R2MS Software To Help Business Manage AARTO Risks And Improve Governance Around

R2x Inc. (South Africa) today announced the launch of R2MS, a web-based Risk Management System. This unique software is designed to help organisations manage the significant financial and reputational risks posed to businesses by the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) legislation.

The AARTO Act is scheduled for implementation nationwide by April 2011. The risks presented to businesses by AARTO are significant; in fact, there are potentially devastating operational, financial and reputational implications. In particular, AARTO poses a serious challenge to businesses with any type of fleet, large or small, and these business risks cannot be adequately addressed simply by paying the fine and accepting the demerit points.

According to an article recently published on the IOL website (July 26, 2010)  “Employers have been warned to be "extremely cautious" in dealing with employees' traffic-related offences after the implementation of the new road traffic offences system, as failure to do so could lead to the immobilisation of company vehicles or seizure of company property.”

“R2MS offers South African organisations a simple solution,” says Ryan Ziegler, cofounder of R2x (South Africa). Ziegler, who was approached by his existing Clients to develop this innovative software, has been applying his in-depth knowledge of safety, environmental and quality management to provide a solution for businesses faced with the upcoming legislation.

Ziegler says, “While many view the AARTO legislation as controversial, onerous and potentially damaging to business, there is one fundamental premise that stands up to scrutiny; this legislation is designed to improve road safety in South Africa which has a disproportionately high number of road deaths.”

The fact that AARTO will provide an administrative burden with severe implications on business in South Africa is however not lost on Ziegler. He explains, “We have developed an easy-to-use system that provides an organisation with all relevant information they need to manage AARTO. The system can be customised / configured according to an individual Client’s requirements and guides users step-by-step through the process. Furthermore, it produces the relevant electronic forms that are then submitted to the appropriate administrative body.  As a result, not only are deadline driven tasks actioned on time because the appropriate people are notified and reminded, but information pertaining to drivers, vehicles, locations of infringements, costs etcetera are all available through sophisticated reporting.  Issues, performance indicators and notifications are all available as standard on the system and can be accessed by those in the organisation who require this strategic decision making business intelligence.”

Ziegler believes that unlike other management systems, this one is based on very positive legislation and has true potential for a real impact on the daily lives of South Africans. In addition, Ziegler states that the new legislation will enable companies to, for the first time, have centralised control over drivers and fleet infringements. Management will be able to pinpoint and hone in on trouble spots and deal with them quickly and effectively. 

A number of large organisations, keen to be proactive in their approach to the legislation and demonstrate good governance by being prepared ahead of time, have already signed up to pilot R2MS.  Parmalat, a key manufacturer and distributor of dairy products and fruit juice to the African continent, was one of the first to pilot the R2MS software.

Willem Schoeman, National Distribution Manager for Parmalat says, “The Company supports the AARTO initiative and as a responsible company we will play a leading role in adhering to legislation, contributing to safety on our roads, maintaining our roads infrastructure and ensuring that we are seen as first in our class by applying World Best Practice in our daily operations.  The long term benefits will be a sustainable and well managed Distribution and Transport fleet for Parmalat.  It will ensure our fleet complies and adheres to the basic principles of fleet and safety management.”

“Being prepared is the first step, being compliant and remaining operational is the second. Ultimately, the goal is for Clients to exploit the system and the data it provides, not only to manage the new legislation but to improve their fleets’ overall performance” concludes Zeigler.

For more information on R2MS go their website: www.r2ms.co.za

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Issued on behalf of: 

R2x Inc. (South Africa)

Samantha Watt              
Public Relations Specialist
sscjwatt@r2-x.com  
Mobile: 072 320 6769    

Ryan Ziegler
ryan.ziegler@r2-x.com
Mobile: 082 491 1281
Telephone:  0861 000 895