Heavy vehicle manufacturer Scania has launched a new app for drivers of its trucks, set to expand on the already in-use Driver Support in-dash tool.
The company says it hopes to provide a wider range of information, features and benefits to truckies when they’re on the road.
The ‘Scania Driver App’ is available to download now on the Apple or Android app stores.
Hamed Shoghi, who is leading the digitalisation of the Scania Business Transformation Department at the company’s Melbourne head office says drivers will have a quality service at their fingertips.
“We have worked with the Scania electronic business experience teams in Sweden to present an Australianised version of the new Scania Driver App that is relevant for local conditions, local Scania products and local Scania services,” he says.
“Scania has been at the forefront of connected vehicle data capture, monitoring and analysis for the past 15 years.
“With more than 600,000 connected Scania vehicles already in service globally, we have a very well-established fleet management portal (My Scania) that allows fleet managers and business owners to see at a glance – or in depth – how their vehicles and drivers are performing, where they are located, and the timeframe for future service or repairs.
“This will continue to be provided via desktop view or via a dedicated mobile phone app for fleet managers, called Scania Fleet App.
“However, the Scania Driver App provides a more personalised store of information for the driver, limited to the vehicle they are driving, which we believe will be of greater interest and value to the driver, aiding efficiency and safety as well as keeping them up-to-date.”
Some of the features included in the app are:
- A one-vehicle view and easy navigation
- Access to vehicle data which updates every 10 minutes
- A ‘check before drive’ function to allow drivers to check for defects
- Driver evaluation tips
- Information on where to find the nearest Scania workshops and dealers
- A one-touch Scania Assistance call button
- A request service booking feature
- Shoghi says the app will allow Scania drivers and operators to run their operations at maximum efficiency.
“In the current climate where transport and logistics businesses are focused on cost reductions and mitigation in the face of high inflation and rising fuel costs, fleet managers and vehicle owners need drivers to perform at peak efficiency in order to reduce running costs and achieve their company’s total operating economy targets,” he says.
“The Scania Driver App can be downloaded for free from an app store and can be easily linked to the driver’s vehicle and trailer (if relevant). The app gives the driver the ability to review their performance and a raft of vehicle information sources, from the comfort of their mobile phone where ever they are.
“While there is plenty of operational information available from the in-dash display screens, the Scania Driver App gives drivers a wider view which can be remotely accessed from home or a truck stop or motel.”
Drivers operating electric Scania trucks will also have access to information such as charge levels, distance to energy empty and departure scheduling to help prolong battery life.