When the concept of fleet management emerged some years ago, it finally gave efficient truck usage the attention it deserved as absolutely fundamental for driving warehouse productivity. Are you considering implementing a fleet management system? We will look at what fleet management entails and how it can benefit your organisation.
Fleet Management through Telematics
Originally telematics was a simply GPS tracking tool for navigation and measuring distances travelled but it has evolved into much more. Today telematics systems are used to constantly collect and analyse data from devices mounted on vehicles. This information can be an effective weapon in the fight against rising costs and distribution inefficiencies. Here are five ways a fleet management system can optimise logistics:
1 – Increasing Productivity
When operators are monitored they tend to perform more consistently due to this accountability. It is important though, that operators are not made to feel like Big Brother is watching them. An employee-centric approach involves making the data visible for the operators as well and allowing them to ask questions and give suggestions, ultimately making them feel part of the team that drives productivity.
2 – Optimising Efficiency
Telematics and fleet management systems give you real time tracking of each truck, the number of idle vehicles at any moment and how vehicles can be better utilised.
3 – Minimising collisions
Should an accident occur, modern telematics systems give clarity what occurred, the circumstances and the responsible party can be identified. All involved can be sent for training to avoid future collisions. More than that, real-time monitoring means alarms are triggered when a driver exceeds the speed limit and some systems give a warning so that pre-emptive action can be taken to prevent an accident.
4 – Improving Safety and Compliance
With a Fleet Management System access to trucks can be limited to only those with the adequate licence or certification. These systems can also ensure the operator does the correct checks quickly and effectively. There are also safety features such as intelligent interlocking seat and seatbelt sensors to keep the operator as safe as possible. Digital weight indicators and overload lockouts prevent operators from loading the truck more than what is considered safe.
5 – Planned Maintenance and Training
Through the use of a Fleet Management system, vehicle maintenance can be routinely planned, largely preventing breakdowns. Regular training can also be scheduled based on the hours spent on certain tasks.
Dovetail has the technology to provide you with optimal fleet management and visibility.