Fleet metrics help managers track, measure, and decide on the best actions to improve the company’s operations. Decisions are made thanks to the comprehensive and organized gathering of all the necessary data for these metrics. Based on the tracked metrics, managers can see how they can better run the fleet, boost profit, and improve overall efficiency. They have instant access to the exact metrics needed to move the business forward, such as fuel management, route performance, and hours of service, just to name a few.
Why are Fleet Metrics Important to Fleet Managers?
Fleet metrics for fleet managers show which areas the company can improve on. The data is categorized and includes the results they assess to see if drivers are meeting their key performance indicators. Other metrics help managers analyze if the company has met or exceeded the overall business goals.
ELDs or electronic logging devices track important fleet metrics. The ELDs gather the data from GPS tracking devices connected to the vehicle’s engines. Based on the gathered data, fleet managers can strategize new ways for their fleet to perform better. For example, recorded instances of a driver’s positive and risky behavior will give context to how they can be coached. With so much information available, managers can break down the fleet metrics into three categories:
1. Maintenance Metrics are measurements offering insights into how the personnel and other aspects are operating in a facility, or in this case, your fleet’s vehicles.
2. Cost Metrics are all measurements that involve expenses, costs, and budgets in your fleet.
3. Driver and Asset Metrics are measured according to the driver’s performance and routes they take using your company’s assets.
Read on to find out more about these three essential fleet metrics and how they will help managers run their companies.
Maintenance Metrics
Inspection Results and Repair Turnover
Regular vehicle inspections ensure the long-term health of the fleet. A mobile app is able to help you streamline these inspections–from the schedule, regular check-ups, and the results to the implemented repairs–organizes all the relevant information for fleet managers. The accessibility enables managers to monitor how long vehicles are in the shop and assess the service reports done based on the repairs. Managers can also record and analyze the costs that come with each inspection and change.
Preventive Maintenance Schedules
Prevention is better than a cure; tracking and analyzing all routine maintenance helps avoid any future vehicle breakdowns. Your operations are streamlined and continued accordingly based on the maintenance schedules and required work per session. If a vehicle needs more repairs, you can see which drivers and trucks can perform any extra duties based on the provided maintenance information.
Diagnostic Trouble Codes & Odometer Readings
DTCs warn drivers of hazardous vehicle malfunctions like high engine temperatures and tire pressure. A fleet metric tracker will alert you of these DTCs so you can start the maintenance process immediately. At the same time, you can document the mileage and condition of the vehicle based on the DTC provided. Managers can assess any malfunctions that occur and analyze the maintenance provided.
Cost and Performance Metrics
Total Cost of Ownership
It’s also crucial to track the routes drivers take to finish all journeys. The routes not only show how long it took but also the fuel used, the efficiency of the route itself, and how drivers perform based on the locations covered. You can also assess how drivers acted based on the conditions of the route, especially for important factors like weather, potential accidents, and traffic.
Asset Utilization and Reduce Downtime
Efficient use of the fleet’s vehicles is also essential to long-term growth and smooth operations. Fleet metrics can also track your fleet over long periods of time and determine which ones are under or over-utilized. Managers can see which vehicles need to be used less and if newer ones should be maximized more to run smoother journeys for deliveries and other assignments.
Driver and Asset Metrics
GPS, Telematics, and Driver Tracking
Tracking methods such as GPS, telematics, and driver behavior assessment provide fleet visibility and give better insight into asset health. GPS records real-time locations so managers can see if the usual journey will continue or if drivers need to reroute based on accidents or traffic. Risky driving behaviors also need to be identified so that drivers can avoid these in the future. Behavior monitoring also ensures long-term safety and prevents anything hazardous that can harm the driver.
Route Performance
It’s also crucial to track the routes drivers take to finish all journeys. The routes not only show how long it took but also the fuel used, the efficiency of the route itself, and how drivers perform based on the locations covered. You can also assess how drivers performed based on the conditions of the route, especially for important factors like weather, potential accidents, and traffic.
How Fleet Management Software Can Help You
Smart fleet management software gathers, analyzes, and presents the metrics managers need to run their companies smoothly. The software tracks all the data and compiles the information into an easy-to-understand format. No need for managers to sift through the data and spend hours finding what they need.
The fleet management system also ensures all the data is tracked in one place for all authorized individuals to access what they’re looking for accordingly. The interface also helps managers find the exact information they need based on the analysis they are studying or strategizing. The fleet reaches its goals faster with accurate and relevant insights from dash-cam captured videos, recorded safe and risky behaviors, and alerts based on the actual route occurrences. Fleet drivers can also focus on their coaching while they’re on the road instead of waiting on one-on-one sessions with their managers. Their overall performance is continually improved on, as the software lets drivers access videos and feedback from the gathered data. They can see for themselves the points they are strong on and which ones they can focus on to drive better in the future.
Netradyne’s intelligent fleet safety solution tracks and organizes all necessary metrics, from GPS tracking, motion detection for vehicle misuse, accurate truck arrival times, and automated driver performance coaching. Fleet drivers will also appreciate having real-time feedback and the positive performance-based scoring it tracks for every journey. Their safety is also ensured with all alerts that inform them of distracted and risky driving behaviors. Your company also won’t have any problems integrating the software into your vehicles and any systems you’re using.
Final Thoughts
Explore what Netradyne’s fleet safety software can do to improve your vehicle usage, route performance, and driver training. Your company will soon be moving forward and reaping the benefits of data-based decisions from the top fleet metrics for fleet managers.
