There are many reasons why some fleet managers are tempted to keep their new GPS tracking systems a secret at first. In most cases, the manager has some suspicions that he would like verified. The new tracking equipment is a glorified mousetrap, set with fresh cheese.
Human beings, as a general rule, behave much differently when being supervised by an authority figure than when they know they are not being watched. This is true from childhood and on through to our adult years. If you do not believe me, try this little experiment next time you have a moment.
They are marvelous marketing tools, those gleaming vans and shiny trucks rolling around town. We proudly splash them with our company colors, logos, and taglines. Each and every one of them shouting out to the public who we are and what we do. If our service routes happen to take us to crowded highways or through busy downtowns, past countless other drivers and onlookers, all the better. It’s all about exposure in the business world.
In our last article post, we talked about information overload and the importance of organizing ourselves when it comes to our fleet management data. We suggested that if you hadn’t already done so, to gather up all of your vehicle info, service records, registrations, maintenance schedules etc. and we would discuss different methods of organizing this information into some sort of usable system. That my dear readers brings us to today.
Service vehicles are a huge investment, right? The average price of a new vehicle is not exactly going down over time either. In today’s market, it is easy to spend $30,000 and up on your next fleet addition. And let’s not forget the thousands and thousands of dollars in equipment, tools, and supplies they carry around. Big cash signs is what they start to look like. Big…rolling…cash signs.
We all feel it at some point in our lives. Perhaps some of us more than others. Pressure, over time, can take its toll, wear us down and run us thin. You know that I am talking about tire pressure…right? I mean, this is a fleet management blog after all.
Vehicle tracking has proven itself to be a very effective tool for business owners to reduce costs, maximize efficiencies, increase productivity and streamline their operations.
I am chronically indecisive when it comes to purchases. It’s not my fault. In fact, I refuse to take responsibility for it. There are just too many things that are competing for my attention these days. It comes down to priorities. That which is on fire gets my attention every time. Smoke rising? That can wait till tomorrow. Just smoldering? That’s a next week thing.
As business owners and managers, we often find ourselves focused on pumping up our sales to add to our bottom line. More jobs, more customers, more hours, more…more…more. It makes sense after all. It’s what we know.
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”