Whether you’re looking for small fleet taxi dispatch software or need routing for an enterprise fleet of long haul truckers, there are a few things you’ll want to look for in your fleet dispatch software. Some features will be more beneficial for one industry over another, so it’s important to consider your fleet’s specific needs. Here are some of the top features all fleet dispatch software should provide.
Simple Installation
The first real interaction you’re going to have with your dispatch software is the installation process. If you’re frustrated with the process before you even get the software up and running, that’s never a good sign. This is why it’s vital to find a software solution that offers easy installation with top-notch customer support.
One of the best options is a tracking device that simply plugs into the vehicle’s OBD port. This means no complicated installation that requires your maintenance technologists to get involved. Yet, you still get the benefits of a tracking system that interfaces directly with your fleet’s on-board computers.
Real-Time Tracking with GPS
Believe it or not, there are still some dispatch options that don’t offer real-time tracking via GPS. This is an outdated method, and it’s also crippling to a fleet that should be able to make dispatch decisions and changes on the fly.
Look for a solution that offers you the ability to see exactly where each of your vehicles are at any given time. Armed with this perspective, you’ll be able to add in stops that pop up during the day, or reroute drivers around a traffic jam or road hazard with ease. Not only that, if one of your drivers has a medical emergency or is involved in an accident, you’ll know exactly where to send help, even if the driver is unconscious.
ETA Details
In any customer-facing fleet, the ability to pinpoint approximately when your driver will arrive at the destination is key to good customer service. Today’s consumers expect delivery notifications with updates as their package progresses. Service calls can no longer get away with giving a time window of several hours. People want to know when you’re going to arrive so they can be ready to greet you at the door.
Even fleets that only go between their own facilities can benefit from ETA data. If you’re delivering to your own company’s stores, it’s helpful to let store managers know when to staff up to receive a truckload of products. If you’re ferrying construction equipment to a site, it’s always best to know when it will arrive. It’s hard to think of a fleet type where having accurate ETAs would not be beneficial.
Telematics
If your fleet isn’t taking advantage of the wealth of data available from telematics reporting, you’re missing out. Telematics offers insight into your fleet’s daily operations that can boost safety, enhance productivity, and improve processes across the board.
In fleet dispatch, a robust telematics reporting system means more uptime, better safety, improved routing, and so much more. You can monitor all sorts of fleet data, depending on your dispatch telematics solution. Look for one that hits the key points of your fleet’s operational difficulties to help improve on problem areas and streamline daily routines.
Safe Driver Programs
The last thing any fleet manager wants is to have a driver injured on the job, or worse. For this reason, it’s vital to implement a safety program in your fleet, encouraging your drivers toward defensive driving and other best safety practices. Yet some fleet managers don’t realize that your dispatch software can be a strong partner in working toward your fleet’s safety goals.
Choose a software that tracks not only driver locations and arrival times, but also monitors risky behaviors. Look for one that will tell you when a driver has a habit of speeding or hard braking. But beware of safety programs that feel more like big brother and less like encouragement for your drivers. Instead, use safety data to encourage healthy competition toward safer driving by rewarding your top performers regularly. This boosts morale and helps to create a culture of safety within your fleet.
Maintenance Alerts
Downtime can kill productivity in any fleet. The best dispatch software in the world is only useful when your vehicles are operational. Keep all of your fleet’s vehicles in peak operating condition with predictive maintenance and engine status alerts.
A good dispatch software will interface with your fleet’s on-board computers, giving you a clear picture of any minor mechanical problems that may become a bigger issue down the road. Armed with knowledge, you can fix tiny issues before they turn into major mechanical problems that lead to breakdowns and other catastrophes.
Help with Compliance
Finally, you want to keep ahead of compliance standards in order to avoid fines and legal troubles. An integrated dispatch solution should also help keep your fleet in compliance. You’ll want a device that meets ELD standards, keeping track of your drivers’ HOS data for easy reporting. It’s best to also look for one that helps with DVIR processes, recording inspection information and prompting drivers to complete a DVIR should they forget.
Looking for a fleet dispatch software solution that does all this and more? Contact Azuga for a free demo today and learn how our fleet software can benefit your fleet, no matter its size or type.
