#process optimization examples

Fleet managers are faced with making many decisions daily. It's not surprising that many fleet managers experience mental fatigue at some point with the number of micro-decisions they make while at the office.

Fleet managers need to be involved in several different processes including the selection of new vehicles. They are responsible for selecting the type of vehicle, the maintenance requirements, and costs in association with the business strategy. They need to decide on whether it's cost-effective to buy or lease, whether they need one or more vehicles or a mixed fleet, based on the business goals and requirements.

In addition to this, as a fleet manager, you are responsible for effective record keeping regarding registrations, routes, maintenance, fines, and more. This can lead to hours of administrative work which could potentially be reduced with an effective software solution.

Further, you are responsible for the maintenance of the fleet. Preventative maintenance is the way to go, ensuring that vehicles receive regular servicing to keep them on the road for longer, reducing the risk of unnecessary repairs and accidents, which could be dangerous and cost money.

One of the most challenging tasks for fleet managers is the management of drivers, especially when you have a large fleet and you need to keep your finger on the pulse. You need to know your drivers are reliable and trustworthy and aren't taking advantage of company vehicles to take extra-long lunches, travel far distances to visit friends and family or get involved in unreported accidents. Even with ample training, unless you know where drivers are making mistakes, you won't be able to focus on the training that they need to be more productive and achieve the best results.

Introducing a fleet management software system into your process can simplify your duties, helping you be more effective and productive with the information you need on driver behavior and vehicles at your fingertips.

One of the main benefits of using a fleet management system is that it helps you monitor fuel efficiency. Fuel is an expensive cost if you have a large fleet and saving on fuel can be a welcome benefit to your annual budget. With the right software, you can track idle times and fuel consumption, focusing on driver behavior and vehicle performance to ensure that your vehicles remain efficient when it comes to their fuel usage.

Preventative maintenance is key to an effective and reliable fleet. Regular maintenance can reduce unexpected malfunctions, which often are more costly to repair. Reduce expenses by ensuring that you know which vehicles need servicing and having them out of action, ensuring that you can continue to dispatch vehicles effectively to maintain good customer service levels.

Some of the systems available provide telematics built into the vehicles. Telematics offers valuable and detailed information on various parts that can break in the vehicle. This helps you identify when the vehicle isn't performing at its best. You can often secure diagnostic information and identify when to plan urgent maintenance to reduce the risk of breakdowns.

The software available for fleet managers these days helps you learn a lot about your drivers’ behaviors, both good and bad. You can work with drivers on correcting poor driving techniques, such as pulling away from traffic lights and stop signs too fast, speeding, and hard braking. This helps you keep your drivers safe and reduce the risk of accidents, keeping others on the road safe at the same time.