What is a Fleet Management System?
Fleet management systems consist of digital software solutions that help fleet managers track and monitor vehicles, drivers, and cargo. These systems also help manage and analyze the data captured by the software, which includes vehicle location and speeds, driver behavior, and route deficiencies and efficiencies.
Fleet Management System Definition
Fleet management systems are a suite of software solutions that perform a variety of functions for fleet managers. They can locate and track vehicles and cargo, determine the most efficient routes for each driver, and monitor vehicle systems to assist with the proper maintenance of the entire fleet.
What is a Fleet Management System?
A fleet management system includes software that is commonly installed on a device within the vehicle (i.e., telematics device, tablet, smartphone) that is connected to the vehicle system so that it can access speed, location, and other vehicle data. Fleet managers are then able to access the software in the back office, which provides data on every vehicle.
What is a Cloud Fleet Management System?
A cloud fleet management system, also denoted as software as a service (SaaS), commonly refers to solutions that do not require hardware to be installed in or on the vehicle. Everything is captured through a tablet or mobile device in the vehicle and fleet managers then access the data through an online portal that requires a sign-in. These portals can be accessed not only in the office, but on the go, at home, or from a smartphone.
What is Enterprise Fleet Management?
Enterprise fleet management consists of a solution that covers all necessary services to run an effective fleet, including preventive maintenance, repairs, efficient routing, fleet optimization, and driver safety, as well as finding ways to reduce the overall fleet costs and optimize all operations.
Common Fleet Management System Features
The most common fleet management system features include vehicle tracking, fuel management, driver behavior observation, maintenance scheduling, vehicle code/alarm notification, driver hours of service, route optimization, and documentation. This one tool automates many of the jobs that fall under the fleet managers title, allowing them to focus on driver and vehicle safety, procurement, and customer satisfaction.
Fleet Management System Requirements
In most cases, fleet management software can be installed on any computer, tablet, or smartphone. Fleet managers and their drivers must be trained on how to best use the system to ensure they are getting the most out of the solution they select.
Fleet Management System Cost
As many fleet management systems offer a cloud option, most fleets do not need to purchase and install sometimes costly hardware to track vehicles, drivers, and overall fleet operations. As most systems can be installed on a computer, tablet, or smartphone, fleets must only pay the monthly software costs, similar to a cell phone plan. On average, this amounts to about $35 per vehicle per month.
Benefits of Fleet Management System
There are several benefits to using a fleet management system, including the ability to operate remotely, increased vehicle lifespan, improvements in safety, reduced operational costs, and access to real-time data and notifications. Fleets also have the ability to analyze the data pulled from each vehicle to determine if their selected routes are efficient, whether drivers are performing safely, which routes can be combined, and whether or not you need to righ-tsize your fleet with more, fewer, or different vehicles.
Disadvantages of Fleet Management System
While there are some disadvantages to fleet management systems, they are often outweighed by the benefits. There are cases where it takes time for the managers and drivers to fully understand and correctly utilize the software. Obviously, there are extra costs involved, whether through the monthly service charge or the need to purchase hardware or devices for each vehicle. Fleets also need to ensure they have a reliable network to access the system.
How Does LifeSaver Work With Fleet Management Systems?
LifeSaver Mobile is an app-based, hardware-free distracted driving solution that helps prevent drivers from using their mobile devices while driving. In combination and partnered with fleet management systems and solutions, LifeSaver Mobile’s distraction avoidance technology helps tackle fleet safety from a preventive and proactive approach. Easy to install and deploy, LifeSaver Mobile complements fleet management systems with no additional hardware to install in the vehicle.
