How To Make Your Fleet More Efficient Using Sensors

GPS Fleet Management

Modern vehicles are equipped with thousands of sensors that can monitor every aspect of driver and vehicle performance. Rapid advances in this technology promise to make roads a safer place but, as a fleet manager, the data provided by these sensors is also an opportunity to improve operational efficiency

This delivers valuable savings that can be used to improve the bottom line in tough economic times or fuel innovation when market conditions are more positive. Here are four ways you can use sensor data to run a smarter, leaner fleet:

Improve driver behaviour

Whether you're running a handful of vehicles or a few thousand, there's great value in knowing how your drivers are performing. If somebody is spending 10 per cent of their driving hours over the maximum speed you've set, you can be sure they're burning through unnecessary fuel. Which drivers are straining engines, brakes and tyres with harsh acceleration, braking and cornering? All of the data your GPS fleet management system pulls from sensors can be used to improve performance. You'll see an instant change once drivers know they're being monitored and can offer training where necessary.

Monitor maintenance schedules

Tracking vehicle maintenance is difficult, especially if your fleet is operating in harsh environments like mining or construction sites. Missing scheduled maintenance can lead to serious damage and cause warranty issues while over-servicing a vehicle is a waste of money. GPS fleet management can use sensor data to flag maintenance schedules ahead of time and escalate alerts where necessary, which gives you plenty of time to make sure you still have the right assets on a job when vehicles or machinery go in for maintenance. You can also track fault codes so you're aware of issues before they become a real problem.

Effectively managing leases

Whether your company leases machinery or hires it out to other businesses, the treatment of this third-party equipment is a challenge. In many cases these assets are run into the ground, operating in harsh conditions and remote locations. Drivers and operators will often ignore warning lights alerting them to possible faults, especially if they're behind schedule on a project. When the machine eventually stops working, they call the supplier and request a replacement. This likely means delays on the job and, as a hire company, you now have an asset out of action. Sensors can send alerts back to base preventing unnecessary delays for both parties.

Reducing insurance premiums

Sensors provide opportunities to reduce insurance costs through connectivity to alarm systems and remote stop activation. This builds much greater visibility of risk so insurance premiums can be calculated more accurately against vehicle use. As a fleet operator you can create individual profiles for every driver in your fleet, offering training where necessary and incentives for those who improve their safety record. Demonstrating an improvement in driver behaviour and relevant safety accreditations will reduce corporate risk and have a positive impact next time it's time to renew your policy.