A case study on the implementation of telematics for data collection, with the purpose of improving vehicle and driver safety and operational efficiency
Ricoh is a specialist in providing and integrating end-to-end technology, solutions and services, enabling organisations to respond to an evolving workplace. With a strong focus on sustainability and innovation, alongside local and global expertise, Ricoh helps businesses create an outstanding employee and customer experience.
Ricoh wanted to explore ways of collecting vehicle fleet data, including speed, acceleration, fault and fuel consumption. The purpose of this was to increase safety and improve efficiency.
Ricoh implemented telematics to enable its vehicles to collect data such as speed, harsh acceleration, vehicle faults and fuel consumption. This information helped improve safety, accuracy of mileage reports and operational efficiency. It removed the monotonous task of reporting and calculating mileage each week. The organisation communicated the changes to affected workers before implementation.
Once the system was in use, some drivers on its worker forum raised concerns on who could access the data collected during their private time. This was not the intended outcome of a system designed to make life better for the driver as well as save money for the company.
Ricoh reacted swiftly by removing access to telematics data for line managers and retained access for regional managers. "People don’t normally have an issue with HR having access to the data because it is seen as anonymous. However, they can have concerns with their immediate line manager seeing data", explained Rebekah Wallis, Director – People and Corporate Responsibility at Ricoh.
"We have a very good working relationship with our employee forum, and it is often part of the steering committee, which was the case for the telematics implementation, so we are immediately getting that voice into any decisions. We talk to them about everything, even if there’s not an obligation to do so. They say it as it is, which is exactly what we want", Wallis said.
While telematics is no longer used at Ricoh, Wallis said it provided some timely lessons.
If the technology captures data, have a clear understanding of what the data is going to be used for, who will have access to it and what they will do with it. Be mindful of your data protection obligations.
How a local charity organisation adapted to change and turned crisis into sustainable growth
Rami Busbait shares his perspectives on the HR profession in the Kingdom, exploring the factors that have driven its development and the opportunities for HR to maximise its impact within Saudi organisations
From structures to processes to people, organisations undergo frequent change, and in today’s context, often with increasing complexity. But what role can L&D play, better positioning them as operational partners of change?
Explores the purpose and evolution of job design, its role in creating good work, and assessing job quality.
Leading Voices is a series of short audio essays in which senior people professionals reflect on how they have tackled some of the profession's most pressing challenges.
Leading Voices is a series of short audio essays in which senior people professionals reflect on how they have tackled some of the profession's most pressing challenges.
Leading Voices is a series of short audio essays in which senior people professionals reflect on how they have tackled some of the profession's most pressing challenges.
How a local charity organisation adapted to change and turned crisis into sustainable growth