Software and sustainability proved to be hot topics at the American Rental Association’s (ARA) inaugural Future of Equipment Rental event.
During the one-day event, held Saturday, Feb. 11, industry experts and participants discussed best practices and technologies to propel participants’ businesses forward.
The nearly 300 participants from companies of all sizes also had the opportunity to discuss with one another the latest trends, hurdles to implementing those trends and where the industry is headed.
Software
On the software and technology side, panelists, speakers and attendees examined the benefits and challenges associated with telematics and tracking software, business management platforms, digitizing and streamlining processes and more.
“Our biggest issue is labor, so we’re always looking at how something reduces labor costs,” said Steve Mau, president and owner of Brainerd General Rental in Baxter, Minn., and panelist during the session entitled “Learn how to address ongoing and future business improvements." “The fewer people who touch something and the fewer people who communicate about something, that’s what’s impacting our labor.”
Rob Wilson, fellow panelist and COO of Stephenson’s Rental Services, headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, added that once technology is implemented well, it also helps employees become less frustrated with their day-to-day tasks.
“People are generally more happy and productive when things are automated,” Wilson said.
While bigger rental companies may have an easier time to implement software, Jeff Lignugaris, president of Northside Tool Rental in Atlanta, Ga., said smaller companies can still make use of it, provided they have someone on board who is picky, passionate, flexible and knowledgeable in how to maximize its use.
“We as business owners tend to be tight on how we run things and we have systems in place, but we have to be open-minded and explore because neat things can really come of that,” Lignugaris said.
Mau agreed.
“You have to start somewhere with something and get moving,” Mau said.
Sustainability
From a sustainability perspective, discussion centered around electrification of equipment, hybrid options and alternative fuel sources such as hydrogen.
While some attendees already had experience with battery-powered equipment and alternative fuels, others expressed that their regions and clientele bases had not yet started to demand that they carry that type of equipment and technology.
Brad Coverdale, vice president of fleet and product support at Sunbelt Rentals and panelist on the “Rental fleet management" panel noted that companies shouldn’t overcomplicate the concept of sustainability.
“It comes down to whether you want to be around in five to 10 years," Coverdale said. “It’s using the same core principles that you already have in place with just a little more intentionality toward the environment. In this ecosystem, you will need to be flexible.”
He added that while upfront costs of sustainable solutions may be higher and customers may be skeptical, rental customers can show their customers the maintenance, fuel and labor costs saved by making the switch.
