In some cases fleet managers can get better by just copying other companies.
The last few years have been challenging: A global pandemic, economic downturns, supply chain shortages — all piled on the complexities of daily operations. The playbook for running a successful fleet has changed.
But fleet managers have powerful tools at their disposal: data and telematics. Insights from the right data, including data collected from telematics solutions, can keep your fleet moving forward in the face of these challenges.
Fleet managers are rethinking their operations in the face of new and increasingly complex challenges. Here’s 5 ways you can also use big data to help improve your operations.
1. Overcoming data overload
Whether it’s the volume of data collected, or learning how to process it all on a single platform, fleets around the globe are wrestling with data overload. Pitstop, a predictive maintenance platform, released their Fleet Management Insights Report and cited data overload as the second highest concern for fleet managers.
Ideally, you want to track the most important metrics, aggregated on a single dashboard to identify trends, benchmark performance goals and track progress.
2. Managing runaway repair costs
Downtime significantly impacts profitability and its effects can ripple across organizations. Delays in shipping, managing customer expectations, and juggling unexpected maintenance schedules can have fleet managers overcome with surprise issues.
Predictive maintenance software, like Pitstop, communicates vehicle failures, maintenance needs and vehicle-related data in real time. So you’re free to make better decisions in the moment.
3. Combating fluctuating fuel
The volatile nature of fuel costs make planning and budgeting notoriously difficult. However, along with monitoring prices at the pumps and charging stations, fleet managers can use data to identify anomalies in patterns over time.
With an open telematics platform, like Geotab, you can cross-reference fuel usage data with metrics like aggressive driving, speeding and idling, to identify the biggest contributing factors that affect fuel economy.
For example, an idling diesel truck uses around one gallon of fuel per hour. With a current national average of $4.596 per gallon at the time of writing, fleets that cut back on idling time will not only reduce emissions, but save money in the process.
4. Improving driver retention
From wages to benefits and perks, fleets need new and innovative ways to keep their best drivers happy. The right telematics solution can help fleets attract – and retain – growth-minded individuals and develop a driver-first culture.
For example, Geotab helps drivers do certain administrative jobs faster so they spend more time driving. And since drivers get paid when they’re driving, user-friendly solutions that increase time efficiency keep those drivers moving.
5. Managing safety
Telematics can help prevent safety incidents. In fact, fleets can build safety programs around the data they collect, which helps promote a safety-first culture. Tools like in-cab coaching, driver scorecards and fleet gamification can enhance safety, reputation and the bottom line.
With advanced AI object detection, fleet managers and drivers get the insights they need, faster and more accurately.
Fleet managers that utilize telematics and data will out perform those who do not, so it makes good business sense to give yourself the right tools to do the best job possible.
If you would like to learn how using Geotab devices from an authorized reseller like GPS to GO could help your business, click on this link to get a free quote from our team!
