The best fleet manager in the world can’t turn back time, though every one of them will have wished to at some point. That’s because hindsight is 20/20. It’s often clear what decision, or lack of decision, led to a bad outcome. The frustrating thing is that, without the right data, it is often impossible to make the best call.
Below, we dive into 10 critical decision-making areas that every fleet manager can master through leveraging telematics.
1. Managing Information on Overload
We’re constantly told that data is the answer to everything. And it is. However, having all the data is useless if you can’t bang it into some sort of shape. Which, unless you’re a data scientist or a coder, isn’t going to be part of your job description. So, before you can get value from data it needs to be put into a readily understandable shape.
For fleet managers, that looks like a simple set of charts and alerts that let you make smart decisions without having an argument with a spreadsheet.
2. Getting The Right Information
The bulk of the info that fleet managers need comes from the vehicles and drivers. When a vehicle breaks down unexpectedly, fleet managers needed to make the decision to get it serviced earlier. When one vehicle seems to be drinking more than its fair share of fuel, the fleet manager needs to work with the driver before too much damage is done.
In very simple terms, that’s what telematics does. Gives you the info you need to make positive decisions in a timely manner.
3. Real-time Problem Identification
Sometimes, the real challenge isn’t immediately apparent. The day a problem starts can look and feel like a great one! But, that problem can snowball into a boulder if fleet managers wait for it to seriously disturb the day-to-day operations. Real-time data insights let you identify problems, before they’re problems.
4. Objective Reasoning, Positive Attitude
The problem with a positive attitude, is that it’s not much use if everything is imploding every 5 minutes. Decisions backed by telematics data are objective. They are based on cold, hard data and they help make overcoming challenges a realistic prospect, rather than a pipe dream. That way, problems can be dealt with unemotionally, and a positive culture can be built in a sustainable way.
5. Avoiding Impulsiveness
Often a quick decision is just a late decision made under pressure. Quick decisions under stress or tight deadlines can lead to oversight of critical information. By identifying factors earlier, fleet managers can slow down the process and consider all the potential impact a decision might make..
6. Cultivating Objectivity
Involving others in the decision-making process can introduce biases. Strive for objectivity by focusing on data and facts over opinions. This helps prioritise compliance, safety, and other business needs..
7. Recognising the Reach of Decision-Making
Decisions in fleet management are rarely one-off. They often set precedents and require follow-up to assess their effectiveness and inform future choices. Continuous evaluation helps refine the decision-making process over time.
8. Use All Available Technologies
Utilising advanced telematics can transform decision-making from guesswork into something close to a science. However, organisations often fail to proactively use software to prevent issues, and simply rely on telematics as a glorified satnav. It’s not just about GPS and tracking. It’s about the softwares and interfaces that collate and analyse the data. These systems provide real-time data on vehicle performance, driver behaviour, and maintenance needs, enhancing the accuracy of your decisions.
9. Prioritising Driver Training and Safety
Decision-making isn't just about managing vehicles; it's also about managing people. Investing in regular training for drivers ensures they are aware of safety practices and operational policies, reducing risk and enhancing fleet efficiency.
10. Optimising Cost Management
Every decision must consider the bottom line. From fuel consumption to maintenance schedules, effective cost management relies on making informed decisions that balance immediate needs with long-term financial health. Cost is always an important factor, so wherever possible, cost-centric decision making should be based on more than guesswork.
Mastering these ten areas of decision-making are certain to have a massively positive impact on the success of a fleet operation. By embracing technology like Transpoco’s fleet management telematics systems, managers can gain the insights needed to make informed decisions that drive safety, compliance, and profitability. Because each decision shapes the future of the fleet and, ultimately, the overall success of the business, and data-driven decisions are just better.
