Fleet management is growing at a rapid rate, with the industry valued in the high billions. Management software can help fleet managers and business owners take better care of their fleets and grow their businesses.
Services like Trackunit combine these systems to form a comprehensive fleet management apparatus that reduces downtime and improves connectivity across processes, people, and machines. You can find out more about the telematics manager’s attributes here: https://trackunit.com/trackunit-manager/.
However, fleet management optimization often requires more than merely implementing a solution. Let’s discuss this in detail.
What is fleet management optimization?
Fleet management optimization involves any process or activity that enhances fleet performance with respect to vehicle maintenance, driver supervision, compliance, etc. It focuses on every aspect of the fleet’s lifecycle, from leasing or financing to compliance, tracking, and maintenance.
Importance of fleet management optimization
The success of any business largely depends on providing the best services with minimal disruptions and costs. Any industry that relies on a fleet must also want to manage its vehicles in the best possible way.
Fleet management optimization reduces fuel consumption, improves vehicle security, reduces the frequency of repairs, and extends fleet longevity. Overall, it can lower the cost of fleet operation and management for industries.
Strategies for fleet management optimization
Recent studies have shown that machine learning, computer vision, and automation are used in many fleet management operations in the construction industry, including supply chain, logistics, cost estimation, health and safety, and scheduling.
Incorporation of these technologies in fleet management can optimize the process. Here are some ways to accomplish this.
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Predictive maintenance for timely repairs
Predictive maintenance means ”predicting” a vehicle’s problem to ensure prompt repairs before the issue becomes more costly or problematic.
It’s imperative for every fleet to keep the equipment in the best shape. However, considering the harsh weather and frequent use, it’s no surprise that construction equipment or off-road vehicles require frequent repairs.
Predictive maintenance can allow fleet managers to track the fleet’s health factors, like repair codes and engine heat. IoT (Internet of Things) sensors in the equipment and vehicles can alert a relevant department or employee when they detect an issue in the system. The relevant department can then schedule timely repairs and maintenance.
Telematics for safe fleet operations
Driver and equipment operator safety is just as important as vehicle health. Fleet managers must address inefficient and unsafe driving behaviors to avoid costly vehicle repairs and compliance issues.
Telematics can make this task easier. A telematics system can track everything from a vehicle’s speed and braking to location and driving patterns. Fleet managers can use this data to recognize driver behavior better and find opportunities for training.
Cloud platforms for fleet data consolidation
A cloud platform offers many advantages over traditional systems, including data security, accessibility, and scalability. It provides a single point of access for centralized data storage. Fleet managers can store all fleet-relevant data, such as telematics data, driver information, fuel records, and maintenance history, in a centralized repository.
Moreover, cloud-based solutions allow fleet managers to collect real-time data from multiple sources. Suppose a fleet manager uses a telematics system and has GPS devices integrated into each vehicle in their fleet.
With a cloud platform, the fleet manager can collect information from both sources in real time. They can then integrate the cloud platform with fleet management software, like asset tracking and fuel management, to minimize manual data entry.
Since many cloud solutions also come with analytical tools, they can facilitate fleet managers in making data-driven decisions. For example, a fleet manager on a construction site can get real-time telematics data in the cloud. They can use this information to determine if the equipment operators require training or a refresher of the safety guidelines.
Asset tracking for asset management
A fleet is an asset. Thus, it requires appropriate management.
Asset tracking software lets fleet managers see their fleet’s location in real-time. They also provide information about asset use and health.
They can optimize fleet management by making it easier for fleet managers to track thresholds. For example, a fleet manager can determine if they are under or overutilizing an asset. Similarly, they can base future decisions on historical data.
Automation for saving time and money
Automating repetitive and menial tasks is a surefire way to optimize fleet management. Fleet management has plenty of back-office tasks like scheduling and billing.
A robotic process automation (RPA) solution can tackle these tasks, giving fleet managers more time for critical operations. Likewise, fleet managers can use fleet management software with all features in one place.
For example, such software can automate approvals, schedule maintenance, and input data for vehicle repairs. Some tools also have features like employee management and route planning. Other non-specific solutions include compliance management tools and bookkeeping or tax automation solutions.
According to McKinsey, one of the three automation opportunities in the construction industry is the automation of management and planning procedures. Automating management tasks increases the efficiency of on-site execution and allows better workforce coordination.
Key considerations for fleet management optimization
Most of the fleet management optimization solutions mentioned above are time-consuming and costly. They also require fleet managers to train their employees and drivers accordingly.
Therefore, it’s important to review your fleet operations to find the largest inefficiencies before investing time and money into a new technology or process. While high downtimes plague some fleets, others experience safety issues.
Identifying your fleet’s inefficiencies will help you choose the right technology for your needs. It’s best to begin with one upgrade. If it works, continue. But if it doesn’t, try a different solution or take a new perspective on management optimization.
Final words
In today’s world, fleet management optimization is closely linked to tech-centric solutions like IoT, telematics, AI, and machine learning. Coupling this technology with good fleet management practices is your best bet.
Efficient fleet management optimization can lower the operational costs for your fleet. It also improves on-site safety for both vehicles and drivers. Most importantly, it makes your fleet more efficient, allowing you to experience less downtime and higher profits.