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Enabling Smart Fleet Management Through Data Integration

Evaristo Babé - Pulpo
Co-Founder and CEO

STORY INLINE POST

Antonio Gozain By Antonio Gozain | Senior Journalist and Industry Analyst - Mon, 11/07/2022 - 10:00

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Q: How does Pulpo enable clients to manage fleets in a simpler, smarter way?

A: Managing a fleet is a complex task, involving many different variables that companies and fleet managers need to have under control. To name some, they need to have control of the GPS, telematics, fuel cards to track fuel consumption, maintenance services, operators, accidents and routes. In addition, each fleet is different so challenges vary.

Pulpo enables companies to integrate all the necessary data into a single platform, providing clients with valuable insights to have much more control, cut costs and reduce emissions and vehicle downtime.

Q: How does Pulpo help clients identify which data is most relevant for their fleets?

A: The first step is to clearly identify the challenges the fleet faces. Communication with clients is crucial to understand their main goals. Some companies only look to have better control, others aim to reduce emissions as a corporate strategy, while others look to cut costs and save fuel. Once we understand their main needs, Pulpo delivers reports, alerts and insights around the data the client needs.

The main challenge comes at the beginning of the process. Most clients still track information in several Excel sheets or even on paper. When they start with Pulpo, the first challenge is to move those customers from an analog operation to a real SaaS solution. Current challenges demand technological solutions for fleet management; it is no longer possible to smartly run a fleet through traditional methods. Fleet managers used to operate everything by hand. Pulpo’s goal is to transform this operation to enable fleet managers and company owners to make data-driven decisions, rather than spending their time typing information and analyzing things by hand.

Q: How does Pulpo adapt to different fleet sizes and how does it price its solution?

A: While Pulpo is complex on the inside, the platform is easy to use. Every fleet is unique and our goal is to adapt the platform to the special needs of each client. We cannot offer free trials because our software is tailor-made. Regarding pricing, we charge clients according to three main variables: modules required, such as checklist, maintenance, fuel cards and telematics; vehicles; and users required. In addition, there is a price per data integration source. Pulpo has customers with many different data sources and we help them to integrate into our platform.

Q: What added value does Pulpo bring to last-mile delivery companies?

A: Last-mile delivery companies face several challenges and most companies only sell partial solutions for fleets. Pulpo allows companies to integrate all their data into the same platform, making operations easier. The main challenge within last-mile deliveries is cost. Companies aim to cut costs and have better control of their operations, optimizing the use of vehicles and routes, reducing fraud and increasing the utilization rate of their vehicles.

Sometimes, people think they will get all the data they need through telematics. This is not true. Telematics is just one important part of the operation and having a platform to follow the entire operation is essential to reduce costs and increase efficiency. Through Pulpo, clients can know which vehicles are not being used, which are not well operated, which are more expensive and which ones they should replace or refurbish as soon as possible. Pulpo allows customers to act immediately. They do not need to wait until the end of the year or quarter to make decisions.

Q: What are the main factors attracting investors to Pulpo?

A: Pulpo is attracting investors from all over the world. The fleet management industry is large and it is underserved in Latin America and the world. Companies like Pulpo are transforming a very old-fashioned market, in which people are managing their fleets the same way they did 20 to 30 years ago. Pulpo presents a unique one-stop-shop for companies to manage their fleets in an innovative way.

Q: Recently, Pulpo announced a US$8 million investment round. How will the company take advantage of this injection of money?

A: Pulpo is investing strongly to improve its product. We are launching new features and new software. One of our main new projects is PulpoPay, which will be our new payment method for fleet managers and drivers. PulpoPay is unique. Mixing the entire software and fleet operation with the new financial solution will enable our customers to operate better than ever.

This mix of SaaS and financial transactions is unique. This value proposition will help the company grow. Pulpo will start signing its first customers to try out PulpoPay within the next two months.

Q: What are Pulpo’s main plans and strategies in Mexico for 2023?

A: We are excited to work in the Mexican market, which is eager for solutions such as Pulpo’s. We want to continue playing an important role in the shift of how fleets operate in Mexico. We are also working on an analytics solution called Pulpo Insights. The Mexican market is always asking for more and we are constantly innovating to provide the best solutions. Pulpo has offices in Merida and Mexico City and we expect to have new teams within the next six months in Monterrey and Tijuana.

 

Pulpo uses machine learning and artificial intelligence to manage fleets. It was founded in 2016 in Spain and manages over 200,000 vehicles.

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