The 3G Shutdown Is Coming – Is Your Fleet Prepared or in the Dark?
Last month Hamilton played host to the bustling New Zealand Plumbing Conference — the theme was ‘Commitment to Excellence’. A jam-packed programme of speakers, workshop sessions, social events, and awards was complemented by myriad supplier stalls displaying products and systems for the industry.
Teletrac Navman is a partner member of Master Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers NZ (Master Plumbers) and attended to show tradies how to streamline the management of their fleet, save costs, and boost productivity with GPS fleet management tools such as RUC manager .
Following the event, we spoke with Rod Miller, President of the Master Plumbers Board of Directors, for his views on the opportunities available and issues facing the plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying industries.
How did the conference go this year? What was some of the feedback?
It was excellent. This year we had more attendees than the last 2-3 years. And I think that part of the reason we are growing is positive word-of-mouth, because each year the event teams gets more experience and make a really strong, useful conference for attendees. I did manage to get around and speak with the stall holders and some of the plumbers attending for feedback. They were all more than happy with the event.
One thing I noticed this year was a lot more company owners and managers bringing staff along. We’ve been encouraging that for some time because it’s important for staff to see the big picture and see what Master Plumbers does. For those on the front-line, it’s useful to understand what support is out there and for them take a good look at a range of products – because they’re the ones who will be using them.
What are the key issues that people were talking about?
The industry staff shortage, in particular the need to bring in more apprentices, is an ongoing issue and has been for several years. If everyone took one apprentice, the weight of the burden would be lifted. I know some businesses are reluctant because they feel overcommitted and they don’t want the risk taking on someone’s livelihood. It’s hard taking that first step, but I know that you won’t regret it once you’ve had them there for a couple of months.
Businesses can take on an apprentice through our Master Plumbers Masterlink programme and with that comes a lot of support. We find quality apprentices for the job and have regional managers to support the apprentice regularly. We’ll also sort their ACC, HR, payroll and block course arrangements and make sure they are work ready with tools and PPE. I urge businesses to try it out.
Where are businesses investing? What are the opportunities for the industry?
A key investment and something that’s really changing how businesses work is digital communications and using the digital tools that are available. Technology is cutting a lot of admin time and making it easier and quicker to do things like invoicing and job management.
A lot of businesses have adopted digital systems quickly. Now they’re really interested in seeing the apps, systems and devices that can be added on and how that can assist them in running the business.
Plus, if you’re investing money in anything to do with plumbing these days, it needs to be in people. Managers can focus on working with the skills you have on-board and helping apprentices gain qualifications and overseas workers get up to speed with the NZ standards. We need to work together to make sure we have the skills needed to power our industry.
Together with Greg Wallace and the Master Plumbers Board, I encourage branches and associations to spread the word about the conference – attendees always look forward to the next event.
If you are looking to further streamline your business through tech, give us a call — we’ll work with you to find a total solution tailored to your business. Call 0800 447 735 option 1 or email nz.info@teletracnavman.com to reach a fleet tracking expert.