Nowadays, fleet management has become a necessity for even small-sized businesses with few vehicles. Thanks to technological advancements, fleet management has also become more accessible to people with limited resources.
We all know that well-developed fleet management software boosts productivity and efficiency. But there are lot more benefits attached to it that you may not know. That’s why small businesses are also planning to develop custom software solutions for their business. Here are the top benefits of using fleet management software for your business model.
What are the Benefits of Fleet Management Software?
Here’s how fleet management software can benefit your organization.
1. Improvement of ROI
All the top fleet management software comes with certain automated features, like route planning, fuel management, and scheduling. To begin with, the automated system sends pop-up notifications and emails to the fleet manager regarding the vehicle’s maintenance. These notifications also include repair and fleet check-up reminders. As a result, the fleet manager can keep track of the vehicle’s condition. This practice enables them to reduce malfunctions and prevents any irreparable damage. Since the entire system is automated, the managers are free to focus on other essential tasks.
Some fleet management software also provides automated fuel management. The managers can track the total fuel consumption and the vehicles with the lowest average mileage. They can then retire or repair such vehicles to improve the overall ROI.
The software can create schedules and mark the shortest route with the in-built route planning capabilities. The workload is also divided equally amongst the drivers without overburdening anyone. Again, this system prioritizes spending optimization and saving resources for the company.
2. Better Driver Performance
Rough driving affects the vehicle’s life span and endangers the driver’s life. With fleet management software, the managers can track the driving style and give them tips to make it safer. Telematics and vehicle telemetry data allow the fleet handlers to look at driving data like speed, braking, and engine idling. The fleet managers can utilize this data to strategize the delivery route and rate the driver’s performance. Low-performing drivers can be put on PIP (Performance Improvement Plan) and trained further for safe driving.
Gamification of daily targets can also encourage the younger drivers to focus on their performance. The company can put a progress bar on the driver’s dashboard that gets filled after delivery or pick-up. Once the bar is completed, the drivers are rewarded with points that can be redeemed for gifts or get higher bonuses. The gamification process does not need to be this complicated. For example, in the simpler version, the managers can simply inform the drivers about their weekly target and the associated incentives. However, this system works best if you have a mobile app for your fleet management software.
Fleet management software can also protect the drivers. For instance, fleet management software used geofencing technology during the pandemic to mark the areas with high infection rates. Whenever the drivers entered such an area, they got a notification to be careful and follow all the safety protocols.
3. Integrated Reporting and Detailed Analysis
As mentioned earlier, the fleet management software can track driver performance and vehicle status thanks to multiple telematics data. To add to it, the system can visualize the data and present it in an easy-to-understand graph for the managers. If that is not to their liking, the managers can also extract the raw data and forward it to their data analytics team. The managers can look at data like rest breaks, odometer numbers, digital logbooks, and delivery time to understand the process better and optimize it accordingly.
Additionally, if machine learning algorithms power the fleet management software, they can offer insights to improve the business methodologies. Thanks to the integrated reporting system, managers can easily share all the necessary data with the relevant teams and parties with a simple click.
4. Optimized Solutions with Machine Learning
The machine learning algorithms can do much more than regular reporting and analytics. After all, ML and AI have been transforming techniques in multiple industries and the fleet management field. One of the most common uses of AI is predicting the estimated time of arrival (ETA) for deliveries and pick-ups. The algorithms scan the GPS data and the driver’s driving style to indicate when they will arrive at their location. This not only allows the fleet managers to plan better trips but is also helpful for the customers availing of the service.
Another advanced AI feature is the accident tracker. The fleet is fitted with dashcams that capture any kind of road incident. The algorithm instantly flags the video and vehicle number for review if the vehicle gets involved in an accident. The live footage allows the manager to assess the driver’s condition and the nature of the accident. In turn, they can send roadside assistance and medical authorities to help everyone involved in the incident. Moreover, the video provides better leverage to the company for the insurance claim.
Lastly, route optimization and planning increase efficiency by offering predictive updates for routes. The system can highlight areas with high traffic and suggest detours for the drivers. Depending on the highlighted roads, the system can also reschedule the pick-up and delivery times.
Conclusion
Now that you know about the benefits of fleet management software, you should know a few things before getting one for your company. First, look at the cost of software and the revenue it will generate for you. You can even choose to develop in-house software if it is more in line with the company’s financial targets. Next, you should look at the software design to ensure all the features are easily accessible and intuitive. Lastly, get software with an app to make things more convenient for your drivers, stakeholders, employees, and customers.
