Evan Anderson, vice president and chief operations officer of Pennsylvania-based Anderson Coach & Travel, is adding a new role to his responsibilities.
He’s partnering with Initek Consulting as a strategic adviser to lead other motorcoach operators towards technology that uses real-time information to make better data-driven decisions.
Anderson, who began using Initek’s Fleet Integrations platform in February 2023, says his experience is that the product provides invaluable tools and insight to streamline motorcoach operations. In his new capacity as a strategic advisor, he brings the perspective of an operator to Initek’s development team, helping to create tools that address the challenges faced by bus companies.
“My overall goal with Initek is to help the entire industry harness the power of real-time data,” says Anderson.
“Evan has established himself as a leading technology advocate for the bus industry,” says Ben O’Day, CEO of Initek Consulting. “His deep understanding of operations and our software’s capabilities makes him an invaluable partner in driving innovation.”
Digital, real-time information
The San Diego-based company, which specializes in integrating telematics and operations software for the bus industry, has worked with Anderson to replace traditional paper-based communication systems with automated digital tools.
Initek has created features such as automated alerts, which notify drivers or customers of their upcoming trips. Alerts can also be configured to notify administrators when a deviation from the schedule occurs. “The alerts instantly improved our customer and driver relations, as well as improved our safety and efficiency across the board,” Anderson says.
Another tool is Initek’s Vehicle Status Manager, which provides a live view of the mechanical health and cleanliness of a fleet’s vehicles, providing dispatchers, mechanics, and cleaning crews with the real-time status of the entire fleet.
“One of the biggest changes we’ve made is replacing whiteboards and paper with a real-time digital display board,” Anderson says. “It’s transformed how we prioritize the schedule of our vehicles entering our wash bay and the garage. This saves us time and headaches as it automatically accommodates last-minute vehicle changes.”
He says he uses Initek to bridge the gap between Samsara telematics software and TBN’s operational software, resulting in enhanced communication and decision-making, and streamlined business processes.
“Data has become essential to how we operate. Better information flow gives us clarity and allows us to make smarter decisions,” Anderson says. “We’re just scratching the surface of what’s possible when pairing the (actual) vehicle’s telematics to the (planned) operational software. Comparing the two (the actual vs the planned) is powerful, and we haven’t seen a revolution in our industry since the installation of on-board video recorders.”
Anderson’s relationship with Initek began as a demanding client looking to address specific operational challenges at his family’s company. Over time, this collaboration evolved into a partnership.
Started as an engineer
Anderson joined his family business in Greenville, Pennsylvania, in 2017 after a short corporate career in petroleum engineering.
“I don’t have a programming degree, but I do have an engineering background,” Anderson says. “It’s helped me understand how to leverage technology and data to improve daily operations at Anderson Coach & Travel.”
Anderson adds that realizing the full potential of technology requires buy-in from the staff. “One of the challenges is getting team members to change their habits. With that said, they are also the greatest source for innovation inspiration. I am constantly reminding them to question our procedures of “Why do we do it this way?”
Anderson says he’s looking forward to helping the motorcoach industry manage data more effectively. “Our industry is filled with smart, efficient, and innovative people,” Anderson says. “I love learning from peers at trade shows and workshops. Everyone is trying to share ideas and best practices to move the industry forward. Now I have a platform to showcase mine.”
Anderson says he is pleased to have become a resource for Initek, which doubled its customer base in the last year.
“Initek has grown exponentially, and I’m excited to become a strategic adviser, helping connect them with operators and educating the industry that power over their data is essential,” Anderson says.
