Telematics has become increasingly popular among haulage companies, as it has the potential to increase freight forwarders’ success. Used effectively, data can provide terrific insight into operations and allow you to better manage your fleet. However, I’m also aware that the masses of collected information can be overwhelming. If you have been struggling to cut through the noise, here are some top tips for how to organise the telematic facts and figures in the most resourceful way possible.
Automatically Collect Driver and Vehicle Data
This is one of the best pieces of advice that I can give you: ditch your manual vehicle data collection system. To run haulage companies effectively, you don’t want to waste time by completing the difficult and time-consuming task of inputting facts and figures. Instead, you want to be analysing it to your advantage.
By switching to an automated system, you will save effort, time and money. Fleet data, including fuel purchases, odometer readings and parts inventory will automatically be collected. You will not only be able to accurately track your fleet’s goings-on, but you will also be able to schedule repair and maintenances according to real-time needs.
Automate the Analysis of Your Fleet’s Data
For even clearer, relevant and specific results, you should consider automating figure analysis as well. As you will know, telematic systems can be set up to automatically generate analysis reports and provide real-time results that enable you to spot weaknesses in your freight forwarding organisation. It is the most effective way for haulage companies to stay on top of:
•Service costs in relation to fuel costs
•Vehicle meter readings
•Monthly fuel and service costs
•Average operating costs per mile
•Average costs per gallon of fuel
•Total costs of operations
Collect All Data With a Single System
If you have been using telematics regularly, you will probably have noticed that the biggest challenge of gathering data effectively is that you’re collecting information from various sources and locations simultaneously. If all of these figures aren’t saved onto the same system, looking up a particular figure can feel like an overwhelming task. When this happens, data gets lost and haulage companies like your own won’t have an accurate sense of their efficiency. Using a single software to collect all of your data will help sift through these facts and figures, avoid confusion and run a smooth operation based on accurate trends.
As a last tip, I’d highly recommend analysing your data frequently and at regular intervals. If you don’t gather information systematically, it all piles up and creates a backlog. Rather than spending three intense days reviewing data every month, try spending an hour doing it each week. With this approach, you’ll actively engage with your fleet and its current operations. You can address present issues before the problem causes a major loss of time and money.
By adopting these few tips, haulage companies can manage their telematics data more effectively and find solutions to real-time issues within their operations in no time.
Norman Dulwich is a Correspondent for Haulage Exchange, the leading online trade network for the road transport industry. Connecting professionals across the UK and Europe through their website, Haulage Exchange provides services for matching haulage companies or self-employed drivers with jobs in road transport and haulage work. Over 5,000 member companies are networked together through the Exchange to fill empty capacity, get new clients and form long-lasting business relationships.
This article is copyright free.