The primary goal of the fleet business is to make the company profitable. But, just as a structure without a solid foundation cannot last long, a business with dissatisfied people cannot thrive. This is why the majority of fleet organisations invest in fleet management software.
This system assists them in optimising their processes for greater efficiency. It also assists managers in better understanding their fleet, which leads to better optimisation strategies.
Nevertheless, before we get into the software and how it can help, we must first identify the basis of the problem. Hence, let us study more in the sections that follow.
Obstacles in Manager-Driver Relationships
Managers work tirelessly to ensure the seamless operation of a business. When this manager is dissatisfied with a company, fleets may suffer a loss. This loss might be monetary as well as productivity-related. So, what do you think are the causes of poor manager satisfaction?
Inadequate Work Allocation
If a company does not pay attention to how they assign work to their drivers, it may have negative effects later. For this process to go smoothly, managers must thoroughly research their fleet, learning about drivers and their talents.
Driver A, for example, is accustomed to driving on inclement weather conditions such as snow. Driver B, on the other hand, has minimal experience on such roads. A manager who has not thoroughly examined his fleet may jeopardise its safety by assigning the incorrect responsibilities to the wrong driver. As a result, both the fleet and the driver suffer.
Controlling Operations
Overworking drivers can be harmful to their health as well as their productivity. A fleet company that uses manual management methods may experience erratic duty assignments to their drivers. This means that some people may be given more jobs than they can handle, while others may be given little to no labour.
This circumstance might not only cause animosity among drivers, but it can also damage their productivity. Managers may also lose the faith that their drivers have placed in them.
Incorrect Payments
In firms that pay drivers based on the number of jobs they accomplish, inaccurate data collection adversely affects driver payments. Yet, the margin for error in manual management is too large to guarantee accurate data at all times.
Drivers who have to suffer as a result of this inefficiency may quit, increasing the company’s turnover rate. This not only requires companies to invest in new labour but also gives them a negative reputation.
Communication Disruptions
Communication is the most important requirement for a firm to run well. Nevertheless, when drivers and supervisors rely solely on third-party tools for direct contact, this communication becomes a burden on both sides. Drivers may be required to notify management of the status of their journey, but in order to do so safely, they must halt their car.
Managers are left in the dark regarding the status of their tasks when there is no contact for the sake of convenience. This can also be dangerous because they have no method of keeping track of their automobiles.
How Can Fleet Management Software Assist You?
Now that we understand how fleet management systems work, let us look at how drivers might profit from using them:
Live Tracking
Drivers are not required to constantly notify supervisors on their location. All they have to do is finish their assignments. Managers can use GPS tracking software to determine whether or not the drivers are on the correct course.
POD and ETA
As previously noted, communication is a major flaw in firms that rely on manual management. This is why the programme regularly updates the management on the driver’s expected arrival time at the destination site. This removes a couple of layers of communication between the two parties.
Managers have no method of knowing if their drivers have completed their jobs after completing deliveries. This causes them to chase down the drivers to find out the final status of their work/delivery. Drivers and management do not have to waste time constantly with automatic evidence of delivery. It also assists in digitally documenting proof of task accomplishment for future reference.
Dynamic Solutions
All of the solutions given by vehicle tracking systems assist drivers in better navigating their tasks. Among these options are:
- Route Planning: With this option, managers can set fixed paths for their drivers to follow while on the job. This means that drivers can avoid having to decide which roads and routes are best for their tasks.
- Fuel Monitoring: This service offers managers with real-time fuel levels for their vehicles. The quick drainage alarm allows management to notice any tank leaking, preventing drivers from becoming stranded due to low gasoline. This technology also tracks gasoline refills, making it easier for drivers to collect reimbursements for on-trip expenses.
- Driver Behaviour Monitoring: Drivers may violate traffic laws owing to a lack of awareness. This solution records such occurrences. Such difficulties are highlighted in the reports supplied by this solution for drivers. Management can thus suggest training programmes for their drivers, allowing them to advance in their careers.
- Telematics for video: DMS and ADAS are the two components of video telematics. Whereas DMS monitors drivers’ activities, ADAS monitors the roads. Managers can determine if their drivers are weary and assist them in getting enough rest by using DMS notifications. Real-time notifications from ADAs advise drivers of potential hazards, keeping them safe.
Odometer Analysis
Many contract drivers who work for fleets are compensated based on the number of tasks they perform or the distance they travel. This means that managers must have correct information on how far each car has travelled on roadways. Yet, this is difficult to achieve without the help of technology to keep track of things.
Odometers provide fleet managers with the precise distance travelled by their drivers, down to the millimetre! This makes it easier for drivers to receive proper wages. It also inspires them to work harder for better results.
Data Examination
Every employee in an organisation wishes to be recognised for their contributions. Nevertheless, standing out in a large fleet with hundreds of personnel is really difficult. This is why the fleet management system’s reporting function allows managers to examine their drivers’ productivity.
Those that put forth effort in the work can shine with this clarity and greater visibility. Finally, this reduces employee discontent while also lowering turnover. Incentives for hardworking personnel can help stimulate the entire driver force to put in more effort, favourably improving the fleet’s production.
Summing Up
Finally, a happy crew is essential for a successful fleet business. This is why a fleet management system is an essential investment for your company.
Managers are responsible for serving as the contact between fleet business owners and drivers. Businesses must decrease their burden in order to continue producing high-quality work. In these circumstances, a fleet management system is an excellent complement to the firm.
TrackoBit is a fleet management software that helps managers better plan and organise their fleet. It lowers the need for manual management while simultaneously protecting managers from errors.
