Digit FMS
Digit Fleet Management Solutions
Why go anywhere without it?
Background
Founder and CEO of the Digit brand, Rordon Cowley, entered a well-established vehicle tracking market in 2007, armed with the determination to become a leader in vehicle solutions that reduce loss and mitigate risk.
Driven by his belief that there was too little emphasis on vehicle telematics for fleet management, the Digit product was developed with the objective of providing fleet owners with a platform to manage vehicles real time, instead of relying on historical manual information. Since its inception Digicell has expanded their capabilities to include the renowned DFuel system, a comprehensive fuel measuring solution. The company also supplies a range of Mobile DVR systems to allow video recording and live streaming of vehicles, drivers and occupants.
With the current lack of job prospects in South Africa, self-employment or entrepreneurship becomes a solid option, even for those who did not grow up thinking that starting a business was for them. Joining a tried-and-tested model makes building a sustainable enterprise a lot simpler.
The business originally started and operated as a distribution model. Today Digit is proud to be the first vehicle tracking company to be approved and accredited by the Franchise Association of South Africa. With its unique business model, it is possible for a successful structure to be leveraged to the franchisee’s advantage.
While there are numerous opportunities available countrywide, there are plans to grow the business internationally by establishing master franchisees in key countries such as East and West Africa, as well as in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and India.
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City skyline
Photo By: John DoeButton -
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The concept under the spotlight
A Digit FMS franchisees has access to three possible income streams — the profits on hardware sales, the installation thereof and the annuity income from customer subscription payments. For every tracking system installed, the franchisor charges the franchisee a small monthly fee for accessing their servers and the franchisee carries the cost of the SIM cards. Running this business is not a desk job and requires some hands-on effort by individuals who have a good understanding of the automotive, insurance and security industries.
The company’s DFuel™ system, which allows for live diesel monitoring, has taken the market by storm, establishing Digit FMS as a leader in the live diesel monitoring market in South Africa; a huge advantage in the current economic climate. All products carry a one year warranty and as they manufacture their own products, replacement parts are readily available.
The target market serviced by Digit FMS includes anyone who runs a vehicle in the execution of their duties.
The number of staff employed will depend on the functions the franchisee chooses to perform, be it sales, installation and/or support. The business does not require premises, especially at the outset, as 99 percent of all business engagements, from the introduction and sale to the installation, are typically done at the client’s premises. In the long run, however, having a shop front will add value to the business and encourage walk-in customers.
Franchisor support
The franchisor offers multi-tiered support that includes regular software updates and ensures that franchisees stay abreast of market trends.
A comprehensive training programme ensures that franchisees are fully equipped to provide customers with technical support. Attendance at the annual conference, where extensive sales and hardware installation training is provided, is compulsory.
Marketing campaigns are carried out across a variety of media, from newspapers to radio adverts and billboards.
Do you fit the profile?
A Digit FMS franchisee is an entrepreneurial-minded person with a fair grasp of current technology and an interest in the automotive / security industry. A Hands-on owner-operator who can fill many roles will keep costs down and maximise profits.
While it is not a requirement for outlets to be owner operated, we have found that owner-operated outlets are much more successful.