Familiarisation Day
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For many fleet operators, a vehicle handover is a straightforward process. The vans arrive, the keys are issued, drivers receive a brief introduction and, by the next morning, the vehicles are expected to be earning their keep.
But what if there was a better way?
As fleets become more sophisticated and as diesel and electric vehicles operate side by side the traditional handover simply isn’t enough. Engineers need to understand new technology, new layouts and new ways of working before the first job is ever completed. That’s exactly why Modul-System UK recently brought together SGN’s fleet managers, engineers and operational teams for a dedicated vehicle familiarisation day. Rather than waiting until delivery, the people who will use the vehicles every day were given the opportunity to explore them in detail, ask questions, compare different specifications and provide valuable feedback before the fleet ever enters service.
Experience first-hand how the transition to electric will affect their working day
On display were four very different vehicles: a Ford Transit 350 repair van, two Ford E-Couriers and a Renault E-Master demonstrator. With diesel and electric models parked side by side, engineers could experience first-hand how the transition to electric will affect their working day. The conversations quickly moved beyond vehicle specifications. Engineers discussed storage layouts, payload, accessibility, charging, ergonomics and the small details that make a significant difference when a vehicle becomes a mobile workplace. Many of these are the kind of observations that only come from people who spend every day on the road — not from a design office. Those insights are invaluable. They help fleets prepare their teams with confidence, and they enable Modul-System to continually refine future vehicle conversions using real operational experience rather than assumptions.
Introducing EVs isn’t simply about replacing one van with another
For organisations beginning the transition towards electric vehicles, this collaborative approach becomes even more important. Introducing EVs isn’t simply about replacing one van with another. Drivers and engineers need confidence in charging, range, vehicle controls and new working practices. Giving them the opportunity to become familiar with the vehicles before delivery removes uncertainty and helps ensure productivity isn’t lost during the first weeks of operation. The familiarisation day also demonstrated Modul-Connect, allowing attendees to see how connected technology can support fleet visibility, asset management and operational efficiency across both diesel and electric vehicles.
It builds confidence
Perhaps the biggest benefit, however, is something far less technical…It builds confidence! When engineers collect a new vehicle already knowing where equipment is stored, how systems operate and why the conversion has been designed in a particular way, they spend less time learning and more time doing what they do best, serving customers safely and efficiently. For Modul-System UK, that’s what partnership looks like.
“Supplying high-quality vehicle conversions is only part of the job. Helping customers prepare their people, improve operational readiness and create fleets that perform from day one is what delivers long-term value.” Explains Kevin Walker MD Modul System UK
As commercial fleets continue their journey towards electrification, familiarisation programmes like this are likely to become just as important as the vehicle itself… Because successful fleet transitions don’t start when the keys are handed over. They start when the people behind the wheel are ready.
"For us this was a two-part day — feedback and discovery. Our fleet managers and engineers brought years of road experience into the room and got to look at the new vans the same way they look at the ones they drive every day. That combination is exactly what makes this kind of collaborative approach work." Chris Mullings Head of Fleet SGN
Thinking about a familiarisation day for your fleet? Talk to us about how Modul-System UK can help ready your team for what’s coming next.