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Last Updated on March 27, 2023
Mobility-as-a-Service is a growing industry as more and more businesses are venturing down this path. According to recent reports, the market has grown into a $2.3 billion niche and one that continues to grow at a rapid pace [1].
This demonstrates the importance of MaaS services and why they are at the forefront of innovation in this space.
For those who are looking at this as a viable option, it’s best to start with the basics. This includes understanding how this type of solution works and how it can be implemented seamlessly at your workplace.
What is Mobility-As-A-Service?
Mobility-as-a-Service is also known as “MaaS” and offers exceptional value when it comes to the management of transportation assets in a work environment. The goal is to have a more consumer-based model for handling transportation.
This includes having real-time feedback when it comes to different types of transport methods.
It’s commonly seen being used by service providers such as car rentals, bike-sharing, taxis, and more. The goal is to streamline the entire process and make sure the transportation experience is as good as it needs to be.
It ensures people can quickly go through the app, refine everything, and make sure it is all being organized down to the last detail in one place. This goes a long way for those providing access to trains, scooters, bikes, or anything else that demands transportation efficiency.
MaaS services are often designed around the premise of efficient mobility. This means being able to optimize each facet of a transportation experience whether this includes the environment or social benefits.
More and more cities are taking the time to implement this in their infrastructure.
It simplifies the entire experience and makes transportation a lot safer.
How To Get Started With A MaaS System At Work?
Let’s assume you are thinking about getting started with a MaaS system at work.
It is not as difficult as you think and it can be done quickly. The goal is to set up the Mobility-as-a-Service system by simply learning more about what your company needs.
You will want to see how many employees are present in the workplace, how many are going to be traveling, and how it is going to be used to organize the entire experience. This is why MaaS systems can be used for consumers but also employees.
Studies show the more you do your research, the easier it is to integrate the MaaS system into your business [2].
If a lot of traveling is happening, you want to organize it down to the last detail. This is where a MaaS solution comes in handy.
This is where it’s important to go through the different phases such as:
- Research
- General Testing
- Wide-Scale Implementation
- Fine-Tuning
A good place to start is by looking at the current travel expenses on the balance sheet. The goal is to see how these can be brought down and where a lot of the costs are adding up. This is something you want to take the time to dig through.
The more you learn about this, the easier it becomes to make adjustments. You want to fine-tune the travel method for it to go through the MaaS system.
This includes when the bookings are taking place, how the costs are added up, and how simple changes could save a lot of money. Until you have this type of system in place, you won’t be able to make those adjustments.
The next step is going to understand there will be a transitional phase. This means taking the time to test the system in phases.
You will want to implement the MaaS system in specific departments if possible. You can even use it for a few people to see how they respond. This ensures you don’t have a major scale breakdown in how transportation works at the workplace.
You never want to blindly set up a MaaS system or any system for that matter. It’s important to see how it syncs with the rest of the business and how it will add value over the long haul. The goal should be to see whether or not it can be managed on a few employees.
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If you see success then increase the number a little bit more. Just continue to work your way up until everyone is one the same system.
This is the best way to see good results and feel confident in how it is helping the business.
After you have taken the time to implement everything, it’s best to go back and see what can be changed. Don’t automatically assume things are good.
It is still important to see whether or not the employees are used to the platform and where mistakes are being made. There’s always room for improvement even with a MaaS system.
Benefits of a MaaS System
1. Easier Planning
The planning phase is what a lot of businesses fret about. You don’t want to manage a system that will take too much of your time or isn’t going to work well unless everything is perfect.
A MaaS system is great because it organizes everything for you as a business.
The benefits include:
- Quick Results
- Ideal for Large Companies
You can set it up and watch as it streamlines the entire company. The days of worrying about where certain travel costs are going will disappear. This alone makes it one of the more valuable investments a business can make.
There is intrigue in having a system that improves the underlying expenses and how planning is managed as a business.
2. Personalization
It is easier to personalize with a MaaS system and that does matter a lot.
You don’t want a situation where it’s difficult to personalize how employees are using the platform. This includes what is being tracked, how the data is managed, and what value it adds to the business.
You can personalize everything based on how you want to use the service. This alone makes it empowering for businesses that have unique requirements when it comes to this part of the setup.
3. Streamlined Payment Structure
You will want to streamline as much as possible if payments are being made through the system. This isn’t always the case, but it is a key benefit that does matter in the grand scheme of things.
The benefits include:
- Faster Payments
- Easier To Keep Track Of
- Safer
All of the financial information can be handled with the help of a system such as this. You can refine how the travel costs are managed across the board.
4. Improved Vehicle Utilization
If there are multiple vehicles in place, you will want to organize everything to keep things as simple as possible.
A MaaS system makes that possible.
You don’t have to think twice and it streamlines the entire setup.
5. Reduced Cost Per User
You will have to understand the importance of cost per user.
It’s important to bring the costs down. This is why it’s best to start with the main expense associated with the business (i.e. how much you are paying per month on traveling as a business). Keep this number in mind going into the process.
Once you have this number, you will want to start recording how the platform is helping. Is it driving costs down? Are employees more streamlined with their travel expenses?
This is key information as that is what a good MaaS system is all about at the end of the day. It makes your life easier in this regard.
References:
- https://www.reportsanddata.com/report-detail/mobility-as-a-service-maas-market#:~:text=The%20Mobility%20as%20a%20Service,23.2%25%20during%20the%20forecast%20period.
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1369847820304654