When you are managing a fleet (no matter the size) you want to ensure that you are doing so in a smart manner. If you are not smart in your fleet management, you will notice that your fleet does not run as efficiently or as effectively as you had hoped that it would. Being in control of your fleet and being aware of risks, threats, and opportunities is what you need to be always focusing on. So, what is involved within smart fleet management and what areas do you need to start focusing on first?
Reducing Risks
Risks are there and they will always be there when you are managing a fleet. However, there are lots of actionable steps that you can make to reduce the risks. Reducing the risks to your drivers and those involved within your operations have to be one of your top priorities moving forwards. For example, when it comes to reducing risks for your drivers, you may want to look at introducing new technology. For example, Mobileye lane detection aids drivers and helps to reduce the risk of collisions. Reducing risks will give you an extra sense of security and peace of mind, as well as ensure that you are smart in how you are handling your fleet.
Efficiency and Effectiveness
To ensure that your fleet is well managed, and smartly managed, you have to be sure that everything you do is efficient and effective. When you ensure that processes are effective and working towards improving the effectiveness of your fleet, you can then begin to shift your focus elsewhere. When it comes to efficiency, you need to look at how your fleet is operating all year round. Take a snapshot of the year and from this data you will be able to see where you need to introduce new methods, or even improve existing methods.
Why You Need to Use Technology
You cannot expect to effectively manage your fleet without the use of technology. Embracing technology in your daily fleet operations and management will ensure that you are running as efficiently as possible. Trying to undertake all of the tasks and jobs you need to do within fleet management – from route planning to staff management (without the use of technology) could leave you feeling physically and fiscally drained.
Increasing Turnover
When you are managing a fleet, you need to focus on the future as much as the present. You need to focus on increasing turnover to ensure that your fleet remains productive, profitable and in-demand. When it comes to increased turnover, you want to look at reaching new target markets, as well as upselling to existing customer bases.
Improving Productivity
Productivity and increased turnover often go hand-in-hand. When you are looking to increase turnover, you have to realize how essential an increase in productivity is. Improving productivity is not something that will just happen, you need to ensure that you have plans and procedures in place to cover what will change and what needs to change. Getting all of your employees on board with changes can be challenging, but it is your responsibility, and it is important for increased turnover and improved productivity.