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Read moreKeeping a fleet of vehicles well maintained and fully operational is no easy task. Fleet managers and service supervisors walk a tightrope of thoroughly maintaining equipment while allowing for maximum utilization. Fleet maintenance software is designed specifically to make this challenging job a whole lot easier.
The good news for fleet owners is that an advanced fleet management software can be integrated with a computer maintenance management system (CMMS) and is very easy to install for any fleet size. There are additional benefits of using built-in OEM solutions available in vehicles and equipment from Ford, GM, Volvo, Mack, Iveco and John Deere.
Ease of access, no hardware installation and deeper levels of integration with the vehicle are just some of the reasons built-in solutions are quickly becoming the default choice for mobile enterprises.
5 Benefits of fleet maintenance software
1. Less vehicle downtime
Purchasing a vehicle with fleet management software built in (or signing up legacy or mixed-fleet vehicles) provides businesses with a real-time view on equipment health, which means service managers aren’t looking at last month’s mileage records or driver inspection reports from last week to uncover an issue that is long overdue for service and needs to be taken off the road right away.
Vehicle data -- including diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and up-to-the-minute mileage or engine hours -- is fed in near real-time to a web-based dashboard, allowing the fleet operations team to see exactly which vehicles will need preventative maintenance in the near future. Teams can also schedule automated alerts that trigger maintenance scheduling reminders for service managers when vehicles meet specific thresholds.
This advance notice allows managers to schedule replacement equipment, minimizing disruption to operations and time in the shop waiting for a service. The bonus is that servicing is only performed when the vehicle actually needs it - not at arbitrary (and often unnecessary) intervals.
Just-in-time servicing also means your vehicles are being serviced at the right time, reducing the chance of unwanted breakdowns and extra costs.
2. GPS tracking helps improve fuel tracking and economy
GPS fleet tracking allows you to track vehicle mileage and fuel economy without manual data entry. Poor fuel economy can often be an indicator of unreported maintenance issues in your vehicles.
One data point offered as standard with many OEM telematics software solutions is tire pressure, with alerts for low tire pressure.
Tires that aren't inflated correctly reduce fuel economy by 0.3% for every one PSI under the recommended pressure (across all tires). Maintaining correct tire pressure can save up to 3% on fuel usage, representing a savings of $160 per year for each fleet vehicle (based on a van traveling 35,000 miles a year with an average economy of 20 mpg, and diesel at $3 per gallon).
Proper inflation also reduces carbon emissions by more than 1,000 lbs. Underinflated tires wear up to 16% quicker and are the cause of approximately 90% of all tire failures.
Low tire pressure can also indicate a slow puncture, which could be a major inconvenience (or safety issue) if the leak isn’t repaired quickly.
3. Get more mileage on warranties
This isn’t just about the warranties on new fleet vehicles -- but parts usage too. Just about anything a service department purchases comes with a warranty, and a fleet management software can make sure you have accurate records to get the most out of any manufacturer’s guarantee.
Teams can maximize their warranties even further by proactively scheduling services within the warranty period.
Take advantage of warranty entitlements, improve vehicle ROI and cut down on unnecessary maintenance costs.
4. Preventive maintenance to extend the life of the vehicle
More accurate maintenance and early warning systems for potential problems helps your service department take the best care of vehicles. It also allows vehicle and equipment dealers to keep a close eye on fleet health; they can proactively provide expert advice on other things businesses can do to prolong the life of their vehicles.
With options to share specific diagnostic data in near real-time with vehicle or equipment dealerships, they can know right away if there’s an issue that needs their attention. They can immediately adjust maintenance schedules and organize servicing for a mutually convenient time, without the long wait or significant downtime normally associated with booking vehicles into a dealership’s service department.
Fleet maintenance software also provides valuable insights into historical vehicle performance. Mobile businesses can get a clear picture of the vehicles that are the best fit for operation, providing the most trouble-free motoring and fewer breakdowns.
It’s all about extending the useful life of the vehicle, maximizing utilization and letting it go when ROI starts dropping off.
5. Higher Resale value
Speaking of letting vehicles go, most fleet owners cycle vehicles out at some point. A built-in OEM solution provides an excellent record of vehicle use and performance to give insight to potential buyers regarding the history of that vehicle.
It paints an accurate snapshot of the maintenance and health of the vehicle – helping boost resale value and making sure owners get the most from the original vehicle or equipment investment.
Fleet maintenance - It’s just better with a built-in solution
Built-in vehicle tracking intelligence is improving fleet maintenance systems across the industry. It’s helping service managers save time, raise safety standards and improve asset utilization. And it’s as simple as checking the box the next time a new fleet vehicle or piece of equipment is purchased.
Businesses like yours rely on a fleet to make money—that’s why it’s critical to maintain a healthy fleet of vehicles with regular maintenance. Find out how can you stay a step ahead of the service game with so many other business priorities.
