Mobile applications, ‘apps’ have brought a new dimension to telematics for fleet drivers by helping them to find useful information or making bookings on the move from a mobile phone. Apps can also be flexible, expanding what can be offered to suit customer demand and responding to developments in software capability.

Alphabet has recently re-designed and re-launched its AlphaGuide app, having analysed and evaluated the real-life journeys made by users of the app. The company wanted to identify common issues that drivers face and devise new features to help them. The new AlphaGuide has been designed to make life easier for drivers and fleet managers and make Alphabet’s services easily accessible for customers. The app offers a range of services from service booking to breakdown services and accident management.

Regular updates will ensure that the company can respond to changing user needs and developments. New functions and features will be added as they are developed. For instance, German users can check driving licences via the app.

Customer feedback

Customers were clear about what they wanted from the new app. For a start, they wanted rapid access to their own contract information and booked services. They also wanted support for their mobility needs throughout the day, which triggered the integration with the smart phone calendar. A ‘mobility timeline’ is automatically created from the events calendar and lets the user know when to get ready for the next event. The app will remind the user when to set off for an appointment and provide a reminder of the day’s agenda.

Once on your journey, the app can provide an overview of all available services. Users can search for these using the app. The nearest tyre service partner can be found, as well as fuel stations and electric vehicle charging points. The app even includes a ‘hotline’ button, in case users experience any issues with Alphabet Services.

The AlphaGuide app has been developed for Apple, Android and Windows smart­­phones, giving comprehensive coverage for different phone users. In addition, Apple and Android app versions are also compatible with Apple and Android smartwatches, giving notifications about upcoming departures.

Accident management

Accidents happen and when they do, AlphaGuide helps to sort them out as easily as possible. Because accidents are rare, the app contains a detailed guide to steer drivers through the things they need to do. This starts by focussing advice on the things that need to be done, such as securing the scene of the accident and calling the emergency services. Later the app provides a direct phone link to Alphabet or alternatively enables the user to file a damage report. Damage can be instantly reported and sent on by email, including photographs of the damage scene.

Licence checking

The licence check feature for German users of the app will be available from December 2015 and is compatible with all German driving licences. New photocard licences can be checked easily, while an older licence can also be checked once a QR code sticker has been applied to it. Smart image processing technology is used to verify the authenticity of the licence, by scanning it on both sides. Once complete, the licence check is valid for the following six months before another is needed. The advantage is that the licence check can be performed anywhere at any time, meaning the driver does not have to visit his office to carry out the check.

AlphaGuide is designed to offer convenience for fleet operators as much as for drivers by reducing the number of administrative tasks that are needed. Because the driver can log in to his or her contract data, fleet managers will not need to tell drivers when vehicle return is due, for instance. If an accident happens, all the relevant information is filed rapidly via the app, ensuring that the driver provides all the information requested. Information can then be processed as quickly as possible.