A comprehensive fleet management system allows you to drill down to the critical data, giving you timely insight to assist you in saving both time and money while running your fleet. A good fleet management software solution will present data in an intuitive and clearly understandable fashion, aiding you to identify emerging trends which in the past may have been too difficult for you to detect.
What is fleet management?
Fleet management is a branch in the management science which deals with the usage of vehicles within an organization. The best way to define the fleet is that it is a set of related activities including the acquisition, maintenance and allocation of resources. This is important as it enables the smooth running of the business with minimal costs involved.
This article will deal more on what is fleet management software and how it can be useful for companies.
Using a comprehensive solution, you are also able to build up stronger relationships with other business departments within your company which can prove to be extremely useful in assisting them as well. When it comes to controlling your fleet, you want to be sure that all stakeholders are satisfied with the results of your actions. With fleet tracking, you can ensure this by being able to align all of your fleet’s operations to specific goals and strategies.
There are several elements to look for when selecting a fleet management system.
Important factors when selecting a fleet management system
- The level of user interactivity
- The level of data security
- The ease of navigation and tracking
- Ease of reporting
- Cost and the overall value of the product or service offered by the software.
There are a number of software features available today that can make running your fleet much easier than before.
Fleet Management Software Features
Real-time GPS tracking
One of the key elements of fleet management software is the ability to easily map and analyze the data being tracked. Many fleet management systems to provide benefits and the necessary functionality for easy mapping such as real-time GPS tracking, automatic email notifications, detailed reports and notification of vehicle positions. When selecting a fleet management software solution it is essential to research the options in detail so you are sure you are choosing the system that meets your business needs.
There are a number of software programs available from a number of manufacturers, so it is essential to select a solution that is going to meet your business needs and is user friendly and compatible with your existing fleet management software.
Tracking drivers
Monitoring the activities of the drivers and maintaining accurate records is a critical part of the job of a fleet manager. Modern GPS tracking systems provide fleet managers with the information they need to manage their drivers and the vehicles in service.
An excellent fleet management system will provide fleet managers with the information they need to determine the drivers are meeting their required performance levels and improving customer satisfaction.
Signal range and coverage
An important factor to consider when selecting a GPS tracking system is the range and coverage of the signal. If the signal is limited, the entire fleet could be affected. If the signal is too weak, the individual car or fleet of cars may not be able to get an alert or be located in time to remedy a problem.
It is important to take note of the range of the signal and make sure it is able to cover the entire fleet without difficulty or excessive loss of signal.
Location and health of a fleet
Modern GPS tracking systems can also help fleet managers to address other issues. While traditional telematics can show the location and health of a fleet of vehicles at any given moment, a GPS fleet management system can also tell fleet managers if a vehicle is on-line and ready for pickup, what type of fuel it is driving, and if the driver is using the vehicle properly.
It can also monitor a vehicle’s maintenance history, determine if the vehicle has reached its suggested mileage and if the vehicle is still under warranty.
Vehicle telematics
Vehicle telematics has made many improvements since it was first introduced to fleets several decades ago. Modern fleet management systems incorporate advanced driver monitoring capabilities to help fleet managers reduce driver error, improve safety, and increase productivity. These improvements in the technology used to track and monitor the behaviors of drivers provide fleet managers with a comprehensive tool to address safety, compliance and productivity issues.
Driver retention
Using vehicle telematics to identify bad driving behaviors, promote safer driving behaviors and improve safety can save money and reduce costs to both the company and to the driver.
Telematics systems can also improve profitability. Fuel efficiency is important for both companies and for the economy as a whole. A GPS fleet management system that identifies inefficient or dangerous driving habits can help decrease the cost to both the company and to the individual driver by reducing fuel consumption. By increasing the fuel efficiency of the company’s fleet, companies can improve their bottom line profit margins and increase cash flow. This is especially true where a large portion of a company’s vehicles are trucks.
