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Managing a fleet is complex. It’s not just keeping track of drivers on the road but also monitoring vehicle maintenance, fuel use, service delivery and compliance. This is never going to be simple! In a recent survey of transport professionals conducted by Teletrac Navman, the results highlighted common day-to-day challenges that can make it even more difficult. Managing costs tops the list, followed by growing revenue, minimising accidents, managing regulatory changes and retaining customers.
Faced with these hurdles, it’s not surprising that 94 per cent of respondents plan to invest in new technology. To improve operational efficiency and keep drivers safe, businesses of all shapes and sizes are implementing solutions that offer greater productivity and peace of mind.
Integrating smart systems
Fleet management is a growing market in Australia, with Berg Insight predicting 1.4 million systems will be in use by 2021. But technology isn’t nearly as effective if you still have to pore over spreadsheets or manually compare data from other business functions like payroll or security. This explains why 44 per cent of transport executives are looking at ways to better integrate their systems. Consider the ability to track the time drivers spend on the road — from turning the key in the ignition to stepping out of the vehicle — and send this straight to an online payroll system. Or connecting GPS tracking data with your invoicing system to automatically bill customers for the exact time spent on site. This sort of automation leads to less time spent on manual tasks and happier customers and staff, by combining insights and streamlining everyday processes.
Automating compliance
Complying with strict regulations is a perpetual challenge for any transport business. Our survey shows 70 per cent of respondents consider fatigue management to be their top compliance concern, and almost two-thirds are considering new technologies to monitor fatigue. This doesn’t come as a shock, especially given a recent Macquarie University study revealed 82 per cent of truck drivers work more than 50 hours a week. But when you’re reliant on drivers accurately completing logbooks, it’s difficult to pinpoint where the problem lies – are they being given an unreasonable number of jobs to complete, or are they deliberately skipping breaks to get things done faster? Automated solutions, like electronic work diaries, are becoming a vital tool to tackle fatigue by recording accurate work and rest times. Smart solutions also alert drivers when they need to take a break, actively reducing the risk of breaching fatigue rules.
Technology is rapidly becoming par for the course in the transport industry, with fleet managers reporting wide-ranging benefits from telematics. The next step is to take advantage of integrated solutions that let you connect all your operations and automate tasks, so you can focus your attention on more important things — like growing your business.
Want to find out more about the technology trends in transport? Download the free in-depth report results.