Traditional telematics is expanding beyond the proven benefits of fleet management, and is becoming an essential component of optimizing the entire connected mobile enterprise.  -  Photo by Getty Images.

Traditional telematics is expanding beyond the proven benefits of fleet management, and is becoming an essential component of optimizing the entire connected mobile enterprise.

Photo by Getty Images.

In a world of growing connectivity, it is critical for fleet managers to stay one step ahead. That means taking a serious look at the technologies transforming every aspect of field service management (FSM). Traditional telematics is expanding beyond the proven benefits of fleet management, and is becoming an essential component of optimizing the entire connected mobile enterprise: vehicles, workers, equipment, and even the work itself. 

Here are five ways the best fleet and mobile resource management systems can help. 

Time Window Optimization

It has never been easier to coordinate a service time that works best for the customer. Managers can quickly search open time slots that take into consideration costs and availability of drivers and vehicles. After a job is added, all jobs are optimized for the mobile employee to most efficiently complete his or her work. Commercial-grade navigation systems factor variables such as restricted roads, low bridges, and truck-specific speed limits, ensuring drivers arrive safely and on time.

The technology can specify an exact entrance or point-of-contact for the driver and give customers the ability to track a driver’s ETA and progress. Faster-than-ever scheduling and response times translate to improved customer service and cost savings.

Capacity & Utilization of Assets

Knowing what assets exist and how they are being used enables a business to get more done with fewer resources. The latest FSM tools provide visibility into what is happening in the field, with access to real-time activity and current vehicle, worker, and mobile equipment status. Awareness of efficiency, safety, productivity, and compliance helps managers make choices about how to best use assets across the enterprise.

Coordinating the Dispatch Process 

The dispatch process is getting smarter with software that can quickly locate the nearest mobile worker with the right skill sets, expertise, licenses, security clearances, and vehicle for the job. Using customized criteria helps avoid onsite delays, reduce dispatch times, and minimize the need for follow-up service visits. Managers can deliver jobs directly to employees’ mobile devices so they know exactly what to do and where to go from the start of a shift, ensuring timely coordination of worker, vehicle, and job.

Productivity, Efficiency & Cost Control 

Fleets are increasing productivity and simplifying daily operations by moving paperwork into the cloud, making forms and data easy to submit and retrieve from anywhere. Alleviating manual, labor-intensive tasks frees up mobile employees to focus their time and skills on their jobs. Fleet tracking validates and verifies productivity, helping reduce overtime, make better use of assets, provide better customer service, and lower costs.

Benefits of a Single-Solution Provider

Managing Big Data is easier when all the data is flowing to a single platform. Working with a single provider, who can meet all the needs and challenges of your company’s fleet by integrating current technologies and innovating solutions, will improve your overall efficiency. A single-solution provider gives you the tools you need to serve your customers, optimize your bottom line, and, most important, stay one step ahead of the competition.


Related: Five Top Trends in Fleet Management

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Our team of enterprising editors brings years of experience covering the fleet industry. We offer a deep understanding of trends and the ever-evolving landscapes we cover in fleet, trucking, and transportation.  

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