The market analysis identified no equivalents to the TM Academy software either in Europe or in other countries. Analogous products of all other companies are designed to collect, process and transmit information (transport control systems that transmit final results concerning the driver’s performance), however, no product is capable of affecting the results in an automated manner, i.e. to automated work with the driver improving performance. The product of UAB Medium Groupis an intellectual system evaluating the driving style and results of a driver and automatically determining on their basis the type of information that should be provided to the driver in order to achieve better results. The solution automatically controls and analyses an unlimited number of drivers at a time and modifies their driving habits. The software will automatically adjust to and communicate in the language used by the driver with the help of “Text to Speech”.
As defined above, the key goal of the feasibility study was to carry out an in-depth analysis of the idea in technological, market and economic terms and to opt for an optimal version of the planned TM Academy software. To this end, a number of meetings were arranged with transport companies operating in various countries (Lithuania, Latvia, Germany, Austria, Morocco, Ukraine, USA), their drivers and public authorities of different countries relating to the transport sector (Ministry of Transport and Communications of the Republic of Lithuania, State Road Transport Inspectorate under the Ministry of Transport and Communications, Lithuanian National Road Carriers’ Association ‘Linava’, Italian Ministry of Transport Infrastructure, French Ministry of Transport, Spanish Ministry of Transport, International Road Transport Union (IRU)), and identified major problems encountered by heavy duty vehicle drivers and their needs that are not satisfied by the tools currently existing in the market, but can be met by the functionality of the TM Academy programme being developed. Meetings were also held with the main heavy duty vehicle manufacturers to discuss the adaptability of the software for the vehicle systems of their production (Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, DAF, MAN, IVECO, Scania, RENAULT, Freightliner Detroit™ Connect). In this regard the required scope of the database, necessary integrations and functionality were identified.
For the purpose of budgetary planning for the development of the pilot version of the programme, potential contractors were surveyed and a comprehensive project implementation plan, including required works, their deadlines, funds requirements and responsible persons, was devised. Also, the needed project team composition was defined along with relevant positions and corresponding requirements for qualification, experience, etc.
UAB Medium Group also assessed the idea in economic terms and produced financial forecasts and a commercialisation plan necessary for successful placement of the product on the market.
With regard to the exclusivity of the planned TM Academy software, the following essential advantages may be distinguished:
1. Intellectual system generalising and analysing the driving results received and having influence on the future results;
2. Automated and continuous change of drivers’ habits and the development of competences;
3. Use of the tool “Text to Speech”;
4. Innovative product with a considerable employment and improvement potential;
5. Easy use and compatibility with various devices and vehicles of different manufacturers.
The implemented project and its outcome – the TM Academy software –will benefit diverse user groups, such as:
1. Vehicle drivers: The implemented system will allow for the continuous improvement of knowledge and, consequently, the development of the employee’s competences and competitiveness on the labour market. The driver will be granted a certificate, which will give its holder a major advantage in subsequent job search. When the product becomes known and recognised worldwide, it will enable the employee to negotiate a higher pay rate and better employment conditions.
2. Transport/logistics companies: The assessment of the driver and his qualification, the management of the key working processes and training of the driver will be much easier, faster and more effective. This also true for continuous monitoring of the driver’s progress and analysis of his mistakes. With the increase in the number of drivers updating their skills, the indicators of corporate performance will improve, as more economical and proper driving cuts operating costs in terms of fuel consumption, automatically reduces wear and tear of vehicles, a subsequent lower rate of road accidents earns a higher rating in obtaining motor insurance and a lower price of insurance, etc. Companies will also avoid misunderstandings in their routine dealings with customers and public authorities concerning errors in the completion of obligatory documents and incorrect completion (the system will regularly instruct drivers as to how and which documents must be completed, which errors are most common and how to prevent them), and this will help to save working time, shorten delivery times and minimise penalties.
3. Recruitment companies: Recruitment companies will be familiarised with the TM Academysoftware and the principles of its operation. They will be informed of the principles followed in assessing a driver, the rating and the aspect for which it has been granted, the extent to which the driver’s qualification/results should have improved and the phases in which such improvement should have been achieved, etc.This will reduce the time of selection of drivers, as the analysis will be already available from the TM Academy software. Selection will be more effective and precise because it will be easier to analyse drivers holding TM Academy certificates (subject to a driver’s consent, bot a recruitment company and a potential employer will get access to the driver’s work history, information packages provided to him, etc.). This tool will allow for cutting costs in terms of working hours, which will result in higher productivity.
4. Each country: Each country systematically implementing programmes for reducing carbon dioxide emissions will obtain an excellent tool that will help to contribute to the attainment of their goals. The better the driver assimilates information about lower CO2 emissions and measures to achieve this, the less the environment is polluted. The less fuel consumption, the less emissions. As the system TM Academy willkeep general statistics of variations in CO2 emissions from all vehicle drivers who will be using the TM Academy software, it will serve as a good source of necessary statisticsfor the whole of Europe and each individual country and will facilitate subsequent automated transfer of the data to responsible public authorities. An appropriate driving style will contribute to the reduction of the number of road accidents, which, generally speaking, is invaluable.
