No one cannot deny how many things have changed, including the logistics industry. The earliest automobiles created more than one hundred years ago were inferior to those vehicles that people used today. Apart from not having the three-point safety belt not until 1959, most logistics companies back then barely had a fleet management system.
Since the technology at that time was not as advanced as today, owners of delivery services could not track where their drivers were and whether or not they were on their way to the delivery destination. With today’s technological advancements, the logistics industry has more peace of mind now that they have a fleet management software system, which can help ease their operation.
Part I: What Is A Fleet Management Software System?
To guarantee vehicles will remain in good condition, businesses, especially those in the logistics industry, use a fleet management software system. It is an application that monitors and manages a fleet more effectively, regardless of distance and time. Business owners use this so they can oversee fleet operations at a glance.
Part II: 6 Benefits Of Using A Fleet Management Software System
A fleet management software system is being used by more businesses today. Besides enhancing productivity and giving insight into their business operations, it can also help them stay in compliance with regulations.
To convince you more, read the benefits listed below.
1. Reduce Insurance Cost
Once you have invested in using a fleet management software system and informed the vehicle industry of your fleet, you can expect your monthly insurance cost would considerably reduce. Your vehicle will have GPS tracking once you use a fleet management software system, which is why an insurance company will love it because it encourages road safety.
2. Receive Real-Time Alerts About The Vehicle’s Location
Besides vehicle GPS tracking, a fleet management software system also sends real-time alerts about the vehicle’s location. The business owner and fleet managers will know where the vehicle is and whether or not it is on the move.
3. Monitor Driver Performance
Do your drivers follow traffic rules? Instead of guessing the answer, a fleet management software system can give you your driver’s actual behaviour and driving performance. If they exceed the speed limit, it will automatically send you an alert in real time and warn the driver so they can slow down.
4. Routing Efficiency
Another benefit of using a fleet management system is that it can help your drivers find the shortest route to get to the planned destination. That means you can quickly deliver your customers’ orders with little to no delay.
5. Lower Fuel Consumption
With routing efficiency, it is not surprising that using a fleet management software system can help reduce fuel consumption. You can use your vehicles and send them for more delivery now that you have more fuel to spare.
6. Improve Customer Satisfaction
While business owners and fleet managers track where the vehicle is, they can update their e-commerce website. Doing so should help keep their customers informed about where their orders are. Customers will have more peace of mind with their online purchases since they have the estimated arrival time of their parcels.
Part III: 5 Ways To Maximise A Fleet Management Software System
While it is true that using a fleet management software system can help ease your fleet operation, that does not mean there is no room for improvement. By exerting more effort, you can maximise the use of a fleet management software system.
Here are the different ways you can do it:
1. Employ A Fleet Manager
When you have a fleet manager, your hands and feet become free. You can focus more on the other vital tasks in your business’s operations, not just logistics.
Here are the factors to consider when you hire a fleet manager.
- Tech-savvy
- Excellent communication skills
- Organised
2. Establish Clear Lines Of Communication
Besides having a fleet manager and fleet management software system, do not forget to establish clear lines of communication with your employees. Letting your staff know what they should do can help ease your business’s operation.
If the fleet management software system has gone through an update lately, consider holding a meeting with your employees and asking them if they are aware of the changes. If not, ensure to brief them.
3. Focus On Fuel Savings
Besides relying on routing suggestions of a fleet management software system, you encourage your drivers to embrace other fuel-saving tips. With the fuel price hike nowadays, the more you and your drivers have to focus on fuel savings.
Here are just a few:
- Avoid excessive idling
- Never use a vehicle after working hours
- Resolve existing mechanical problems
- Do not rely on a blind spot detection sensor and overtake others on the road
4. Use E-Forms Instead Of Paper Forms
Another way to maximise your fleet management software system is to have your drivers submit a report through e-forms. With this, you will know what happens during the delivery based on the driver’s point of view and compare it with the reports you receive from the application.
5. Train Drivers
Driving a regular car is different from driving a truck. When you hire a driver, you have to train them. That way, the drivers will know what to do when the drowsiness detection system alerts them when they fall asleep while driving.
Are You Ready To Improve Your Fleet’s Productivity?
Whether you are ready or not, you have no choice but to improve your fleet’s productivity. That is the only way you can meet and deliver the growing customer’s demand when they order goods online. Embracing the use of a fleet management software system can help you increase the safety of your fleet and drivers while on the road.
Contact Guardian South East Asia at +65-6898-8998 or leave a message on their website if you are interested to learn more about a fleet management software system. You can also get a demo of their vehicle tracking system in Singapore, so you know it works.
