Fleet management is a complex, data-intensive process. As a fleet manager, it’s important to focus on the primary datasets you should be looking at in order to make informed decisions.
Data dives should always help save money, maximize performance, and improve customer service. In this article, we will discuss the most important data points for fleet managers and explain how they impact fleet performance.
Customer Service Metrics
Customer service data is a key metric for any business, but it’s especially important for fleet managers. This data can help you understand how your drivers are performing and identify areas where they need improvement. Fleet managers should track customer service data points such as:
- Number of complaints
- Average response time
- Customer satisfaction rating
Complaints can be a valuable source of feedback for fleet managers. By tracking the number of complaints, you can identify patterns and areas where your drivers need improvement.
Response time is also important, as it can impact customer satisfaction. If customers are unhappy with the response time, they may be less likely to use your services in the future.
Finally, customer satisfaction ratings provide a good overview of how your drivers are performing. If you see a decline in ratings, it may be an indication that your drivers need more training or support.
Vehicle Location and Speed
Vehicle location and speed data can also be used to improve customer service. By tracking these data points, you can ensure that your drivers are taking the most efficient routes possible. Furthermore, you can give more accurate updates for when loads will be delivered, and you can see if speed factors are hurting your bottom line.
Fuel Level and Economy
Fuel level and fuel economy are two other critical data points for fleet managers. Fuel economy impacts your bottom line, so it’s important to track this data point closely. You can use fuel level data to monitor your vehicles’ fuel usage and identify potential problems.
Sometimes the issue could be how the driver handles the vehicle. Other times, it could be a problem at the manufacturer level. You won’t know unless you’re closely monitoring.
Engine Diagnostics and Fault Codes
Engine diagnostics and fault codes can help you identify mechanical problems with your vehicles and take corrective action. As with fuel economy, driver behavior data is also important. That’s because it can help you identify risky driving habits.
Fleet drivers might engage in many risky driving habits, such as speeding, tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, texting while driving, and talking on the phone while driving. These habits put themselves and other motorists at risk. Additionally, they increase the chances of being involved in a collision or receiving a ticket.
Speeding is one of the most common risky driving habits. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), it’s a factor in 27 percent of all fatal crashes annually. By monitoring data points like these, you can make your fleet safer and more efficient.
Maintenance History
Maintenance history and upcoming service intervals are other key areas of focus for fleet managers. Tracking these data points ensures that fleet vehicles are properly maintained, thus avoiding costly breakdowns and repairs. Every day that a fleet vehicle is not on the move or sits empty is a day that costs your company money. You can greatly reduce those days by simply tracking the maintenance actions taken.
Parts Inventory Levels and Ordering
Parts inventory levels and ordering patterns are also important for fleet managers to monitor. Tracking these ensure that your fleet vehicles have the parts they need when they need them. That means your drivers aren’t sitting around twiddling their thumbs while waiting on a belt or spark plug or some other simple fix.
Traffic and Weather
Traffic congestion data is another important consideration for fleet management. This data can help you plan routes around traffic hot spots and avoid delays. Weather conditions are also important to consider, as they can impact your fleet’s performance. That means the data you follow should be both vehicle- and route-focused.
Knowledge Is Power When It Comes to Fleet Management
Fleet management is a complex process, but by focusing on the primary data points listed above, you can improve overall performance and save money in the process. Empower your fleet manager, drivers, and other logistical personnel with the knowledge they need to operate at maximum efficiency. The rest will take care of itself.If you need help from a firm that understands these new technologies and how they can positively impact fleet performance, look no further than the team at J&A Fleet. We are a top provider serving Morris, Wilmington, Joliet, Shorewood, Gardner, and nearby cities in Illinois. We’re also proud to serve Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, and beyond in the state of Florida. Contact us today!