{"id":21851,"date":"2018-08-08T09:00:34","date_gmt":"2018-08-08T13:00:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gofleet.com\/?p=21851"},"modified":"2024-12-27T21:11:07","modified_gmt":"2024-12-28T02:11:07","slug":"gps-fleet-monitoring-pro-concepts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gofleet.com\/gps-fleet-monitoring-pro-concepts\/","title":{"rendered":"GPS Fleet Monitoring: Pro Concepts"},"content":{"rendered":"
Welcome to Part 2 of our GPS fleet monitoring guide. In our last entry, we caught up with essential GPS fleet monitoring concepts such as Live Map, Rules, Fuel Reports, and Maintenance Reminders.<\/p>\n
However, Pro fleet managers go beyond average data skills by learning and using powerful tools. We\u2019ll cover some Pro-level concepts in this guide by reviewing Grouping, Advanced Coaching, Dispatching & Routing, and Engine Diagnostics.<\/p>\n
Firstly, Pro fleet managers should know how to group their fleet. Sometimes, a fleet might have multiple divisions and branches. Each branch might have their own manager and their own policies.<\/p>\n
Therefore, fleet managers need to learn how to group data. After grouping, fleet managers can create rules for each specific branch and ensure that data is only shared with its respective branch.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
For instance, Geotab has a Rules & Groups portal<\/a>. Fleet managers can manage data by clicking on Groups and adding branches. Then, fleet managers can filter Maps or Exception Reports by created groups.<\/p>\n Previously on the Essential GPS Fleet Monitoring blog post, we covered speeding rules. While speeding is absolutely an essential and useful datapoint, Pro fleet managers use other driver coaching metrics. Some of the best driver coaching data include Harsh Braking, Harsh Acceleration, and Harsh Cornering.<\/p>\n Advanced driver coaching<\/a> is a powerful GPS fleet monitoring tool because managers can give better feedback to drivers and improve fleet objectives. For instance, studies indicate that harsh acceleration is closely linked to fuel usage and distracted driving. Fleets that monitor and control harsh acceleration significantly improve fuel and safety scores.<\/p>\n Geotab monitors acceleration and braking events through G-shock detectors. Furthermore, managers can control acceleration events by playing with their sensitivity. Some of the recommended G-shock settings include:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Another Pro concept is dispatching and routing drivers. Pro fleet managers minimize fuel expense and simplify operations through effective route planning.<\/p>\n Typically, this involves plotting job sites on a map, sending jobs to drivers, and then monitoring route compliance. To illustrate, we\u2019ll show these three functions on the Geotab platform.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Firstly, fleet managers need to create routes. Fleet managers usually draw routes, import routes from a database, or use route optimization software. Geotab users can go into Zones & Messages and click Routes to create a route.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Secondly, after scheduling routes, fleet managers communicate with their team. Managers can click \u201cSend Route to Vehicle\u201d on the Routes page to send route to a driver\u2019s Geotab Drive app<\/a>. Also, managers can access the Message portal to chat with their drivers.<\/p>\n Finally, managers can monitor route compliance and productivity through reports. Two of the most popular reports include \u201cUnmatched Routes\u201d and \u201cPlanned vs. Actual Routes\u201d. Unmatched Routes indicate when drivers stop at unassigned destinations, whereas Planned vs. Actual Routes show when drivers deviate from set plans.<\/p>\n Lastly, we\u2019ll cover Engine Diagnostics Data, which is another Pro fleet management skill. While Maintenance Reminder is a good essential concept, Engine Diagnostics Data allow fleet managers to check engine codes and plan preventative maintenance.<\/p>\n Why is that so powerful? Normally, fleet managers have to take their vehicles to a shop to read engine data. However, because telematics devices remotely reads engine codes<\/a>, fleet managers can pull engine data from their desk. Managers can then decide when to take the vehicle to the shop based on fault severity.<\/p>\n Also, managers can check a vehicle\u2019s health by data such as battery voltage, cranking voltage, and engine RPM.<\/p>\nAdvanced Driver Coaching<\/h2>\n
Dispatching & routing<\/h2>\n
Scheduling Routes<\/h3>\n
Sending Jobs to Drivers<\/h3>\n
Monitoring Route Compliance<\/h3>\n
Engine Diagnostics Data<\/h2>\n
Engine Measurements<\/h3>\n