As fleet management tools saturate the marketplace, more managers are reporting the imperative to centralize their data. According to a global survey done by Shell Fleet Solutions in 2022, 61 percent of companies are currently seeking support on integrated reporting or easy integration with their own systems.
Finding ways to improve efficiency with an existing portfolio of tools can help fleets manage the unique needs and challenges of their business operations with fewer silos and headaches. When considering fleet-management products and services, fleet operators need to understand the most current data available. That, in turn, provides the most accurate picture of operations.
Not only can data help operators identify cost savings targets and track expenses – that same technology can also help to lower your total cost of ownership (TCO). Those who keep up with the rapid pace of transformation can stay competitive, improve, or eliminate operational tasks that take too much time, and give a better mobility experience to employees.
Fleet-management tools can also help manage mixed fleets, including internal combustion engine assets as well as hybrid and fully electric vehicles. This can help fleets optimize their diverse operations while working toward their sustainability goals.
When seeking new solutions, consider products that deliver these benefits.
HANDS-ON CUSTOMER SERVICE
According to the Shell Future of Fleet Report, over a third of fleet managers would find external support and advice helpful in the transition to new technologies and vehicles types. Fleet tools are sold to help boost efficiency, but once in place, operators may not have access to the customer service or training needed to use them most effectively. An effective fleet-management provider will understand your unique business needs and bring you the solutions you need to maximize results for your business.
STREAMLINED OPERATIONS
Fleet-management tools shouldn’t mean more work. They should integrate across your fleet to help boost day-to-day operations. Make sure that these tools integrate to meet your needs during the implementation process.
DATA THAT GIVES MANAGERS A HOLISTIC VIEW OF FLEETS
Effective data usage can help fleet managers increase productivity and reduce overtime by 10-15 percent, according to the analysts at Frost & Sullivan. When selecting a product or service, ensure that it presents the data that matters most to you across your fleet. The best tools will be accessible and user-friendly, giving you the numbers you need to run a tight fleet.
FLEXIBLE TO CHANGE
According to a 2022 Verizon Connect survey, 66 percent of respondents found using fleet management technology “very” or “extremely” beneficial to their business. Fleets are ever-changing with new technology, needs and roles. A fleet-management provider and its products should be able to change with fleets as well – whether it’s simplifying onboarding, adding data points, or upgrading to address new challenges.
For example, with the Shell Fleet Navigator Card and ClearView dashboard, operators have access to data across services they can use to accomplish fleet goals and help reduce time on management tasks, allowing them to spend more time on value-added activities and grasp a holistic view of their fleet.
With integrated systems and dashboards, these solutions can help fleets accomplish more tasks in less time by using existing data to identify cost-savings targets and track business expenses. Operators can leverage an intuitive platform to improve or eliminate operational tasks that take too much time.
Plan for today, and plan ahead with data-led decision making by using the fleet-management tools best suited to integrate with your operations. Take the time to find the products or services that work for you and your fleet.
About the Author
Jim Perkins is the director of Shell Fleet Solutions USA, leading a team of sales and marketing professionals that provide fleet owners with a broad portfolio of products and services to help manage their total cost of fleet ownership. To learn more, visit www.shell.us/business-customers/shell-fleet-solutions.
