The Austria-wide operating company RohrMax, based in Vienna, has digitized its fleet management. The telematics solution from the provider Webfleet, part of Bridgestone since 2019, is being used. The new solution is intended to optimize the deployment planning and maintenance of the fleet, which comprises around 290 vehicles, reduce costs, and at the same time lower CO₂ emissions. RohrMax specializes in pipe and sewer rehabilitation as well as ventilation cleaning and operates a heterogeneous fleet that includes both commercial vehicles for sewer cleaning and vehicles for distribution and management.
According to Managing Director Robert Bele, the new system offers a seamless overview of all vehicles in real-time. This not only improves transparency in operational management but also enables more precise and faster deployment planning. Instead of asking drivers about their location by phone and interrupting
their work, dispatchers can now see at a glance where each vehicle is and which team is next available. This increases reaction speed for new orders and reduces empty runs.
Monitoring Mileage and Running Performances in Leased Vehicles
A key advantage also lies in better monitoring of mileage and running performances, especially in leased vehicles. The system generates automatic reports that help the company adhere to the agreed mileage limits. This helps avoid exceeding them and the associated contractual penalties.
Fuel consumption is also accurately recorded and compared within vehicle groups. On this basis, employees with inefficient driving behavior can be identified and made aware. According to Bele, initial evaluations already show a change in driving style in favor of fuel-efficient driving – not only reducing operating costs but also making a positive contribution to
climate protection.
Stored GPS Data Protects Against Unjustified Claims
Particularly important for customer service is the ability to store and evaluate historical vehicle data. GPS data accurately indicates how long an operation lasted with a customer in the event of complaints. This protects the company from unjustified claims and saves goodwill credits. In the past, according to Bele, RohrMax had to waive charges as a gesture of goodwill in individual cases due to a lack of evidence. Thanks to digital documentation, such discussions are now a thing of the past.
Maintenance Needs and Error Messages Are Transmitted in Real-Time
Maintenance management has also been optimized with the new solution. The condition of the vehicles can be continuously monitored, and maintenance needs and error messages are transmitted in real-time. This allows workshop appointments to be planned
early. Failures due to delayed repairs and the resulting problems in deployment planning are thus avoided.
RohrMax employs around 500 staff and operates locations in Vienna, St. Pölten, Eisenstadt, Graz, Kapfenberg, Villach, Linz, Steyr, Wels, and Salzburg. The company was founded in 1980 as a two-person operation and today is one of the leading providers in its field.
According to the provider, the fleet management solution Webfleet is used by more than 50,000 companies worldwide. It offers functions for increasing efficiency, driver support, compliance with legal requirements, and promoting sustainable business practices. The platform is part of the so-called "Bridgestone E8 Commitment". The eight guiding values focus on sustainability and efficiency at Bridgestone and serve as a kind of value compass for all business activities. The guiding values are:
- Energy
- Ecology
- Efficiency
- Extension
- Economy
- Emotion
