December 2002

ere are the top 10 reasons service managers should consider a fleet-management system for their companies, according to the experts.

1. Automation of many record-keeping functions
• A global positioning system (GPS) allows you to schedule and verify vehicle service intervals.

• Managers can maintain ongoing electronic records of employee hours and vehicle mileage.

2. Improved operations
• If a customer calls with an emergency, some GPSs allow managers to locate the service technician closest to that account at that precise moment and direct them to go there.

• Knowing where your drivers are at any given moment will mean better accountability for your drivers and assets.

3. Decreased vehicle wear and tear
• When drivers know there is a GPS on board, the system curbs speeding and idling, preventing excessive tire and engine wear.

• GPS helps eliminate unauthorized vehicle use and thus reduces overall fleet mileage.

4. Better use of company resources
• GPS helps improve business owners’ decision-making because it will be based on facts, not conjecture, and thus more beneficial to company welfare.

• GPS will identify unauthorized vehicle use.

5. Efficient route management
• GPS helps control service route overlaps.

• The system will evaluate problem traffic areas to prevent delays and help you design more efficient routes.

6. Faster response time
• Drivers who work with a GPS with its automation of record-keeping invariably will invariably improve their response times.

• GPS can provide assistance in guiding lost drivers to service locations.

7. Reduced liability and insurance costs
• Many insurance companies offer a discount to companies that have GPSs in place.

• These systems can provide protection against false claims with their verifiable vehicle data.

8. Employee safety
• GPS will keep drivers focused on safe driving and staying on their routes.

• GPS locators can provide fast emergency assistance if one of your drivers has an accident or gets sick.

9. Better customer service
• Automated record-keeping will mean no more second-guessing on missed service complaints.

• GPS can verify services performed and time spent with each customer.

• These systems can provide truck location and estimated time of arrival for critical services.

10. Improved bottom-line performance
• Automated record-keeping prevents techs from “padding” their accounts, resulting in decreased overtime and driver “down time.”

• More efficient fleet management will mean reduced maintenance costs, which go right to the bottom line.

• A GPS will improve route efficiency and thus allow for expanding customer base.