
MiX Telematics, a leading global provider of fleet and mobile asset management solutions, has acquired a small South African tech start-up known locally as Mobitech.
The Mobitech solution – available initially in South Africa but with an international rollout anticipated for later this year – comprises a smartphone app and web front-end, used for the effective management of field workers such as truck drivers. The business move is designed to strengthen MiX’s capability in the mobile workforce management domain and ultimately to bring real mobility to the fleet industry.
“With this acquisition, we’re gearing our software development teams to combine the best of fleet management and mobile technology – a pre-requisite in an industry where mobile is becoming a strong business enabler,” says MiX Telematics CEO, Stefan Joselowitz.
“The product is template driven and completely customisable to a customer’s processes and activities, making it very versatile and practical,” says Joselowitz, adding that the Mobitech solution will be offered to new customers and as an up-sell to existing customers.
Managers can easily and quickly define the steps and actions that a mobile worker needs to take while out in the field, using their Android phones. Benefits include electronic proof of delivery, improved customer service and adherence to defined work processes such as pre- and post-trip inspections.
“As a premium provider, MiX Telematics has always looked for ways to bring our customers a set of tools that deliver tangible long-term benefits and value. The initial response from some of our customers is very positive with a number of our enterprise fleets showing real interest and intention to sign up,” says Joselowitz.