Items like fuel expenses, vehicle registrations, and various scheduled maintenance costs are obvious fleet analytics that fleet managers must monitor. However, there are many hidden costs that are often revealed in a short amount of time when AVL systems are utilized.
When managed more closely, these costs can quickly and easily be reduced. These reductions can more than cover the upfront expense connected with the implementation of AVL systems.
Vehicle Usage
The ability to monitor the wear and tear on your fleet enables a proactive approach to vehicle maintenance and fleet analytics. By knowing how your vehicles are being used, you can spread the wear across your fleet to reduce the frequency of tire replacements, oil changes, fluid refills and more. AVL systems can greatly reduce your overall maintenance expenses.
Additionally, by monitoring vehicle usage you can identify common periods of downtime and adjust your scheduling accordingly. When you minimize vehicle downtime, you are simultaneously maximizing productivity. This can mean either fewer unproductive hours scheduled or more time available to serve customers.
Identifying At-Risk Drivers
Most fleet teams have both good and “not-so-good” drivers. A tremendous benefit of AVL systems is the ability to address at-risk behaviors before an accident or traffic violation occurs that could negatively impact your bottom-line. You will also be able to identify drivers that are using their company vehicle for non-business purposes, be that on the clock or off the clock.
Improving Safety
The safety of drivers and equipment is central to profitability. AVL systems allow fleet managers to immediately address dangerous behavior and implement training methods to prevent drivers from hurting themselves or others. Maintaining a safe fleet is far more than just avoiding accidents.
Specific Vehicles’ Return on Investment
It can be easy to be reactive on maintenance items. Proactively monitoring the cost and effectiveness of operating older equipment can help you make timely decisions on replacing or continuing with repairs. When fleet analytics and AVL systems data shows you that the equipment is in need of service more than it is operating properly, you will know it’s time to salvage and replace.
This isn’t just true for equipment. As the cars and trucks in your fleet age, you will easily be able to monitor how many miles they put on between trips to the shop. With this information, you can objectively identify the point that the vehicle passes its point of usefulness.
Don’t let hidden costs hinder your business any longer. Call 866-301-1990 to talk to someone about improving fleet analytics and performance today.