Fleet management can be a complex job. A growing fleet is a sign of a healthy business, but with more vehicles comes more variables to track. Thankfully, with tools like fleet management software, this doesn’t have to be so complicated.
Fleet management software gathers and organizes critical fleet information for you. It gives you a single place where you can check things like real-time locations and expenses. You can then use these metrics to improve your business in various areas.
Here are just five of the ways you can benefit from fleet management software:
1. Fuel Efficiency Monitoring
One of your most substantial expenses as a fleet manager is fuel. It can account for 60% of operating costs, so you want to track fuel efficiency. Manually calculating these factors can be challenging, leaving room for error, but fleet management software makes it easier.
Using this software, you can track information like fuel expenses and idle times. You can then make necessary adjustments to your vehicles or driving patterns to improve efficiency. Any number of factors could impact fuel economy, and fleet management software helps you narrow it down.
If some vehicles require more frequent stops, they may need maintenance to improve their fuel consumption. If you use more gas at a specific time of the year, you can plan to have a larger fuel budget for those times. Fleet management software takes the guesswork out of managing fuel costs.
2. Optimized Maintenance
Another considerable expense is vehicle maintenance. As a fleet manager, you have to consider both your vehicles’ regular maintenance schedule and unexpected malfunctions. The right fleet management software can help you reduce expenses on both fronts.
Since these programs let you track vehicle performance, you can get a better picture of when they’ll need maintenance. You can use this data to work your schedule around the required repairs. Some even automate scheduling, showing you the best time to perform preventative maintenance while minimizing downtime.
You’re bound to encounter some unexpected breakdowns from time to time. When this happens, fleet management software can find the best place to outsource repairs. Since it also records maintenance history, technicians and mechanics can also determine the source of the problem sooner.
3. Improved Safety
Every company is concerned with employee safety. But when vehicles are involved, you also have to consider the safety of other people on the road. Fleet management software’s tracking capabilities enable you to protect both.
Fleet management systems show you all your drivers’ driving patterns. If any of them have risky habits, you’ll see this firsthand. When you know what needs improvement, you can talk to your drivers about ways they can travel more safely.
Catching potential risks before they become problems is a substantial safety advantage. Thanks to fleet management software, you can correct poor driving habits quicker, protecting your drivers and others.
4. Insurance Protection
Protecting people on the road is the most crucial part of improving safety measures. But it does come with a few added benefits as well. Because fleet management software increases safety, it also improves your standing with insurance companies.
Insurance providers may offer you discounts if you use robust fleet management systems. The more measures you use to gauge safety factors, the more comfortable providers will be with extending benefits. As these tracking systems become more common, some insurance companies may require them for some levels of protection.
Data sharing in vehicles is becoming increasingly common. The connected car market could be worth more than $200 billion by 2027. Since these systems are growing, insurance companies may soon start requiring them for the most cost-effective deals.
5. Opportunities for More Jobs
Fleet management software gives you a more comprehensive picture of your fleet’s operations. When you have this well-rounded view of your fleet, you can expand it more efficiently. By understanding your current fleet, you can find opportunities to bring in more jobs.
With the uncertainty of traditional management models, you may be timid to expand your fleet. But fleet management software eliminates ambiguity, telling you things like how close your drivers are to finishing their current jobs. You can then confidently look for new opportunities for your drivers.
Fleet management software also provides smoother integration of new drivers or vehicles into your fleet. These systems can automatically incorporate new vehicles’ maintenance needs into your current schedule. With a better picture of your current drivers’ schedules, you can add individuals to the rotation faster.
Using Fleet Management Software Effectively
You have a lot to gain from incorporating fleet management software into your work. But if you’re unfamiliar with the technology, you may find the prospect of selecting and implementing a new system intimidating. It’s essential to keep a few things in mind as you introduce a new management system.
Fleet management technologies are continuously evolving, so your system should be scalable. Don’t go all-in on a static software solution that works well for your current situation. Look for adjustable solutions, so when you inevitably need to upgrade, you can do so without much trouble.
As these systems grow to involve more sensitive data, cybersecurity becomes a more prominent issue. When selecting between different solutions, consider what security options they provide. To protect your company and employee data, opt for management software that offers thorough cybersecurity.
Finally, it may be best to start small and then scale upward. Fleet management software will save you money in the long run but can be expensive upfront. But with slow growth and careful implementation, you’ll find these systems offer you considerable benefits.
Written by: Megan Ray Nichols, BOSS Contributor
Megan is a STEM writer and blogger at https://schooledbyscience.com/
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