‘BIG data’ will be the subject of the third ICFM Masterclass to be held by The Institute of Car Fleet Management at the NEC, Birmingham, on Tuesday, October 3, 2017 from 10am-noon.

The free-to-attend event will analyse the changing landscape and how the unprecedented stream of information will help managers drive efficiencies.

The arrival of the ‘connected car’, the Internet of Things and the concept of Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) now becoming a reality is the launchpad for ‘big data’.

Speakers will highlight how technology is reinventing the way both fleets and the whole arena of corporate travel is being strategically managed.

ICFM Masterclass delegates will hear from:

• ICFM chairman Paul Hollick, managing director of The Miles Consultancy, who will highlight how ‘big data’ and information feeds directly from expense systems, employees and vehicles are providing fleet chiefs with critical in depth information on where, when and how employees are travelling and the insight enabling greater cost control over key cost areas notably: fuel/mileage management, optimised vehicle selection and service, maintenance and repair.
• Justin Whitston, chief executive of Fleetondemand, an online platform that combines all modes of business travel – company cars, rental cars and other forms of corporate travel including planes and trains – into one smart mobility solution designed to reduce both journey costs and administration.
• ICFM director Martin Evans, managing director of Jaama, who will explain why it is vital that ‘big data’ from vehicles and suppliers is fed directly into sophisticated software management systems enabling detailed analysis of cost areas and the more effective and efficient management of drivers and journeys as well as vehicles.

The ICFM is dedicated to advancing the profession of car and light commercial fleet management through a range of externally endorsed qualifications and, said Mr Hollick: “It is vital that ICFM highlights how the fleet and business travel sectors are converging within the mobility arena.

“Technology and the arrival of ‘big data’ is behind that transformation, which is being driven by motor manufacturers, contract hire and leasing companies and business travel providers.

“It is critical that fleet leaders, who are increasingly becoming mobility providers, embrace the new world of ‘big data’.

“The traditional fleet manager role of managing vehicles and drivers is over – or at least coming to an end – and the age of the mobility manager is arriving.

“Our third ICFM Masterclass will point the way forward for fleet decision-makers and explain how technology and ‘big data’ will drive efficiencies across corporate travel. We are at the start of a new era – mobility management – and it is one fleet decision-makers must embrace.”

ICFM launched its Masterclass programme earlier this year with the aim of tackling the ‘big issues’ facing fleet leaders with expert speakers.

It has already held Masterclasses on this year’s tax changes to car salary sacrifice scheme and cash or car allowance rules and occupational road risk management.

Mr Hollick said: “Our research highlights that there is a definite appetite among fleet leaders for Masterclasses on current key and complex issues that deliver in-depth insight and practical advice for immediate management solution application and consideration.”