First things first - what is fleet management software? Fleet management software coordinates and organizes vehicle maintenance, stores data related to an organization’s vehicles and drivers, and facilitates proper fleet operations.
With so many different ways to manage your fleet, it's sometimes difficult to decide which option best fits your organization and its needs. Some things to consider when evaluating your options include your organizational structure, budget, number of vehicles in the fleet as well as the skills of the staff tasked with fleet management.
Common features of most fleet management software include inventory management and maintenance, GPS tracking, scheduling and dispatching functions, as well as map and route planning. Other important features depend largely on vehicle type; shipping and delivery vehicles would require cargo management functionality while law enforcement vehicles would require logistics and analytical reporting. Fleet management software helps reduce operational costs and expand business capabilities. Overseeing a fleet of vehicles requires a level of organization and management that is extremely difficult to maintain without appropriate software or outsourcing. Fleet management software also offers compliance and security tools, such as monitoring and tracking tools to protect your vehicles and business.
Pro: The valuable expertise is an asset to the company.
When companies are under pressure to reduce their budgets, having a digital partner who brings insight, experience, processes, and skills into the business can accelerate growth plans. When it is not within your organizational budget to outsource your fleet tracking and management, having a fleet management software is the next best thing.
Pro: Organization leads to measurable, increased efficiencies and improved company focus
When you effectively organize your fleet management and maintenance, you will see increased efficiency for any number of different aspects of the company. Rate of efficiency is dependent upon current maintenance management systems. However, it doesn't take most companies a long time to realize that when they're spending less time on their fleets, they have more energy to focus on core business tasks. Fleet operations see multiple benefits, including heightened fleet availability and reliability, higher cash flow, and increased productivity.
Pro: Clearer insight into areas for improvement
With GPS technology you can see if drivers are taking the most efficient route to complete a task. You are able to monitor driving behaviour to gain valuable insight into the safety of your fleet drivers and more. Even a basic fleet management software will allow you to monitor maintenance and repair costs and ways to reduce spending.
Con: Employee push back
Some companies have found that implementing certain aspect of fleet management software such as GPS tracking or video surveillance has resulted in employee push back. Drivers may feel as though they aren't trusted, leading to a fractured company culture. It is important when using such technologies that it be presented in a way that fosters trust and confidence with your drivers. The last thing you want it to lose valuable employees over an organizational culture clash. Highlighting benefits such as improved safety, reduced contract disputes, eliminating cumbersome paperwork, and being able to navigate around traffic jams can help to overcome many basic objections.
Con: Software Learning Curve
If you don't consider yourself to be "computer savvy" adopting a new software tracking system can feel like a hurdle that is not worth it. In reality, this hurdle can be easy to overcome with a little bit of homework. Fleet management software companies often have video tutorials or even sales and training specialists that can walk you through it's features and systems. Give yourself some time and some patience to learn this new skill - your bottom line may thank you for it.
The bottom line is that directors are always responsible for their drivers. Even when you use outsourcing for some of your fleet management tasks, you must maintain in-house procedures for monitoring performance, analyzing risk, and working with providers to ensure a safe, compliant operation. You cannot simply hand over all of the responsibility and hope for the best.
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7 days a week
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Saturday 10-6
Sunday 10-3
