Businesses are now able to gather data faster and easier than ever before. However, the challenge that many face is how to understand, analyse and utilise all of this information. This is often the more difficult and complicated task.
When it comes to vehicle tracking, data from telematics systems has the power to positively influence almost every aspect of a fleet and mobile operations. However, like many other forms of big data, interpreting and developing valuable insights from the flood of data provided by telematics can be a challenge. It’s hard, sometimes, to see the wood for the trees.
The following common pitfalls are often simple to resolve but can make a big difference to your fleet operates.
1. Don’t be overwhelmed by the data
Fleet managers do not have time to scroll through endless rows of data. This time could be far better used in reviewing operations to identify trends, routines and processes that can be analysed and interpreted with a view to setting operational targets and goals.
By setting smart targets for areas such as asset utilisation, driver safety or fuel costs, fleet managers can focus on identifying, extracting and reviewing the information that they need, rather than trying to digest everything at once. This targeted data can then be used to generate progress reports, provide evidence for improvements and to help set new targets along the path towards the end goal.
2. Don’t just focus on the negatives
The benefits provided by telematics systems are now widely recognised by fleet operators and operations managers. However, there are some who still view telematics in a negative light. Driver resistance is arguably one of the biggest problems fleet managers face, and it’s often caused by a simple lack of understanding.
By communicating the benefits of telematics prior to implementation, such as eradicating wrongful “claims for cash” and complaints about non-attendance, fleet managers can significantly reduce negative presumptions amongst drivers. When it comes to data analysis, fleet managers should also reward positive trends and exemplary performance in order to incentivise others and set the standard for best practice.
3. Infrequent data reviews
It’s vital that fleet managers and operations professionals set aside enough time to regularly review the most important metrics from their telematics system.
Ideally, this data should be analysed on a weekly basis, especially if the business is seeking to make significant improvements to its operations and processes.
Creating weekly reports that assessing pre-determined performance indicators or operational initiatives will allow managers to see patterns emerging over time. This data can then be used to drive positive change.
Catalytix Project Management Team Leader, Masternaut
