When we think about a company’s expectations as to the performance of their selected fleet management system, or before they actually make the final choice, a lot of possible scenarios spring to mind—we usually imagine the sceptical company manager as the ideal candidate for one of our free trials through to the health and safety officer wishing to improve on global safety and compliance within his/her fleet. But perhaps we haven’t really given enough thought to how this may differ from the actual expectations people have regarding their fleet management systems as these are available in a wide series of formats and packages which guarantees, at least apparently, a huge variety of choice. So what should you expect when approaching your fleet management system solution?
#1 - Is less always more? When some companies approach their chosen fleet management system for the first time, they are sorely tempted to get as many features as possible. As the old adage goes, “less is (usually) more”—but is that actually true? We don’t think having tons of features or just a few is either the best or the worst strategy—and there should never be a one-size-fits-all approach. We believe that before listing all the features available that you focus specifically on what is actually needed for your fleet depending on its usual activity. Don’t be tempted by expensive features that you might never get to use, nor should you just discard anything just to make savings—probably the best approach is to have the system consultant help you out or run through a trial option.
#2 - The power of expectations bending reality. We tend to think that our expectations actually correspond closely to the future of our fleet, when sometimes they don’t at all, or on other occasions they can help us understand what we want from our provider. The secret is having a realistic approach; do a thorough analysis of the fleet and act according to the needs and requirements of the fleet and according to the experience you have gained.
#3 – Predicting the future. If you have a certain type of expectation from your fleet management system, it needs to take into consideration developments over the course of the next five years. Doing so will help you shape the system according to your requirements and without making mistakes, as you might actually be able to anticipate some of your future work or features and prepare for its adequate implementation.
#4 – Level of support required. Are you going to be helped on a regular basis by the fleet management system’s support team or not? Do you want to be able to count on their help? Do you assume the support is always going to be included in the payments? This is another expectation you’d better check with your provider.
#5 – Fleet data and data formats supported and provided. Here you have another point where you might actually have specific expectations, but this is something that is always better to check up on. Will you be able to get data for all the aspects you need? Should you set up specific tracking or metrics? Will the whole be exportable? The golden rule is to know in advance.
