SAP is collaborating with Concur Technologies, Hertz and Nokia, harnessing the Internet of Things (IoT) to make life easier for drivers.
Together the companies will create the SAP Vehicles Network to deliver intelligent automated and cashless driving experiences independent of specific devices and vehicles.
Built on the SAP Cloud Platform, initially the services will target rental car drivers and business travellers with services ranging from integrated expense management to all facets of the car rental process.
“SAP Vehicles Network puts the end consumer in the driver’s seat by transforming the vehicle into the ultimate digital wallet and making car rental into a seamless, intelligent experience,” said Dr Tanja Rueckert, executive vice president, IoT and digital supply chain, SAP.
Part of the SAP Leonardo portfolio, SAP Vehicles Network will standardise business processes to enable network member companies to gain new revenue streams and business opportunities.
Nokia brings to the collaboration its Intelligent Management Platform for All Connected Things (IMPACT) to securely control and manage devices and sensors in vehicles and, working in conjunction with payment systems in SAP Vehicles Network, to enable convenient parking and fuelling authorisations.
Concur brings its Concur TripLink to automate route guidance and to facilitate trip reporting for travel-related transactions, including parking and fuelling, which can then be reported in Concur Expense in real time.
Hertz is evaluating the opportunity to integrate travel and itinerary planning along with in-car personalisation through customer apps as part of its plans for enhanced car rental experiences.
Mojio, the connected vehicle platform and app provider for Deutsche Telekom and T-Mobile USA, has also joined SAP Vehicles Network to enable drivers to reserve parking spaces in advance, based on search or calendar events as well as to locate and pay for parking spaces in real time. A simple toggle enables drivers to switch between personal and business expenses for reporting to Concur solutions.