To be truthful, I am sick and tired of information. It is everywhere, it is relentless, and honestly, it’s getting overwhelming. Even as I am typing this, my laptop and phone are beeping, notifying, and ringing, letting me know something I don’t want to know. Ok, that’s somewhat of a lie. I do want to know some of it. Heck, I am probably the idiot who signed up for these updates in the first place. Except that one I just got on “Top 10 Halloween Costume Ideas for Your Kitty”
That wasn’t me…I swear. I already have a costume for Mr. Fluffy Pants.
Many business managers and owners feel the same way about their fleet data. Even the term “fleet data” makes me want to nod off and take a nap.
When you look at all of the things that you need to keep track of, and all of the different sources that information comes from, it is no wonder things fall through the cracks at times.
- Insurance
- Registration
- Licensing
- Maintenance Schedules
- Repairs
- Safety and Risk Management
- Loss Prevention
- Location Tracking
- Fuel Usage
- Dispatching
- Government and Industry Compliance
- Etc., etc., etc.
Have I lost you yet? No? Good. Because…
Despite all of this, information and data are critical players in your success or failure as a fleet manager. Failure to efficiently collect, organize, and act on all this information can cost you time and money at best and spell operational catastrophe worst.
In the upcoming article post, we will begin to look at the different methods for collecting and organizing all of this information. As is the case with most anything, there are solutions that range from the highly developed, complex, and pricey, to the simple, inexpensive, and easily implemented.
All of them have their positives and negatives. Choosing one is simpler than it sounds. Trust me.
Until then, here is your “homework” for today. If you haven’t already, spend an hour gathering up all of your fleet information and make a note of where you currently keep it. For some hints, refer to the bullet point list I provided earlier in this article.
Second, write down what you can’t find or don’t have. For example, if you can’t tell me where all your trucks are, what they are doing (speed, braking, parked, etc.) and where they are going, write that down. In fact, if that is the case, consider visiting us at www.fleetlog.com.au and learn some more about our fleet tracking solutions (SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT).
Last, be sure to come back for our next posting when we will start to talk about how all of this stuff can be organised and used efficiently.
Translation: Easier, simpler, less stressful, and more money for your bottom line.
Now pull your head out of the sand and get it done.
I have kitten costumes to sew.