Plant maintenance crews are often overburdened. When forced to manage competing goals, they frequently resort to innovative problem-solving to keep essential assets operational. It is easy for fleet management to go to the bottom of the priority list during digital projects, with appropriate expenditures in service and maintenance being postponed. While this is reasonable, it is also risky. Like shop-floor gear and equipment, Fleet vehicles perform best when preventive maintenance is performed. Fortunately, current asset management technology can assist in keeping the fleet operational as required – without jeopardising other shop-floor operations.
Challenges to Fleet Management
Driver Shortage
In the last decade, one of the main worries for fleet managers has been a driver shortage. As the demand for freight transportation grows and the number of new driver applications remains stagnant, analysts expect a delivery driver shortage of 250,000 by 2022. Recruiting unskilled drivers can potentially cause safety difficulties and require driver monitoring measures. Technology can aid in the monitoring of driver reactions and safety practices. While such systems are beneficial, they add one more complexity to maintaining the fleet.
Cost of Fuel
Fuel prices are volatile and subject to increasing government regulation. Despite the recent drop in fuel prices, fuel costs remain unpredictable. As government regulation increases, fuel costs may increase as more is invested in renewable resources. Fleet managers are constantly looking for ways to reduce fuel consumption. Advanced driver monitoring systems can help drivers reduce fuel consumption.
Fuel-efficient technologies such as hybrid and full electric trucks, along with advanced route planning, are other ways to reduce fuel consumption. The fuel cost must be factored into each vehicle’s planned life-cycle cost, which makes the accurate monitoring of usage important. While fuel-efficient vehicles can save money, the cost of maintenance must also be considered.
Security
The security of drivers, vehicles, and cargo is always a concern. Theft is not always the top concern but is a severe risk. Cargo theft is particularly problematic in high-value industries, such as oil and gas, pharmaceuticals and electronics. Maintenance personnel will be a vital line of defence in ensuring the safety of transportation and vehicle use in plants. Technicians will not only need to examine and verify that backup systems and protections are in place, but they will also need to monitor the technologies involved in fleet operation, from dispatch to sensors monitoring brake fluid levels.
The Rise of Digitalisation
Technological advances will continue to change how we operate. Digitalisation is changing the way we work. This offers opportunities but also puts pressure on first- and third-party fleet managers. Digitalisation presents new challenges to fleet management. That’s why it’s essential to implement a fleet management system that can adapt to the ever-changing landscape. As assets become increasingly intelligent and digitalised, fleet managers will have to find new ways to monitor and manage them.
Environmental Standards
New environmental legislation and regulations are pushing businesses toward green fleet management. With high fuel costs, environmental impact and climate change mitigation becoming increasingly important, fleet managers are searching for new ways to reduce the environmental impact of their fleet.
Low-emission vehicles are often considered a solution. However, in some regions where demand for freight transport is high, and new delivery drivers are hard to recruit, more conventional means of transport may be the more cost-effective solution.
Fleet managers are also looking at reducing the environmental impact of vehicle storage and parking. According to the GEOTAB website, the top three ways fleets can improve their environmental impact are:
- Reduce idling
- Improve fuel efficiency
- Optimise route planning
Fleet managers can also conserve energy, save money and improve the environmental impact of their fleet by making sure vehicle charging systems are working correctly.
Conclusion
While there are challenges to effective fleet management, these challenges are not insurmountable. Approaching fleet management strategically, making suitable investments and implementing IT tools can make the difference.
Purchasing specific fleet management software and hardware tools is not enough. Successful fleet management takes careful planning, established processes and a culture that supports fleet management. As with any other business initiative, success relies on the buy-in and participation of all affected parties.
For advanced fleet maintenance software and systems, contact Manage Vehicle today! We provide the best business vehicle management technologies for large and small fleets that reduce costs and prolong vehicle life. Check out our GPS tracking system’s features and get a quote now!
