Top 5 challenges of fleet management and how to solve them

Top 5 challenges of fleet management and how to solve them

Fleet management is not an easy task, and is one which requires a lot of foresight and skill. There are many challenges which face fleet managers today. However, fleet tracking software can help to overcome many of those.

 

Maintenance and records

Staying on top of maintenance is one of the most common problems that faces a fleet manager today. Having a highly efficient fleet is one of the major providers of profitability. However, disorganised record-keeping can lead to maintenance being overlooked. Thanks to fleet tracking software, it is now entirely possible to have a digital record of when a vehicle needs routine maintenance. This can also flag up potential risks to the vehicle due to driver behaviour. Keeping a fleet well-maintained means that vehicles spend more time on the road, are more reliable and more profitable.

 

Cost cutting and fleet tracking software

Maintaining a fleet is an expensive business. Costs can mount very quickly and it is almost impossible in a changing economy to keep track of cost cutting measures. What works one day may not work the next. By using fleet tracking software and "GPS tracking devices", it is possible to plan effective and profitable routes. This can increase a driver´s delivery schedule, placing certain deliveries on the same route. It can also plan a cost-saving route to save on fuel. The quicker a vehicle can arrive at it´s destination, the easier it is to increase profit. This means that whilst costs can be cut, profits can also be gained.

 

Fuel management

Fuel prices have been up and down over the last few years and it has been very difficult for fleet managers to keep to a fuel budget. With fleet tracking software, it is easy to keep an eye on fuel consumption. If a vehicle spends a long time engine idling or driving off-route, this can be managed centrally. Driver behaviour, such as sudden braking and harsh acceleration, can also be monitored. All of these factors help in keeping the usage of fuel down. Route planning through GPS is also an essential step in fuel management and is facilitated through the use of technology.

 

Driver behaviour

Tracking drivers can be complicated. Many drivers feel that the use of fleet tracking software means that their managers do not trust them. However, this does not have to the case. Proper use of software can mean that drivers have access to much more comprehensive feedback about their driving. This can help with training programmes and driver awareness. Their safety is also greatly increased by route planning and hard evidence in the case of an accident on the roads.

 

Fleet safety

The protection of mobile assets is also covered by vehicle tracking software. If a vehicle goes missing, it can be quickly tracked to provide real time locations and data. This will also inhibit the use of unauthorised driving. A fleet manager can know at any given time “where the fleet is operating”, which can be especially useful when vehicles are located off-site.

 

For more information on software for your fleet, visit Global AVL.