Tachodisc

10th November 2006

The results of a detailed research poll to gauge the industry’s true feelings about digital implementation have today been released.

In one of the first polls conducted since mandatory digital implementation on May 1st, tachograph experts, Tachodisc, questioned a cross-section of customers about their views and opinions on digital implementation, and with regards to their preparedness and future plans.

The Results:
88% of respondents confirmed that they do not expect their fleet to be totally digital until 2008 or beyond, and all of the respondents who have 51 or more vehicles confirmed that it will take them at least 3 years to move from a mixed operation.

When asked which purchases with relation to digital implementation had the most significant impact in their business, a huge 41% said it was the purchase of Driver and Company Smart Cards, with 25% citing downloading equipment, and 25% training.

Operating in a mixed environment is causing operators across the industry real concern, with 83% of respondents who operate 1 to 10 vehicles concerned, 80% of those who operate 11 to 50 vehicles, and all of those who operate 51 or more. When questioned further, these respondents confirmed that it was the day-to-day administration and management which was causing the most issues.

As might be expected, many of the larger organisations questioned (51+ vehicles) have already invested in external training for their drivers and support staff (57%), with the remaining 43% attending internal briefings. This number drops considerably to 20% external and 20% internal for 11 to 50 vehicles, meaning a huge 60% of drivers and support staff in this category are currently untrained. Looking at the smallest operators (1 to 10 vehicles) 78% have been trained internally and only 11% have attended external training.

Tachodisc then asked respondents how they analysed their data, and 73% confirmed they were using digital software programmes which they had purchased, with the remaining 27% preferring to use an external bureau.

Finally, respondents were asked where they turn for advice and guidance, and a surprising 38% confirmed it was suppliers of digital products and bureaus such as Tachodisc. This is 16% more than turn to industry bodies.

Karen Crispe, Director of Tachodisc said: “I’m delighted that we’ve conducted this research poll as I believe it’s important to gain a better understanding of the industry’s views and feelings about digital implementation. The results have been fed into our team internally to assist us in the way that we deal with our customers, but I also wanted to release them to the industry as a whole, as they provide a picture of overall opinions at this time.”

“Some of the results were really surprising. We knew, for example, that many of our customers were coming to us for information and advice about digital implementation, but not how high a percentage this was in comparison with those approaching industry bodies. I’m delighted that we’ve been able to assist so many, and I hope that the results of this survey lead other companies to also assist drivers and operators with the transition.”

Tachodisc is one of the leading suppliers of both analogue and digital equipment, training and analysis; and offers both drivers and operators everything they need to make the transition to digital as smooth as possible. For digital and analogue, Tachodisc offers the total solution; from product, to analysis, and training.

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