As the ELD compliance mandate in Canada approaches January 2023, business owners and fleet managers need to take into account that implementation of new technology takes time. Planning ahead for the change allows for assessing and addressing risks, training drivers on new behaviours to reduce stress, rolling out new operational procedures for adoption and dealing with other challenges that pop up on the implementation path. You need months to implement ELD compliance effectively, but you can begin to achieve an ROI that improves operations quickly.

A few key factors to consider on your road to ELD compliance:

ITS NOT ABOUT THE CHEAPEST PRICE 

ELD compliance requirements should be supported by a reputable and approved provider that understands regulations, offers installation and provides responsive customer service to owners, fleet managers and drivers. A cheaper price could mean you’re not taking full advantage of the additional features that ELDs can provide as an ROI on your investment. It’s not just about compliance, the additional benefits can include:

• reduction in risks, fines
• quick accessibility of data required for reports for internal and externals such as U.S. DOT
• improved productivity
• enhanced scheduling
• reduction in maintenance costs
• reduction in accidents
• fuel efficiency to save on rising fuel costs

PLAN FOR CHANGE

It takes a while to learn a new system and change behaviours.

Having management in agreement is an important part of the change process. A few key tips:

• Identify a few KPIs to be improved: identify resources involved in the implementation process and set goals to help with the clarity of what is being measured and improved.
• Buy in from management: need a high level of support from different areas of the business to help manage the rest of the team through a change in process.
• Plan for change: build a roadmap that includes steps and measurable targets, identify milestone, schedule regular check-ins on progress and celebrate milestones.
• Provide resources: from staff to funding, equipment, software, training and retraining, a lot of inputs are needed to facilitate the change.
• Communication: is the essential piece when managing a team through change. Provide clear and open lines of communication throughout the process on the progress, brainstorm for any challenges, and allow for feedback will help team members align with the process.
• Manage risk and resistance: resistance comes through fear of the unknown and perceived risk. Anticipate and plan for risk and resistance.
• Celebrate wins: recognize the milestones individuals and teams have achieved as they progress through the stages of the process.

RESISTANCE TO CHANGE

Change is hard. And learning a new tech tool takes time as everyone’s level with tech is different. Some users will get how to use is right away and others will need more guidance and time which makes them frustrated. Most of the issues during post-implementation come from behavioural errors as people get used to the system.

Also, some may think that ELDs are being pushed onto drivers so that companies can watch what they are doing. It will take open communication and time for them to see the real value they will also get. They will see the quick responsiveness in discovering violations, reminders on driving time to help with compliance, opportunities to improve driving, accuracy of trip and load information, areas for productivity enhancements and more.

LOOK FOR A PARTNER

The number one thing we hear from clients is that the providers they went to because of the lowest price, lack the customers support they need. It’s an investment in a product and service that helps provide the best business outcomes that makes a true partner relationship. When fleet managers are busy running operations, dealing with fires and trying to uncover ways to use the data in telematics, it’s great to have a provider that coaches along the way, who is the expert on the device and where to find the additional operational savings to be uncovered in the data.

A real partner wants to see your business operation save time, money and improve safety. They care about your business and drivers.

TRAINING AND REFRESHER TRAINING

Learning a new tech takes time. Training sessions upfront are a great way to onboard your team. There’s different users between the drivers and fleet managers that use the data for different reasons. An extensive training program continues after the teams have been using the device and have questions related to use or are ready for the next step in usage.

Identify power users within the organization. That way you can build up in-house knowledge super user who can help. Investment in the software means training on updates that allow your team to reap the benefits that lay within updates.