Local mobile operator Smart Axiata Co Ltd announced that it is teaming up with Johannesburg-listed auto-tech company Cartrack to bring its “world-class” fleet management services to Cambodian consumers.

Branded as “Smart Fleet Management”, the Smart Axiata-Cartrack fleet management solution seeks to “meet the needs of all businesses that require fleet management solutions to improve their operational cost and vehicle management”, according to a press release issued by Smart, a unit of Malaysian telecoms operator Axiata Group.

“Features include real-time comprehensive monitoring and deep insight into their fleet operation and drivers’ behaviour, supportive product training and after-sales support, and a comprehensive while easy-to-understand dashboard with detailed reports.

“This is a fully fledged and comprehensive fleet management service enabling fleet owners to have full control of their fleets with intelligent transport planning, driver monitoring, vehicle monitoring – including real-time tracking, distance reporting, over-speed alarms, parking reports, fuel sensor reports, temperature detection, and many other smart features. Reports will be delivered via real-time messaging alerts available on a dedicated app and web portal.

“This world-class solution is offered at an affordable price so that business customers can get the support they need with access to intelligent data that will assist in better informed decision-making,” the release said.

It added that the South African firm serves as “a leading global mobility software-as-a-service platform” and “provides real-time data analytics solutions for smart transportation to over 1.6 million active subscribers and 93,000 business partners globally in 23 countries”.

Cartrack founder and group CEO Zak Calisto has said in previous interviews that he launched the company in 2004 in response to surging vehicle crime in South Africa. Cartrack Holdings Ltd is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Singapore-based Karooooo Ltd, of which Calisto is also founder and CEO.

Speaking in the release, Calisto said: “Cartrack contextualises data collected from its advanced [internet of things devices] using machine learning and data analytics to offer customers intelligent, actionable insights that help them improve their on-the-ground operations and deliver real business impact.

“We are excited to be partnering with Smart Axiata to support local Cambodian businesses that power the economy,” he added.

Smart acting CEO Feiruz Ikhwan said in the release that “as Cambodia’s digital champion”, his company “welcomes the impressive AI [artificial intelligence] technology and global standards that Cartrack provides to all their business customers.

“We are confident that by making Cartrack’s solution available to businesses in [Phnom Penh and all 24 provinces], we will enable all businesses to expand their reach, improve their fleets, reduce inefficiencies, and optimise their bottom lines,” he said.

The release added that the latest partnership “is part of Smart Axiata’s drive to encourage the adoption of digital solutions for all businesses across the country. Smart Fleet Management is expected to be in high demand by the Kingdom’s small-, medium- and large-sized enterprises as they look to optimise their operation and cut costs”.

For the March-August period, Cartrack reported revenues, gross profits and operating profits of 1.44 billion rand ($78 million), 1.07 billion rand and 445.1 million rand, respectively, up 17 per cent, 20 per cent and 26 per cent year-on-year, according to South African industry news site MyBroadband.