Benefits of fleet management technology for Irish businesses

Keeping a business competitive is becoming increasingly challenging in the contemporary business landscape of today. Fleet managers, in addition to overseeing day-to-day operations, are also responsible for ensuring that the business runs as efficiently as possible, as this is key to gaining a competitive advantage.

Technology is indispensable to boost business efficiency and competitiveness. It enables businesses to address key aspects such as operating costs, fuel consumption and route optimisation, among others. 

According to the latest Fleet Technology Trends Report in Australia, businesses using GPS fleet management technologies benefitted in several crucial areas. Let’s dive into the top 5 of the total 13 improvements achieved after implementing GPS fleet tracking:

• Improved routing 69%
• Improved tachograph/ regulatory compliance 66% 
• Improved productivity 60% 
• Improved customer service 59% 
• Improved managing daily operations 57%

Download the Fleet Technology Trends Report in Ireland 2024 and discover all the benefits that fleet management technology can deliver to your business.

Smart daily fleet operations for smart business

Large fleets understand that it takes some time for fleet operations to be successful. Every day has a Large fleets recognise that achieving success in fleet operations is a gradual process, with each day significantly influencing the bottom line.

Therefore, achieving efficiency in daily operational activity isn’t an overnight process, rather, it should be achieved through the company’s internal processes and culture.

To achieve this goal, one strategy is to implement innovative and advanced fleet management technology. It should be intuitive, easy to use and completely integrated on a single platform. This allows the data to be effectively analysed and interpreted (kilometres travelled, routes, vehicle status, etc.). The resulting information can then be used to make comprehensive and cross-cutting improvements across the business.

Another key benefit of fleet management software is that it can help manage daily fleet operations more efficiently. 57% of survey respondents in Ireland said that GPS tracking solutions helped with managing their daily operations and 47% stated that they improved efficiency. 

Download the Fleet Technology Trends Report in Ireland 2024 and discover the goals achieved by Irish businesses after implementing a GPS fleet tracking solution. 

Advanced fuel management to help boost your business’ fuel economy 

Reducing fuel consumption  (even minimally) for each vehicle can have a major impact on profitability. To achieve this, the fleet management solution must provide accurate information in areas such as:

• Driver behaviour: This is directly related to fuel consumption, so it is crucial that the whole team drives efficiently and safely. According to research, “eco-driving can help drivers save as much as 15 % of their regular fuel costs, thus typically saving approximately €500 in a year.” And also, eco-driving “causes less wear and tear on car parts (tyres, brakes and engine) and the accident risk is reduced.” (1)

• Route optimisation: Route optimisation is essential to make every kilometre count. By avoiding travelling unnecessary kilometres, you decrease fuel consumption.

• Speeding: Speeding is a safety risk for the whole team because “speed is involved in all accidents: no speed, no accidents. In around 30% of the fatal accidents speed is an essential contributory factor.” (2) In addition, increased speed leads to more fuel being consumed, which then increases costs for the business.  

• Fleet vehicle maintenance: Keeping fleet vehicles optimally maintained reduces increased fuel consumption, which can be caused by low tyre pressure or low engine oil levels. In addition, making sure that vehicles are properly maintained keeps vehicle wear and tear to a minimum.

• Idling time: Idling for a long time increases fuel consumption and vehicle wear and tear. According to research, “the estimated fuel consumption of an idling engine is 0.6 litres / hr per litre of engine displacement. This means that an idling 3.5 litre engine consumes more than 2 litres of fuel per hour.” (3) 
• Vehicle use (authorised and unauthorised use): Monitoring vehicle use provides insight into how the vehicle is being utilised. This way, you can see if a vehicle is being used outside of working hours, enabling necessary measures to be taken to protect the vehicle, reducing fuel consumption.

By being able to view this data, fleet managers have access to insights based on the actual activity of each asset, empowering them to make informed decisions that help improve the company’s fleet efficiency. 

Businesses that implemented fleet management software benefitted from reduced fuel consumption across their entire fleet. Almost half of respondents in Ireland (49%) said GPS tracking solutions reduced fuel consumption by 24% on average. (4) 

According to an IDAE study: “a 10% reduction in fuel consumption can result in a 31% increase in profit.” (5)

Based on this research, reducing fuel consumption by 24% for fleets in Ireland can result in a potential profit of 74% for the business.

Cost savings make a lot of difference for large fleets 

Reducing a company’s overall spending in areas that directly impact its bottom line can be a challenging task. There are numerous ways to cut costs in areas such as fuel consumption, labour, vehicle maintenance or insurance costs. Cutting costs can not only help a company face its daily challenges but also help to improve its profitability and competitiveness. 

Challenges faced by businesses such as constantly-changing fuel prices, inflation, supply chain problems or higher fleet costs, makes each cost reduction achieved a milestone regarding profit. 

When it comes to cost savings across all industries in Ireland, GPS tracking users decreased fuel costs by an average of 24%. Users also saw an average decrease of 30% in accident costs and a 23% decrease in overall labour costs. 

Download the Fleet Technology Trends Report in Ireland 2024 and find out about further cost savings achieved by Irish companies after implementing a fleet management solution.

Choose an innovative advanced fleet management solution for your business

Businesses strive for excellence armed with the best team, tools and resources allowing for greater efficiency and enhanced business competitiveness.  

It can be a challenge to determine which fleet management solution is the best fit for your business. Advanced fleet technology can be distinguished by the competitive advantages it delivers. These systems have greater innovation, usability and clear reporting.

The insights gained from your business operations are displayed in a detailed overview, which helps to facilitate decision making. The technology can be a potential game changer for your company, generating tangible results, which helps you save costs, reduce fuel consumption, and improve productivity.

Discover fleet management technology for yourself. Request your free demo and see our advanced fleet management systems in action and find out which benefits they bring to you and your business. 

Sources

• Source (1): https://www.cieca.eu/sites/default/files/documents/projects_and_studies/ECOWILL_FINAL_REPORT.pdf

• Source (2): https://road-safety.transport.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2021-07/09-speeding_en.pdf

• Source (3): https://ecomobile.gouv.qc.ca/en/ecomobilite/tips/idling_engine.php#:~:text=The%20estimated%20fuel%20consumption%20of,without%20ever%20moving%20a%20kilometre 

• Source (4): Fleet Technology Trends report in Ireland 2024

• Source (5): https://www.idae.es/uploads/documentos/documentos_10232_Guia_gestion_combustible_flotas_carretera_06_32bad0b7.pdf