The simple description of fleet management is the management of a company’s vehicle fleet. While it may sound simple enough, it can get challenging without the right tools.
As fleet sizes and types have increased in recent years, managing them has also become more complex. Construction fleet managers now have to use several tools to keep track of the location of their vehicles and equipment, making sure they work and comply with any codes/regulations.
The good news is we now have fleet management software solutions like Trackunit that make this process a breeze. Here’s a guide to demystifying fleet management strategy to help you discover the secrets of effective fleet management.
Table of Contents
Tips to ace your fleet management strategy
What do you need to make your fleet management strategy work? Here are our secrets.
Take proactive measures
With maintenance, you can either be proactive or reactive. Reactive is when you “react” or take action after something has happened.
For example, the excavator breaks down. Now, you need to send in a mechanic.
Conversely, a proactive approach takes steps to prevent issues from happening. So, regular maintenance checks will reduce the chances of it breaking down in the first place.
Proactive measures help lower the risk of downtime and save you from expensive repairs. They also help you avoid legal and safety implications, such as not meeting vehicle compliance standards.
Use fleet management software
This one is a given. We live in digital times, and fleet managers need to keep up. A fleet management software allows you to:
- Track vehicle engine diagnostics from a dashboard
- Get alerts if a vehicle crosses the geofence
- Plan routes and track vehicle location in real-time
- Receive alerts for maintenance schedules and driver logs
- Access detailed reports and analytics
Getting all this information in a centralized platform will help you make better decisions for your fleet.
Set actionable goals
Being “more effective” isn’t really a goal. You have to really define what you mean by that. For instance, does efficiency mean reducing fuel costs? Or does it mean completing more tasks in a day?
Here are some examples of actionable and measurable goals:
- Reduce fuel costs by 10% in the next quarter
- Increase equipment uptime by 15%
As you can see, these goals are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound (SMART). So you know what to do and when to achieve your objective.
Invest in driver and operator training
Equipment handler or driver error is an integral part of fleet management. If the people working the equipment aren’t appropriately trained, it can result in accidents, delays, breakdowns, and additional costs.
Invest in training programs to educate your drivers on vehicle maintenance and safe driving practices. Also, teach them about handling emergencies. You never know when one might strike.
Consider telematics
It’s a digital world, and it’s only becoming more so. When thinking about digital solutions for fleet management, telematics is one of the first things that comes to mind.
Many telematics systems use tools like engine diagnostics, GPS tracking and communication technology to provide you with information about vehicle performance and location. With telematics, you can:
- Monitor vehicle location in real-time
- Detect and report engine faults
- Track driver behavior and work time
- Monitor the job site
- Schedule maintenance based on vehicle usage data
We shouldn’t have to explain how all this eventually leads to cost savings and better business operations. Plus, it keeps you compliant with local laws.
Takeaway
With more knowledge about the mysteries of fleet management, it’s your turn to put these strategies into practice. Technology is advancing quickly – the sooner you adapt, the better.
