The Basics
Fleet management is the umbrella term for how you optimise your day-to-day operations across your fleet of vans, trucks, buses or cars.
There are several important processes involved in a GPS fleet management system. First, there’s the capture of important data. This might include location, driver performance, or vehicle health, for example. Then there’s the analysis and interpretation of that data which enables both drivers and fleet managers alike to make meaningful decisions for improvement.
Ultimately, GPS fleet management systems give managers the insight and the tools they need to improve operations. That’s why fleet management systems can satisfy a whole range of objectives—whether you need to reduce costs, minimise emissions, improve safety, or improve customer experience.
The Inclusions
There are several key components that come together to form a fleet management system.
- This is the device physically fitted to the vehicle, like a sensor or interface panel.
- Vehicle software. This gathers important data about the vehicle and about driver behaviour.
- Management software. This interprets all the data collected to produce meaningful, actionable insights.
An Example
A nation-wide repair and installation business chooses to install a fleet management system across their fleet. Particularly, they’re aiming to improve accountability for safety on the roads during remote jobs, boost customer satisfaction by getting a technician onsite quicker, and minimise overall costs associated with poor workflow management.
Each van is fitted with Fleet Complete’s Tracker Solution, including vehicle sensors, cabin hardware, and an interface for managers to see all tracked activity in real time.
Now when drivers are out on the road, they are alerted of any poor driving behaviour as it happens, and can correct it immediately. Speeding drops by 35%, making the roads safer for all road users.
By being able to see where vehicles are at all times from the one interface, the fleet manager is able to better allocate available resources to new jobs, minimising travel time and ultimately fitting more jobs into a single day. Positive customer feedback suddenly spikes.
And the cost savings stack up. In four years, the Procurement and Property Manager estimates that the system has saved the business in excess of $800,000, by cutting down on costly practices like excessive idling and haphazard maintenance schedules.
This example is just scratching the surface of what is possible with fleet management. Every business is unique, and their ideal solution needs to be too.
Let’s look at some key benefits that are possible with a customised fleet management system.
The Benefits
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Increase visibility
Managers are able to access their interface at any time and see what their drivers and vehicles are doing, in real time. They can check where they are, how much fuel they’re using, whether the driver is speeding, whether the vehicle needs a service, and so much more. Historical reporting is also easy, and allows mangers to identify big-picture trends or problems.
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Improve customer service
When your entire fleet is in front of your eyes, it’s easy to streamline your processes and leave customers happy. It means reduced miscommunication, reduced delays because of drivers getting lost, and increased ability to keep customers in the loop.
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Improve safety
It’s your duty of care to protect your drivers and other road users. A fleet management system can do anything from sounding an in-cabin alert if your driver goes over the speed limit, to telling them when it’s time to take a rest stop. You can also receive alerts when it’s time for a service, and minimise behaviours known to cause increased wear and tear, like harsh braking.
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Reduce costs
It’s hard to deny the many ways in which a fleet management system will save you money. From reducing fuel usage to preventing unauthorised use after hours, to even right-sizing your fleet—most businesses save 15% of their total costs on average through installing a fleet management system.
