Eqstra Fleet Management has some advice for fleet managers wanting to derive benefits from technology.

Monitor Engine Alerts
Various fleet management tracking solutions continually track the health of engines and automatically notify fleet managers of potential engine problems by sending alerts. These alerts enable them to take necessary steps to ensure that the vehicle functions properly. Armed with this kind information, you can determine whether a vehicle needs to be taken off the road for immediate servicing – which helps prevent expensive roadside breakdowns.

Maintenance Scheduling
Preventative maintenance procedures are based on manufacturer’s specifications which are directly linked to mileage travelled. By obtaining regular odometer updates, fleet owners can pro-actively manage scheduled maintenance ensuring all warranty specifications are adhered to and reduce unscheduled maintenance events and unnecessary downtime.

Reduce Unnecessary Driving
By keeping the mileage as low as possible, the driver can reduce the wear and tear on a vehicle. This will extend operational life and reduce labour and repair costs. A fleet tracking management system helps monitor both unnecessary and unauthorised driving by routing vehicles more efficiently, tracking locations, and monitoring off-hours usage. Many tracking systems come with GPS connection capabilities, which can further reduce vehicle mileage by providing drivers with accurate directions.

Reduce Fleet Idle Times
Excessive idle time is one of the leading causes of fuel waste, with heavy-duty vehicles burning up to 3 litres of diesel fuel for each hour of idling. It also contributes to engine wear and tear and increases maintenance costs. By monitoring vehicle idle times around the clock, you can set thresholds that identify vehicles with excessive idle times and automatically shuts down the vehicle. You can also use customizable alert notices and reporting features to acquire the data you need to set goals for reducing idle time and coaching drivers to achieve the desired results.

Keep An Online Maintenance History
Integrated fleet management systems eliminate the problem of lost or inaccurate maintenance paperwork by providing a complete online service history of every vehicle in your fleet. You can quickly and easily enter or update service records online or have access to information that is already updated should you outsource this function.

The system provides a number of reports – such as Service Records and Sensors – that provide the data needed to analyze fleet maintenance problems and identify areas for improvement. Reviewing historic maintenance costs allows you to identify the mechanics and outside service providers that deliver the best service at the best prices. In addition, many systems will provide automatic vehicle recall notices from manufacturers, allowing you to immediately pull vehicles off the road (if necessary) and schedule the appropriate repairs in a timely manner.

Fleet Maintenance Simplified
With the right fleet management technology, you can:

• Streamline maintenance processes and procedures
• Reduce vehicle downtime
• Manage suppliers costs
• Identify and reduce duplicate work by mechanics and vendors
• Make informed maintenance decisions.
• Manage driver behaviour

As you begin to see these kinds of results, you’ll notice that more work involves scheduled maintenance and less work involves emergency or unexpected repairs. At the same time, more of your vehicles will go from one scheduled maintenance session to the next without a breakdown. If you maintain and service your own vehicles, you will also notice that labour overtime decreases as vehicle breakdowns and unexpected repairs decline.

Achieving these results requires a proactive approach to fleet maintenance. If you wait until your vehicles break down, it will cost more, reduce fleet efficiency, and put the safety of your drivers at risk.

Fleet technology systems provide the tools you need to improve your entire maintenance process and operate your fleet safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively.