Fleet managers have many responsibilities ranging across all aspects of fleet operations. They often use fleet management software to stay ahead of their task lists and make the job easier.
This software tracks various data points such as routing, dispatch, maintenance, fuel expenditure, compliance, driver safety, and more. However, with so many fleet management tools available, how do you know what’s best for your fleet?
There are certain fleet management software features you should look for when selecting software, depending on the type of fleet you operate. Let’s break down the top features of fleet management software and what types of fleets benefit from each kind of software.
Top 5 Features of Fleet Management Software
No. 1: Route Optimization
Fuel is one of the highest costs for fleets, especially with gas prices right now. If you can keep fuel costs down, you’ll be able to save your business significant money. Route optimization software is one way that you can do so.
Route planning is a technology that uses machine learning and algorithms to get drivers from Point A to Point B in the most fuel-efficient way possible. Fleets that use route optimization software can experience savings of up to 30% each year. Route optimization software saves your fleet money on fuel by making you more efficient and improves customer service by always getting your technicians or deliveries to their destinations on time.
No. 2: Asset Tracking
If your fleet has a warehouse or lot full of assets and vehicles, you’re not alone. You may find yourself especially vulnerable to the dangers of theft. However, with asset tracking, that danger diminishes significantly.
That’s because asset tracking tracks your vehicles and assets with GPS, meaning that if something is ever stolen, you can report its exact location to authorities, increasing its chances of being recovered.
Furthermore, you can even set up virtual perimeters called geofences, meaning if your assets leave a specific boundary that you set up, you will be notified right away to take action. Asset tracking gives you peace of mind knowing that your assets are safe and sound.
No. 3: Maintenance Alerts
Of course, you’ll want to maintain your vehicles for a variety of reasons that benefit both drivers and managers. Not only does it keep the business running efficiently when vehicles aren’t breaking down on the road, but you’ll also save money in the long run on costly repairs and replacing vehicles prematurely.
That’s why maintenance alerts are a critical add-on for fleet management software. These will let you know when a vehicle has an issue that needs attention. By addressing these issues before they become a bigger problem, you save everyone a lot of headaches further down the line. Scheduled maintenance notifications also ensure that you stay on top of your vehicle’s regular maintenance to prevent issues from arising in the first place.
No. 4: eLogs
Keeping in compliance with the FMCSA’s ELD mandate may not seem like a pressing challenge, but fleets make mistakes all the time, and they pay heavy fines for their errors. That’s why it is crucial to avoid these mistakes, such as eLogs that automatically record certain statuses, so drivers don’t have the chance to make an error.
ELD mandate violations can cost anywhere from $1,214 to $182,877 if you carry hazardous materials. These fines can be catastrophic to your business, so it is vital to ensure that you take all of the proper steps to comply.
No. 5: Dashcams
Dashcams are becoming increasingly popular among larger fleets, and dual-facing dashcams go even further by detecting driver behavior as well as what’s happening on the road. If one of your vehicles is involved in an accident, dashcams are a reliable witness to relay precisely what happened.
This can exonerate your drivers while reducing the time required to resolve any accident dispute. Furthermore, most insurance carriers offer discounts to fleets with dashcams installed in their vehicles. It’s an investment that certainly saves you money in the long run.
What Fleet Management Tools are Best for Your Fleet
Selecting the best tools for your fleet depends on many factors, including your industry and goals, but a significant indicator that you should consider is how large your fleet is. Small and large fleets have vastly different needs. What features are best for each fleet size? We will outline the various options below.
Small Fleets
Small fleets face different challenges than larger fleets and therefore have different needs to consider. If you’re running a small business, your goals may involve overcoming competition, smaller budgets, and having less room for error than your competitors. Small businesses benefit best from features like route optimization, asset trackers, and eLogs. These money-saving features cut your bottom line and improve your performance.
Large Fleets
On the other hand, large fleets and enterprise-scale businesses have so many vehicles to handle that it may require an immense amount of time, skill, and staffing if not managed appropriately. There is also a less intimate environment, and maintaining employee relationships can be difficult. Fleet monitoring tools like driver rewards, maintenance alerts, and dashcams are best for larger fleets because it helps understand a large number of employees with ease.
Get the Best Fleet Management Software on the Market
Fleet management is only growing in complexity, but luckily new technologies are here to make the job easier. Fleet management software becomes more advanced as needs arise in the field, and managers will always have support if they pick the right software. Azuga offers state-of-the-art fleet management software to fleets of all sizes. Reach out to the experts at Azuga today to get started managing your fleet with ease and efficiency.
