Technology for a cleaner fleet: make the right choice
Telematics, in all its variations, is a powerful tool that can help fleet managers optimize their operations and reduce environmental impact. To truly reap the benefits of this technology, fleet managers need to know how to collect and analyse the right data. Focus. Fleet Data Analysis.
Pre-work
The first step in this process is to identify what you want to know or what you need to improve. For example, you may want to reduce fuel consumption, improve driver safety, or reduce maintenance costs. Input should come directly from your business’ stakeholders, as their support will be required when implementing the solution. Once you have identified your goals, you can start to build the RFP.
Integrated Operations
Telematics data are essentially matrixes of time and location that require an actionable translation. Most importantly, when used for sustainability, your telematics data will need to be connected to vehicle specs, energy consumption and even contract cost and lifecycle data. Providers of telematics have made significant efforts to present data efficiently by visualising norms and deviations. Nonetheless, they are typically not including features such as cost control, GL/PO/CC, contract management or BIK calculations, which are all part of the fleet manager’s scope. Therefore, from a corporate fleet management perspective, telematics data are input data rather than output data, which means that integration into a FMS (fleet management system) is required.
Use the data
Predictive analytics to anticipate maintenance issues, avoid costly breakdowns and forecast emissions is the ultimate place to be. Telematics platforms may not deliver the predictions but provide the source data required to enable AI predictive analytics. This allows fleet managers to take proactive steps to prevent breakdowns, reduce maintenance/energy costs and reduce emissions. Finally, fleet managers need to have a plan for how they will use the data they collect. They need to identify areas for improvement, and develop a plan of action. This may involve training drivers to improve their driving habits or engaging otherwise with the business.
Moving forward
In conclusion, installing telematics is just the first step in optimising fleet operations for sustainability. To truly reap the benefits of this technology, fleet managers need to know how to collect and analyse the right data. By identifying their goals, using the right tools, and developing a plan of action, fleet managers can reduce their environmental impact, improve driver safety, and reduce costs.
Would you like to know more?
For more information about sustainability, download our E-Book "Your Fleet Sustainability Guide: Turning Insights into Actions" from our Knowledge Center
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