How to Improve Fleet Management in the Logistics Industry

Digital transformation across industries has significantly impacted how consumers shop today. Especially after the Covid-19 pandemic, organisations had to align strategies to survive the ‘new normal’ business landscape and provide efficient services. Similarly, the logistics industry had to revamp its complex supply chain networks to empower digital operations and support its customers with new delivery models.

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Generally speaking, the logistics industry operates around supply chains, software, and services to deliver goods cost-effectively and quickly. With so many vehicles on the road, logistics companies need an efficient system to conduct their daily operations–in simple terms, they need a robust fleet management system.

Fleet management in the logistics industry enables companies to coordinate and oversee each delivery vehicle, offering timely and efficient customer service. On the other hand, fleet managers have to ensure that vehicles are properly maintained, goods are delivered on time, record couriers, manage drivers and delivery personnel, fuel consumption, and much more. It is all hands on deck!

Fleet Management and Telematics System

Along with the right strategies, logistics companies need a fleet management system to help them effectively manage all these operations and achieve more productivity and profits. And for this, fleet management software and a telematics device work hand-in-hand.

Telematics’ importance is growing in the logistics industry as it provides unparalleled insights about each vehicle’s location, fuel consumption patterns, delivery status, engine health, alerts on thefts, and much more. When integrated with fleet management software, fleet managers can monitor all aspects of a vehicle on a real-time basis through a single dashboard. If your business operates logistics, you will benefit from bulk fuel delivery services by Bonney Energy.

This way, fleet managers can make proactive decisions, cut down operating costs, augment cargo and driver safety, and improve customer service.

Real-time Navigation and Routing

Gone are the days when drivers had to rely on their phones or step out of the vehicle to ask for directions and deliver goods. This was not only time-consuming but even erroneous and frustrating for drivers. But with the telematics system, drivers get all information about the route and customer details at their fingertips. Equipped with a GPS tracking feature, telematics offers accurate route directions to drivers and helps them reach their destination at the earliest.

Furthermore, fleet managers can plan and optimise routes to help drivers reach in the shortest time. Real-time location tracking enables them to dispatch the nearest driver for the job and plan deliveries accordingly. Earlier it was difficult for customers and fleet managers to know the delivery status, but thanks to telematics, everybody receives updates on the status of the package and cargo, and customers can track the driver in real-time. Ultimately, this helps in saving fuel and faster deliveries.

Fuel and Maintenance Data

Running fuel-efficient and well-maintained vehicles are critical for a successful fleet business. Unexpected breakdowns can hamper operations and impact customer service. But, ensuring that every vehicle functions properly is pretty challenging. Telematics device collects information about engine health, fuel consumption, mileage, driving behaviour, and even if any vehicle part is not working correctly.

Fleet managers can use fleet management software to analyse these insights and report on that data. Detailed vehicle health data helps them understand issues, prioritise repairs, schedule inspections, prevent downtime, and enhance fleet efficiency. Further, you can get visibility on hidden or pending maintenance issues that can put drivers’ safety at risk.

Additionally, telematics solutions automatically upload odometer readings into the fleet management system, which helps managers to streamline vehicle maintenance and schedule preventive maintenance schedules.

Similarly, fleet gps tracking provides real-time insights into driving behaviour, drivers’ routes, idle time, and much more. Eventually, fleet managers can use these insights to identify and reduce reckless driving behaviour to improve the resilience of suspension parts, brakes, and tires.

Automated and Contactless Deliveries

During the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, contactless delivery became the logistics industry’s top priority. Thanks to digitisation, electronic signatures helped curb contact points and comply with the Covid-19 protocols while the fleet management software keeps track of all deliveries.

Similarly, you can keep inefficiencies at bay by automating certain supply chain processes such as scheduling jobs, route planning, and maintenance schedules. All this helps to reduce costs, increase customer satisfaction and improve brand reputation in the market.

Track Expenses

It can be pretty challenging to analyse and track expenses for large-scale fleets. When you have data on all expenses, you can evaluate the performance and profitability of the business. Fleet management software offers detailed reports of business’ expenses and guides you for more effective fleet analysis. This helps you know in which areas you’re going over budget and money is squandered.

Wrapping Up

With access to all details in real-time, fleet managers can comprehensively control the business from one dashboard. Logistics companies can ensure that jobs are done faster and reduce dependency on manual and error-prone processes. The result is streamlined operations, reduced costs, better profitability, and improved customer satisfaction.