For fleets, focusing on safety means more than reducing personal injury or eliminating the potential for vehicle damage. Safety behind the wheel can result in many direct and indirect benefits for your fleet.
It is normal for a fleet manager to always want his drivers to be on their best behavior. However, this is not always the case. Each company will always have employees with an aggressive style of driving who will often take unnecessary risks in traffic. This can be a problem for multiple reasons. For starters, the constant accelerating and braking used by an aggressive driver results in fuel-inefficiency. A fleet manager will want all of his vehicles to be driven in a smooth and safe manner whenever it is being used in order to maximize fuel efficiency. With GoFleet’s driver safety tracking, fleet managers can track a vehicle throughout the day—how hard your employees corner, how hard they brake, their fuel consumption, etc.
Another issue is the image that these drivers are creating for their companies. When one of their drivers cuts somebody off in traffic or exhibits risky behavior on the road, not only does this anger other drivers but the reputation of your business is tainted and compromised. Suffice to say, bad news travels faster than good news and your company will have a public relations nightmare if your drivers engage in unsafe driving behaviour. Your employees represent your business.
Having an unsafe driver is simply bad for business. Your employees’ actions can cost you money. If your driver ever gets into an accident, it is the employer that is left footing the bill and having to pay more on insurance. That is where fleet employee safety tracking will make a world of difference. With GoFleet’s OBD GPS Tracking System, you will have all the necessary details at your fingertips and you will be able to track the driving performance of each of your employees.
Having this kind of accountability will only serve to make all of your drivers more responsible on the road. You do not need to be constantly checking up on them in order to make sure that they are driving responsibly. By integrating GoFleet’s Driver Safety Tracking, most drivers will represent your company well on the field. By giving you the best resources possible and give you up-to-date metrics, you will be able to rectify any business inefficiencies.
The most impressive aspect of a fleet employee safety tracking system is the level of detail it provides. You can find out anything from average speeds to top speeds to hard braking and this can give you a clear picture of how each of your drivers behaves in traffic. This can also make it much easier for you to set future goals for the company. It will be much easier for you to monitor the developments and see which drivers are complying with your business goals and objectives.
Then there is also the aspect of the drivers that do everything by the book. Until now, it may have been hard to differentiate the exemplary employees in your workforce. Through GoFleet’s driver safety tracking system, we help report those who standout and create new benchmarks in what constitutes an exemplary employee. You can compensate and rate performances accordingly.
The objective to help manage a fleet is to have a consultant based mind which can help provide customers with the appropriate solutions; this will not only satisfy the customer, but will also start the process of tailoring the solution to their needs.
One of the most successful approaches, which we often use at the early stage of the process, is known as the “Cookie Cutter Approach”. It’s used to help customers focus on small metrics instead of taking on all data at once. This helps them to manage and organize data more efficiently. Also, only the required data should be discussed with the customer, as they require. Too much data and reports should be refrained from.
Another alternative approach we use is the “Pillar System”. It’s very similar to the Cookie Cutter Approach but the difference is that the Pillar System is a step-by-step overview of which metrics should take place before the other. This helps create a timeline in regards to how data and reports can be implemented as needed.
Once a system is established and in place, we start incorporating new data and reports along with the management process. Groups and rules will be categorized to help organize and manage a customer’s fleet. For bigger fleets, Security Clearances will be taken into consideration, as this should become a mandatory requirement.
Our fleet consultants understand the importance of how a fleet looks at their data once they are set up within the system. It is also important for them to understand how fleets manage their prospect levels and level of acceptance within their organization. Each fleet is managed differently, so it is important to understand how they currently manage and which data and information would be most suitable for each fleet. Our consultants often recommend different types of Risk Reports that should be used. Reports are also customized and designed to help factor towards fleet motivation compared to using default reports; data is tailored according to fleet.
Understanding fleet violations as a company is also an important factor. Relevant data can be used to develop a management system to incorporate an escalation process in regards to fleet violations. If an enforcement policy is not implemented, it is important for a fleet to create and implement an enforcement policy. This will help drivers within a fleet to have the decision of making the right choice. Areas for further review should be identified, as this is important to help further understand a fleet.
Once areas that require further review are identified, simple reports will be created to begin assessing these areas. Reports should be set-up to be sent to the correct user in order to improve productivity. We explain the data that is collected and help identify the following targets.
As a consultant, being professional is not a label, but a view.
Our fleet consultants have the drive to give exceptional service
and save our customers money.
Written by: Nitin Mehta, Account Management & Support Specialist
There is one thing you can always count on with trends in GPS fleet management systems, constant change. Fleet managers should stay on top of the current fleet management trends because the new technologies can be used to improve fleet operations, improve efficiencies and improve costs.
More Tablet and Smartphone Integration
GPS management systems are becoming more integrated with smartphones and tablets. This capability allows fleet managers to have job dispatch information, vehicle diagnostics and vehicle tracking at their fingertips no matter where they are. They will be able to make decisions about the fleet in real-time even when they are out of the office. This will help businesses control vehicle maintenance costs, reduce drivers’ poor driving habits, and lower fuel costs.
