There are many benefits of implementing fleet management software. These include increased visibility, efficiency and compliance.
In addition to providing a solid layer of historical and real-time data, fleet management software can help you keep track of important vehicle information such as mileage, service history, engine hours and oil changes.
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Real-time Information
Fleet management software provides a multitude of real-time information that can be used to make intelligent business decisions. For example, a manufacturer could use real-time data to track the status of shipments of raw materials. This would allow them to know when the load is off-track so they can resupply, improving their efficiency and ensuring their customers receive products on time.
Fleet managers can also track vehicle performance and driver behavior over some time. This helps them monitor the effectiveness of their drivers and identify those that may need some training or support to get better at their job.
In addition, fleet managers can track their vehicles’ fuel usage and maintenance expenses. This helps them track costs and budgets accurately, which is essential for a business to stay competitive.
Additionally, some fleet management software solutions provide a Safety Inbox to streamline safety-related workflows. This is where dash cam and video telematics footage is stored and indexed so that fleet managers can quickly review the events that occurred.
If a driver is found to violate the company’s safety policy, video evidence can be used in court. This can help to protect the company from expensive claims and bolster its reputation.
Efficiency
A fleet management system is a comprehensive solution that helps manage a business’s entire fleet. It includes driver management, route planning, dashcams, reporting and analytics. These tools directly or indirectly impact day-to-day operations and can significantly help increase efficiency and improve safety conditions.
Fleet managers also have access to information about a vehicle’s health through dashboards that provide real-time insight into service history, oil changes, mileage and engine hours. This allows them to stay on top of preventative maintenance needs and increase the lifespan of their vehicles.
It’s also easier for managers to track driver behavior and modify driving habits, reducing fatigue and improving customer satisfaction. Data about speed, idling, harsh braking, cornering and location can help managers identify unsafe driving behaviors and implement strategies to improve safety.
Lastly, GPS tracking systems can eliminate calls to drivers about their location, which reduces costs. They can also help rescue teams find a driver in an emergency, saving time and money.
Another benefit of fleet management software is that it can make scheduling easier for managers. They can receive notifications about appointment reminders and ETAs for customers.
Paper inspection forms are often lost or misplaced, causing many unnecessary delays in the repair process. Fortunately, the right fleet management software can replace these manual processes with electronic vehicle inspections conducted on a mobile app and then uploaded to a centralized database.
Compliance
Fleet management software can help improve efficiency, safety and compliance for companies that depend on fleets of vehicles. These systems integrate vehicle data and provide a central place for all fleet operations.
The software collects data from several sources, including GPS tracking, electronic logbooks, and onboard devices. This information helps managers monitor driver performance and driving habits. It also tracks vehicle maintenance and delivery time.
Aside from providing information about fleet vehicles, fleet management software also ensures that drivers comply with all local and federal rules and regulations. This includes HOS and ELD compliance requirements.
Another essential benefit of fleet management software is that it makes driver records accessible from a central location. A manager can check if a driver has updated licenses and medical information. It can also remind drivers if they must take or pass medical tests.
Similarly, a fleet management system can help prevent fraud by checking whether a driver has lost their fuel card. If the driver does not have the card, they can be logged out and notified to the fleet manager.
A sound fleet management system can save your company time and money by ensuring you meet all your compliance requirements. It can also give you real-time visibility into your fleet operations and reduce operational expenses by improving efficiency.
Safety
Fleet management software can improve safety and compliance within your fleet operations. By reducing accident and injury rates, you can lower your insurance costs and mitigate liability in the event of an accident or lawsuit.
Moreover, safety can be enhanced by using data to track driver behavior and performance. This way, you can detect any driver’s poor driving habits and eliminate them before they have a chance to become a problem.
With this technology, you can also ensure that your drivers stay within their maximum driving hours or get drowsy on the road. This can be dangerous for both them and the vehicles they drive.
In addition, fleet managers can keep tabs on vehicle maintenance and fuel consumption. This information helps to reduce fleet fuel costs, which in turn improves overall productivity and cash flow.
Another advantage of the software is its ability to maintain compliance with major regulations for commercial drivers, such as Hours of Service (HOS). In the US, for instance, HOS is a requirement that all commercial drivers must adhere to.
Besides improving safety, fleet management software can also increase your fleet’s efficiency and boost your reputation with insurance companies. This is because it can prove that your drivers follow safety protocol, a proven factor in lowering your premiums.