FAN: What, or who, is Keaz?
Peter: Keaz is a specialist software solutions company delivering cloud based enterprise mobility solutions for sharing; integrating telematics tracking and control systems with applications for end users, fleet operators and companies seeking to streamline shared vehicle use through mobility strategies.
FAN: What were you doing before you started Keaz?
Peter: Keaz is my third start-up, which I co-founded with Tim Bos following two years in Hong Kong completing a technology transfer license agreement and working for an Australian ERP software company.
FAN: Is mobility something that is being talked about globally?
Peter: Absolutely, and mobility is being taken seriously today across multiple market segments. Global auto manufacturers are investing billions into companies offering early stage mobility solutions, global vehicle rental companies see services morphing from the traditional vehicle rentals to fractional use, ride sharing and even provisioning of short term use of Uber vehicles are investing.
Companies of all sizes are now looking to reduce vehicle capital asset levels as well as offering more novel staff benefit solutions as renting vehicles to staff after hours and on weekends. One of our clients is now generating over $1,000 per month in staff use fees of vehicles. The list doesn’t stop. Governments are viewing mobility in relation to connectivity; systems infrastructure and telecommunication companies are seeking to become the new ‘utility companies’ of vehicle transportation. Where do I stop?
FAN: Is the sharing economy just a fad?
Peter: No. Sharing has been with human society since fire was invented. Why it looks like a fad is its expanding into whole new sectors that sharing was not ever considered before thanks to that amazing handheld device called a smartphone. It’s put the power to access and the ‘sharing of things’ into everyone’s hands.
FAN: Why are vehicles one of your hyper-growth markets?
Peter: Vehicles are a high cost assets and the amount of down-time they experience is excessive. Analysis shows non-productive use of up to 80% of a day. The impact of finding cost reductions in vehicles is significant. We see this within our client base, where the metrics KeazACCESS provides allows them to make intelligent decisions about vehicle additions, moves and swaps and fleet reductions.
I believe vehicles will split into two categories, that of prestige or fun and a transportation utility which is no longer needed to be owned.
FAN: Are some industry segments more open to sharing assets than others?
Peter: Yes, governments and community services groups are particularly open to asset sharing. Millennials are also quite open to asset sharing (except their own phones), which are invisibly tethered to them.
FAN: What can fleet or asset managers in Australia learn from overseas markets?
Peter: It depends on which overseas markets you are referring too. The European markets have been used to a greater level of integrated transportation options than the United States. But the Venture Capital market in the US is driving technology introductions faster, around vehicle use. As for Asia, vehicle ownership is aspirational still.