Customer Access
Some businesses are taking the use of GPS management systems to improve customer service a step further. These companies are allowing their customers to log into their GPS management systems application directly. Customers are able to check the vehicle locations in relation to their delivery, service needs and much more.
Other businesses are letting carriers and shippers access their GPS management systems application to improve receiving scheduling. Delivery companies are able to make better decisions about planning, and keep their drivers productive and happy.
Integration With Social Media
Some businesses are using GPS fleet management systems to let their customers know about the locations of their fleet. For example, food trucks companies are posting their fleet’s exact location on social media. They automatically update the GPS location to their Twitter and Facebook followers. Integrating the GPS management systems with social media applications helps the followers know where the food trucks are in the area, makes it easier to acquire more customers and helps the company cater to their loyal followers.
As more and more companies discover the different ways to use GPS location data to appeal to their employees and customers, more companies will integrate their GPS management systems with social media.
We offer a web-based GPS fleet management software solution; see all your driver and vehicle information in one place and use it to make quicker, better-informed decisions for your business.
Advanced reporting flexibility makes managing your fleet easier. Start out with our standard reports, and make them more meaningful by tailoring them to your specific business needs. Easily gather, run and utilize the information you want the way you want it whenever you want it.
Increase safe driving habits with in-vehicle driver feedback and coaching tools. Shared vehicles can still be individually identified with our Driver ID NFC technology.
Our devices collect and respond to common status information in your vehicle. This includes engine light, engine RPM, engine hours, seatbelt, odometer, emissions, vehicle battery voltage and vehicle identification number (VIN).
See where your vehicles are in real-time or choose a custom date and look back to see where your vehicles have been. Our patented algorithms provide you with accurate and detailed trip information.
Reduce vehicle mileage and fuel consumption through creating zones and routes for your drivers. Also, our GPS for fleets solution lets you compare actual routes versus planned routes.
Be alerted to potential critical engine health issues and easily prioritize repairs necessary for your vehicles. Detect issues early by focusing on proactive vehicle maintenance and setup vehicle maintenance reminders.
The open software development kit (SDK) allows you to integrate vehicle and location information into your company’s operations or with third party add-on/add-in applications.
Design your own business relevant maps which are automatically combined with the application’s vehicle information. Flexibility in map views, legends and zone shapes and sizes allow for further customization.
Source: http://www.geotab.com/fleet-management-software
Geotab Drive is a savvy Hours of Service electronic logging device (ELD) and vehicle inspection application.
The FMCSA regulates commercial driving; they are getting ready to release a new set of rules in September, 2015. The regulation changes add clarity around the types of devices, how they are allowed to communicate, and what and how data is presented. These regulations have been debated and argued for the last several years leaving the rules to be highly anticipated.
It is expected in September 2015 fleets will need to switch from paper to electronic logs and Geotab is working hard to ensure the devices are fully in compliance with the new ELD rules. Depending on whether or not fleets are already using electronic logs or are still using paper logs, the transition period slightly differs. Any Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) has to transition from paper logs to ELD within 2 years after the release date of the new rules. Fleets using an AOBRD on the date of the release of the new regulations have 4 years to make the transition to the new ELD rules.
The Benefits of Geotab Drive
Geotab Drive is currently available on the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. The application connects to the GPS GO Device in order to provide an automated process for creating accurate records of the drivers time spent in each duty status: On Duty Not Driving, Driving, Sleeper Berth, and Off Duty. The system is very user friendly and gives drivers more time to complete their daily tasks by simplifying the annoyance of always documenting their time. Through automating vehicle inspection reporting and driver logs, and depending on the number of duty status changes required by the driver to record, fleets are finding as much as an extra hour a day! That translates into lots of added productivity, not to mention the increased accuracy of the reports.
Where is it heading?
These features provide some amazing advantages to fleets, however the future of Geotab Drive is even more compelling. There will be support for two-way messaging for safe communication with the driver and ease of dispatch. Just like the MyGeotab software offers add-in ability to the base software, Geotab Drive will soon have the same functionality. This will allow end user fleets and other value added partners to add functionality directly into the Drive application.
For example, an add-in that shows a driver how many deliveries he made today on-time, based on his scheduling and routing software, or how closely he met the estimated miles on the projected route from the scheduling and routing program. Another option would be to provide the driver interface to a dispatch application where a driver has one application for all of his or her in-vehicle needs for HOS and dispatch.
Original Article By: Stephanie Voelker, Sales Manager at Geotab
http://www.geotab.com/blog/taking-look-geotab-drive/
Our plug and play GPS devices make installation a breeze; it’s quick, easy, and doesn’t require any special tools or the assistance of a professional installer.
Many of our competitors who do not offer a plug and play GPS device, will often argue hard-wire GPS devices are the better option.
They claim that plug and play GPS devices:
As our current customers are well aware of, these plug and play issues are not the case for our devices.
Benefits of Plug and Play GPS Device Installation:
When looking for a GPS solution provider, make sure you carefully examine your options. There are many myths about different GPS providers and solutions so it is important you do your research. We are confident in our solution, which is why we are happy to offer a free 30 day trial for you to see just how much we can help you optimize and streamline your business.
