Can a digital pen boost business benefits? This is a question Volvo Rents, North America, will soon be able to answer, as the company is currently testing a prototype comprising a digital pen and paper that can be used when renting construction equipment. New collaboration methodology at Volvo IT will help customers to identify ways of utilising technical innovations at an early stage.

by:Florence Oppenheim

photography: Anders Härnqvist and Magnus Holmqvist

The idea of testing a digital pen and paper was first put forward during a customer dialogue between Steve Eldred, Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Volvo Rents, and Volvo IT’s Magnus Holmqvist.
This digital pen looks like a completely normal pen – but it is able quickly and easily to upload all the information it writes. A normal paper print-out with a special grid pattern is produced by a standard printer. The grid pattern makes it possible to use the technology to fill in ready-made forms. The user can make the technology a natural part of his or her daily life, as the pen is used just like any other writing implement.
Both Volvo Rents and Volvo IT expressed an interest in developing a prototype from a research and development angle. During a visit to Volvo’s office, a decision was made to set up joint prototype work for practical tests.
“We are working to develop the industry so this kind of partnership with Volvo IT is valuable,” says Steve Eldred, Volvo Rents. “Overall, we are striving to achieve ‘More care. In every rental’.”
The digital pen is tested in conjunction with the delivery of equipment in the field. It is important quickly to be able to see the availability and status of a machine. The tests are designed to determine whether the digital pen is able quickly and easily to send all the information from rental and return directly on the spot – without changing working methods. The focus can then remain on the meeting with the customer.
“This can lead to benefits as a result of improved, more reliable administration. What’s more, the customer will be able to see exactly what he has rented, which may improve invoice control, for example. Effects of this kind will then enhance customer loyalty,” says Magnus Holmqvist.

LEADING PLAYER
Volvo Rents is establishing itself as a leading player with a powerful franchise concept when it comes to the rental of construction equipment in North America. The competition is intensive and the company is constantly working to develop its operations and evaluate the best way of utilising new technology.
At Volvo IT, the Tech Watch & Business Innovation Department has introduced the new and effective working method which involves “sharp” tests of new prototypes. Interest focuses the whole time on boosting the business benefits. During a period of ten man-weeks, the use of new technology will be tested and evaluated in new situations in collaboration with the customer.
“We want to establish ourselves in new areas and test small-scale initiatives to determine the business benefits they can offer the customer,” explains Magnus Holmqvist, who is leading the digital pen initiative in several places and not just in collaboration with Volvo Rents.

TESTING PROTOTYPES
The whole idea is to identify the business needs and then evaluate the business benefits using a prototype. This prototype is then tested in a limited part of the organisation.
“Testing new technology ‘in real life’ provides an invaluable insight into which business benefits are generated and where and when, together with an understanding of the focus for a possible implementation. The fact that we may also realise that a project is not suitable for development and implementation is at least as important. Especially as this will be seen at an early stage, before large-scale projects are mobilised,” concludes Magnus Holmqvist.

 

Scot Brinker, customer manager at Volvo Rents in Atlanta, testing the pen.  

“We want to establish ourselves in new areas and test small-scale initiatives to determine the business benefits they can offer the customer” Magnus Holmqvist, Volvo IT

 

	FACTS
	Digital pen and paper The pen looks and is used just like a standard pen, but it is also able to upload information. The paper is normal paper that is printed with a faint grid pattern. The technology has been around for several years, but it may now be sufficiently mature for tests in demanding business contexts. The challenge is integration and the need for peripherals such as unique technical dictionaries to prevent the pen translating incorrectly. It will soon be time to evaluate the prototype work with Volvo Rents.