A Q&A with Santa, and Fleet Manager Mrs Claus, of North Pole Inc
GPS Fleet Management
Vehicles today are fitted with thousands of sensors that can monitor all aspects of driver behavior and vehicle performance. Sensor technology has seen rapid advancements over the years that promise to make our roads a safer place, but these sensors also provide accurate data and an excellent opportunity for fleet managers to improve operational efficiency.
By using sensor data, you can make substantial savings across your fleet and improve your bottom line in harsh economic times or fuel innovation when market conditions are more positive. Check out our four ways you can use sensor data to manage a sharper, more dynamic fleet.
Knowing how your drivers are performing is of great value to any business with a fleet, whether you're managing a handful of vehicles or a few thousand. If you've set a maximum speed limit and a driver is breaking this limit through 10 percent of their driving time, you know they're burning away unnecessary fuel.
Can you tell which or your drivers are straining engines, brakes and tyres with harsh acceleration, braking and cornering? Their performance can be significantly improved by monitoring all the data your GPS fleet management system extracts from sensors. Once your drivers know they're being monitored you'll see an immediate change, and you'll be able to offer training where necessary.
Monitor maintenance schedules
If your fleet is operating in harsh environments such as construction sites, tracking vehicle maintenance can be difficult. Missing scheduled maintenance can cause serious damage and result in warranty issues, while over-servicing a vehicle incurs unnecessary costs.
GPS fleet management uses sensor data to signal maintenance schedules early on and intensify alerts where necessary. This gives you ample time to ensure you still have the right assets on a job when vehicles or machinery go in for maintenance. By tracking fault codes, you can also be made aware of issues before they present a real problem.
Effectively managing leases
Whether you're in the business of leasing or hiring out machinery to other companies, how this third-party equipment is treated will always be a challenge. In many cases these assets are run into the ground, operating in harsh conditions and remote locations.
Warning lights that alert drivers and operators to potential faults will often be ignored, especially if the project is running behind schedule. The supplier will then be called for a replacement when the machine eventually stops working, which will likely cause delays on the job and leave you with an asset out of action. However, sensor data can send alerts back to you and prevent any unnecessary delays for both parties.
Reducing insurance premiums
Sensors can reduce insurance costs through their connections to alarm systems and remote stop activation. Insurance providers have greater visibility of risk; this means insurance premiums can be calculated more accurately against vehicle use.
As a fleet operator you can create driver profiles for every individual in your fleet and offer training where needed, or incentives for those who improve their safety record. By improving driver behaviour and showing the relevant safety accreditations, you will reduce corporate risk having a positive impact when it's time to renew your policy.