Global Positioning Systems (better known as GPS), a technology many of us have started to rely on daily, turns 20 years old today!
On July 17th, 1995, full operational capacity was announced by the Air Force. Two decades ago, global positioning systems had 24 satellites in orbit, providing global 24-hour coverage. Worldwide, 4 billion GPS-enabled devices currently exist according to the Global Navigation Satellite Systems Agency, and that number is expected to double in the next 5 years.
It all started out as a military effort, so that airplanes and troops would know exactly where they are. Since the development of GPS, it has taken on multiple purposes, from navigating your way around, to knowing where your fleet vehicles are located in real-time for better management, to finding things that have seemed to disappear.
GPS helps fight crime, especially when it comes to stolen vehicles. If your vehicle has a GPS tracker installed, and your vehicle gets stolen, you will be able to track down your car and also hopefully the person responsible for the crime.
GPS has improved and expanded so much in the last 20 years, it will be interesting to see how much more it will develop and grow over the next 20 years.
Sources:
9 News: GPS Turns 20 Years Old This Week
Fed Pulse: GPS Turns 20
Productivity, Safety, Fleet Optimization, Compliance & Expandability make up the five pillar approach. This supports our ongoing innovation and assists businesses in making improvements in identified target areas. Each pillar offers a different way for businesses to save money and time. Unfortunately, many assume large fleets are the only ones to achieve significant savings; it’s important to recognize small to medium sized fleets can also reap these benefits.
According to Frost and Sullivan, approximately 80% of fleets have under 10 vehicles, and most of these fleets do not have a fleet management solution (telematics). Also, it’s interesting to note that in order to be considered a “fleet”, a business must have bought 5 vehicles in a year and have a total of 15 vehicles in operation. In the June 2015 issue of Automotive Fleet, it’s explained that any commercial entities with under 15 vehicles are not considered to be a fleet.
1) Low initial investment
Some common initial expenses often associated with a new fleet management solution include: installation, testing, calibration and vehicle downtime during the setup process. Lucky for you, GoFleet & Geotab have made it as easy and low-cost as possible to get started. Geotab’s GO GPS devices are plug-and-play, not only do they eliminate install fees, but they also plug directly into the vehicle’s OBDII port, allowing for almost no downtime, and communication almost immediately after install. These benefits makes the Gofleet ideal small fleet management solution.
Minimal Entry Learning Curve
The learning curve involved in a barrier for any new tasks. Since a multi-tasking fleet manager is more likely for smaller fleets, although a fleet management solution may seem intriguing, finding enough time to properly utilize the solution may not seem achievable.
However, some of the features that can save you the most money (like in-cab driver alerts/coaching or maintenance warnings) are very quick and easy to learn and offer a high benefit-to-work ratio. For example, we frequently see our customers experience 5-10% fuel savings as a result of improved driver behavior alone, with other cases reaching beyond that. We also see savings of around 11% (but sometimes even up to 25%) on car insurance by adopting a small fleet management solution. Low initial investment combined with automated savings mean you’ll se a return on investment sooner than ever.
3) Ultimate flexibility and customization
On top of the many saving benefits, many small fleets are currently taking advantage of our customizable solution. There are thousands of compelling and unique ways to optimize and grow your business using our fleet management solution. For example, one of our current customers Boston Pizza, was looking for a solution to track their drivers. Not only did they gain real-time driver visibility, but with our solution they were also able to double the volume of their deliveries. Through the many add-ons we also have available, Excel reports, and the SDK, we are confident we can help you grow and better manager your business.
Our small fleet customers are able to save more than ever through our fleet management solution. We are also happy to offer weekly free training sessions and custom database configurations.
Original Article By: Jay Boychuk, European Solutions Engineer at Geotab
http://www.geotab.com/blog/telematics-untapped-breaking-barriers-small-fleets/
The Telematics industry is becoming more transparent allowing fleet managers to efficiently track company fleet and gain engine diagnostic information and measure fleet productivity all using fleet management software.
In today’s economy, companies are trying to reduce operating costs by any or all means. As one of the top business operating expense, fleet managers are under pressure to keep costs as lean as possible while continuing to maintain productivity. This often leads to keeping vehicles on the road for an extended period of time leading to a huge cost build-up in the long run.
Company operations and profitability is most affected during vehicle downtime and to help fleet managers avoid make clouded decisions GoFleet has partnered with OnCommand Connection for engine diagnostic information and immediate maintenance. Basically, a partnership to help identify the potential problem beforehand, lower repair costs and eventually increase fleet uptime.
How Can GoFleet Help?
For Sales Managers:
Offering an effective fleet management program will help sales managers offer an all rounded service i.e. Vehicle + OnCommand Connection. This adds value to the dealership by providing customers with the ability to streamline their business.
How we help you sell more vehicles:
For Service Managers:
Maximizing service and providing the best customer experience can be especially challenging when you don’t have up to date information on the health of your vehicles.
How we help you increase service and improve customer experience:
To learn more about OnCommand Connection contact us and we will be happy to discuss its benefits and features with you!