Drive Stein, four drivers were trained over a period of six months via a learning and video platform as well as by driver trainers. With the help of the Performance Portal and the Coach Assistant extension module, the performances were analyzed and evaluated, and specific suggestions were given on how improvements could be achieved. For this purpose, Hövelmann Logistik has already equipped the first truck with a CarCube of the latest generation. Malik is satisfied with the results: “Thanks to the ability to digitally self-monitor, the driver can proactively adjust their behavior, and the collaboration with the trainer team is noticeably more efficient. A significant improvement has already occurred after a short time.” Malik is confident that he is on the right track with the digitalization course: “If we want to automate more workflows, we need to be able to process large amounts of data. For this, the CarCube of the latest generation is the right tool.”

About Hövelmann Logistik

Since its founding by Bernhard Hövelmann in 1945, Hövelmann Logistik has developed into a modern transport and logistics company. With modern operational equipment and a powerful fleet of 215 units, over 700 employees ensure individual logistics solutions. Customers have included food producers, discounters, industrial companies, agricultural businesses, and clients from many other sectors for many years. To provide warehousing and contract logistics services, 128,000 m² of storage space is available.

About Trimble Transport & Logistics

Trimble Transport & Logistics is a leading provider of transport management solutions for companies of all sizes in the transport and logistics sector. The innovative and user-friendly solutions include fixed and mobile on-board computers, wireless communication services, and web-based back-office applications that are integrated into a seamless workflow to transform and optimize operations. With a modular, scalable architecture, Trimble Transport & Logistics solutions can grow with the changing needs of a company.

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