Finding value
On the issue of cost , many organisations today are paying for telematics features they never use . Based on their intrinsic needs , fleet managers may need specific features that vary between basic and sophisticated , available with a solution . However , most of them end up paying for the entire feature set , much of which may not be relevant to their fleet or business .
When looking for value , a better approach is to use a modular solution where the fleet pays only for what it needs .
Ease of use
Another key differentiator in deriving value is user experience . A telematics fleet solution can have users at multiple levels - from drivers to managers to even the C-suite execs . The solution must offer an easy user experience at every level , be it to log kilometres driven or to understand the level of fleet utilisation . Every person in the organisation ’ s hierarchical chain using the solution should find it easy to navigate and operate efficiently . Only then will it become a valued solution aggregating all information required for sound decision making .
The best solutions offer the usability and intuitiveness of consumer apps . Unlike the
stodgy enterprise apps of the 1990s , they can be installed and effectively used on mobile devices . A better-designed user experience also means less time and expense in training staff using it .
Customer support
Support is another key factor when measuring value . Unfortunately , many telematics suppliers providing solutions in Australia are international companies with a minimal onshore presence . As a result , they lack the on-ground resources to develop more meaningful relationships with their customers and attend to their intrinsic needs .
With the EOFY upon us , now is an excellent time for fleet managers to revisit their fleet strategies and make sure their use of telematics , and their choice of supplier , are in alignment .
Does your fleet management strategy fit in with the overall organisational goals ? Is it consistent with the organisation ’ s general approach to asset management ? And does it reinforce any environmental or sustainability goals ?
Follow this link to download the Intelematics strategy template and take some steps towards more effective fleet management in 2021 and beyond :
go . intelematics . com / fleet-strategy-template
40 ISSUE 29 JUNE 2021 / WWW . AFMA . ORG . AU