As a manager, having a complete overlook on how efficiently your vehicle fleet is doing can be challenging from time to time. There are too many things in play to just wing it free-hand. Good fleet maintenance software can help you by allowing you easy access to data about any specific vehicle across your entire fleet. It will provide you with insight into the location of the vehicles, safety, upcoming maintenance and a lot more. If you’d like to know how to choose the best option, stay with us as we’ll try to highlight the most important features this software should offer.
1. Easy To Use
One of the first things to consider is how easy the software is to implement and eventually use. If the software is way too complex and requires months of training to efficiently use, it’s probably not worth it. You should look for an easy to use the software.
2. Around The Clock Support
Another thing to look for is the 24-hour support system, just in case, anything goes wrong. You don’t want to be left high and dry when you don’t know how to deal with the software problem. Always look for a reliable support service.
3. GPS Tracking
If you’d like complete control and insight into your fleet, you’ll need a fleet maintenance software with GPS tracking option. This should improve and make managing a fleet way easier. GPS tracking is vital because it gives you an insight as to where every vehicle is at any given time. One thing to know about GPS is whether it shows the live status or is it being updated every few minutes. A few minutes delay may not seem like a big deal, but it is. With live feed, you have exact information at all times, so it’s easier to direct drivers in case there’s a traffic jam or anything of sorts.
4. HOS
HOS, or hours of service, is one of the regulations that need to be followed. This regulation is set in place in order to regulate the amount of time a single driver spends behind the wheel. This ensures that every driver has their break on time and stays sharp while on the road. Look for this option, so you can be sure your drivers are following the law and staying well-rested.
5. Route Performance
One of the best ways to ensure the efficiency of the fleet is to know which are the best routes to take. Good fleet maintenance software gives you insight into the overall performance of every route, so you can see if there are any improvements to be made. Devising an efficient route, both time and money-wise, is one of the best ways to improve your business.
6. Price
Naturally, one of the most important factor when making a decision is the price. In most cases, you’ll be charged per vehicle, either monthly or annually. Compare the prices, take a look at your budget and try to find the best solution possible. Analyse your needs, that way, you won’t overpay for services that aren’t necessary.
7. Maintenance And Diagnostics
Every vehicle needs to be maintained in order to work properly. You don’t want to be caught off guard by a failure or an accident caused by a faulty vehicle. Keep track of all the vehicles with a fleet maintenance software, know when they are scheduled for regular maintenance or pull data straight from the vehicle’s diagnostics system.
8. Fuel Consumption
By monitoring the fuel consumption of every vehicle in your fleet, you can significantly cut your expenses. a good software fill help identify the areas in which you can improve fuel consumption efficiency.
As you can see, this is something that every fleet manager should consider adding to this to his business. As we’ve said, analyse your needs and if you see that you can benefit from it – give it a try.