For fleet managers, it’s crucial to reduce fleet costs while also maintaining an efficient system. The best methods for lowering costs can vary, but four of the most effective include using advanced telematics, route optimization, lowering fuel costs and using video to improve safety and best driving practices.
Reduce Fleet Costs
It’s a complicated challenge. However, innovations in technology have provided companies better methods for mobilizing their fleet effectively and safely. Tech also offers more ways than ever to reduce fleet costs by leveraging the latest innovations that data analysis and technology bring to the table.
Here’s a closer look at ways to reduce fleet costs without losing productivity. All focus on technology. Innovative, user-friendly systems support managers and logistics professionals who want to work on the cutting edge of fleet management solutions.
Advanced Telematics
Using advanced telematics is key to success in logistics and supply chain management. Managers can track a variety of different data sets that allow them to find areas of inefficiency and correct the problem. For example, a GeoTab GPS device can track ignition, trip distance, engine idling and vehicle speed. Data also can help provide better feedback to drivers on ways to adopt better driving practices that save money and prevent accidents.
Route Optimization
Advanced software now allows for creation of optimized route schedules in a matter of minutes rather than hours. This saves both time and money for you and your client. Technology also allows for quickly and efficiently changing routes if necessary. Information is communicated directly to drivers, and dispatchers get real-time updates on where drivers are on the road.
Lower Fuel Costs
Route optimization through tracking systems can play a significant role in another method to reduce fleet costs, which is cutting down on the amount of fuel used. Tracking systems also help with managing other field-related costs. For example, data can show drivers the optimal vehicle speed for fuel efficiency. Technology can also track issues such as idling time and vehicle maintenance that impact fuel costs.
Predictive Engine Maintenance
Advanced tracking systems can also detect when the engines of vehicles in the fleet are about to experience issues that require maintenance or potential repair. Using best practices for maintenance and predictive software that anticipate problems can cut down on the cost of engine repairs and time lost as a vehicle is repaired. This can also help a company determine when it’s no longer cost efficient to repair a vehicle and instead put money into a new vehicle.
Safety Through Video
Driver safety is a top priority for all fleet managers. Even minor accidents can lead to lost time and potential repair costs along with potential costs associated with any legal action involved with a fleet crash. Sophisticated video now offers drivers a camera system that provides them a full view around the vehicle when trying to accomplish complex maneuvers, as well as top-notch backup video cameras.
Best Driving Practices
Information systems can now track data on a driver’s performance, allowing companies to provide feedback to drivers on improving their performance in terms of safe driving and fuel efficiency. GPS tracking allows dispatchers to always know where a vehicle is and gives them the ability to help drivers avoid bottlenecks and get them back on route if there are unexpected difficulties. These are some of the ways that technology can help reduce fleet costs while also making the fleet much more efficient and profitable. Few industries can see the immediate advantages of technology as well as logistics and fleet management. Putting tech to use is a smart play for organizations that want to stay ahead of the competition.
