You must have definitely heard of artificial intelligence, the Internet of things(IoT), and data analytics. As these technologies are evolving in each sector, it has made the evolution in the fleet industry as well. It has given rise to more awareness about fleet managers, management, and fleet management softwares. But what does fleet management actually mean?
FLEET MANAGEMENT:
The different processes involved in managing vehicles and their relatives with the goal of enhanced efficiency, productivity, fuel management, reducing costs, managing expected risks, etc. it is not an industry-specific approach but covers almost all including delivery, oil&gas, sales, as every industry has a link with supply chain system.
Every industry related to vehicles already possess some fleet management processes to execute operations smoothly, maintain costs in the budget, and stay competitive in the market. These were just the highlights about fleet management and stick till the end to know more.
THE FLEET MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE
It is software that helps people manage all the work regarding their fleet is it vehicles, customers, drivers, tracking, or any other related task. This makes management easier for managers by reducing manual work, automation in fleet bookings, streamlining the management procedures, thus saving time.
The need for fleet management software?
- Ensuring driver and vehicle safeties.
- Service reminders and notifications for preventive measures
- Following the roadside traffic rules and regulations
- Saving time and decreasing the total cost of ownership
- Enhance productivity and reduce risks, costs, and fuel consumption.
- Telematics integration to face business challenges quickly like optimizing the route.
- Keeping the track of reservations, customers, drivers, and vehicles.
What are the tasks performed by fleet managers?
Now as you the meaning of fleet management, here are some tasks that are needed to be performed by fleet managers:
Fuel management: This is not a surprise that fuel is one of the huge expenses that can sometimes create a hole in the fleet budget. There are some programmes for fuel management to save expenses per mile like fuel cards, on-site fueling, fuel network, fuel deals with suppliers, etc. Integrating telematics will keep the track of fuel consumption and keep an eye on drivers if they get tanks filled as per the policy.
Safety and assistance criteria: Any case of an accident can ruin the company’s image if not taken care of properly. Thus, fleet managers mainly focus on vehicle and driver safety to prevent negligence, brand image destruction, trust issues, and unforeseen expenses to the organization. Thus, running a few programmes can help in reducing roadside accidents, providing roadside assistance in need, enhancing driver’s behaviour by following safety guidelines, reducing fuel consumption. If implemented properly, this will create a positive image for the company and improve the driver’s work life.
Investment in vehicles: Purchasing good vehicles is never an expense but an investment. You can bargain prices and ask for concessions with manufacturers or companies on the basis of vehicle required, the load to be carried, and surroundings where the fleet will mostly move. This can reduce costs and help in planning fleet purchases.
Vehicle remarketing: Ensuring that your vehicle is sanitized, well-maintained, clean, and contain all-important accessories like mats, fobs, headrests can offer a better sale price. For most affordable remarketing value, keep your vehicle maintained, and manage sales channel and sales timing.
Record metrics: There are factors like fuel consumption, driver’s behaviour, vehicle safety, idling which can be recorded daily, weekly, or monthly to check the fleet activities. You can track performance and make improvements wherever required.
Consistent maintainance programmes: Its the responsibility of fleet managers to run maintenance programmes including glass programmes for managing windscreen repairs or replacements supervise warranty recalls, tyre programmes, and roadside assistance for vehicles not insured by the manufacturer warranty function. Running these programmes consistently on the basis of location, surroundings, and type of vehicle to enhance resale value, decrease expenses and wear and tear of vehicles.
Being obedient to the rules and regulations: It’s the responsibility of fleet managers to obey the rules and regulations and be aware of the new updates to prevent heavy fines. There are some specific rules for vehicles carrying food or dangerous materials, or vehicles that are very heavy due to the load they carry or being towed. Most of the time, heavy vehicles are expected to keep an electronic driver log for their driving behaviour. Sometimes inspections are carried on the driver and vehicles and reports are generated.
Core capabilities of fleet management and its software
Skills required for the fleet management sharpen with the experience in the following areas:
Financial background: Setting a budget, accurate analysis as per your business needs, understanding the marketplace for this industry, and comparing the budget with the benchmark to track the differences.
Compliance with Policies: Creating rules and regulations as per the fleet policies to meet compliance goals. Make sure that the drivers are following these policies because only then your fleet company will be able to achieve goals within the budget.
Encryption: Set security as a priority and ask your team and stakeholders for the same. Encryption is important while integrating devices with the fleet management software where data is shared. Make sure the data is encrypted to keep up the overall safety.
Business knowledge: Being aware of what is happening in your industry and following the rules made by the higher authorities. Take decisions based on it and make required improvements.
Technology: Automotive industry involves huge usage of technology so make sure you have knowledge about its connectivity, elements, expansion, data security, encryption, and privacy. Check for the RFP: request for proposal process and see new fleet technology vendors.
Telematics: Integrating telematics can give you an idea about the mechanical error, thus preventing repair, replacements, reducing downtime, and saving costs. This will tell you what is the right time for the asset to be remarketed.
Having a proper understanding of the software, analyzing the reports, improving the weaker areas, will give you a boost in the fleet management industry today.
This was all you need to know about fleet management
From the meaning of fleet management to the fleet management software, tasks performed by fleet managers, and core capabilities needed to be a great fleet manager are covered in this article. Now you know how to boost your fleet management business. In case you have any doubts regarding anything, feel free to reach out to us by emailing us at info@securefleetmanager.com.
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