7 considerations when selecting the perfect fleet management solution for your business

Whether you’re investing more in fleet technology or modernizing your vehicle management for the first time, traditional telematics and video-based solutions can help rectify false claims and provide extensive data to save you thousands on operational costs such as fuel and maintenance – without increasing the workload for fleet managers and business leaders.

“The return on telematics is quite immediate, maybe about a month. Fleet managers could see 15 to 20% savings on their costs. With this, they can invest in other things for their employees.”?

Juan Cardona Vice-president of Sales Geotab

While GPS technology and dash cams have been available for years, artificial intelligence (AI) has made navigating large volumes of data much more efficient. Additionally, capturing visual data on the surrounding environment to pair with vehicle data is critical to getting an accurate picture of your fleet. Traditional GPS and telematics systems offer valuable data on vehicle location and performance, but video dash cams provide an additional layer of visual information that can improve driver safety and aid incident investigation.

Selecting the perfect fleet management solution requires a detailed approach to ensure it aligns with your business needs. We’ve outlined seven critical functions to look for in a robust telematics solution.

Here are seven considerations to help you find the best solution for your business:

1. Comprehensive needs assessment

Start with a thorough review of your fleet, including the number and types of vehicles. Identify specific areas that have been more challenging:

• Do you need a smarter way to comply with safety standards and regulations?
• Is vehicle downtime a concern, so are you looking to address maintenance needs more proactively?
• Are your drivers’ behaviours a concern currently?
• Do you need to make sure your vehicles are not used after-hours?
• Are you aware of your fuel usage? Do you need to optimize fuel consumption?

2. Scalability

It’s crucial that the solution can expand with your business. You should be capable of managing additional vehicles and adapting to new business strategies without significant overhauls. Any system you are considering should be able to handle multiple vehicles.

• Do you have plans to add more vehicles to your fleet or expand your routes to encompass a broader territory with unique regulatory requirements?
• Are you considering changes such as adding electric vehicles to your fleet? Do you require asset tracking for cargo or other equipment?

3. Cost-benefit analysis

Examine all costs involved, including installation, monthly or annual subscriptions and any additional fees for hardware or advanced features. Opt for a solution that offers a balance between cost and functionality, providing the best value for your investment.

• Will there be pricing changes if you add more vehicles?
• Are there any hidden fees?

4. Ease of use

Ensure the system is intuitive for both your management team and drivers. A user-friendly interface and dependable customer support can greatly improve the system’s usability and efficiency, along with adoption.

• Is the solution you’re considering plug-and-play? What are the installation requirements?
• Is support available to train your end users, such as your fleet managers and drivers?

5. Robust security features

Security is paramount in protecting sensitive fleet data. The chosen solution should have strict security protocols to prevent unauthorized access and data breaches.

• Are there any measures in place to ensure the security of your fleet’s data? (e.g. data encryption and frequent security updates and patches)
• Is there a cloud-based backup solution to prevent any data loss?

6. Integration capabilities

Choose solutions that seamlessly integrate with your existing technological infrastructure. Ask yourself:

• Can your existing solutions accommodate add-ons? For example, if you already have a dash cam, does it allow you to store data safely in the cloud? Do you have integrated AI-powered analytics and access to reports and dashboards?
• Is it compatible with mobile devices to ensure effective management on-the-go?

7. Insights from peers

Seek reviews and case studies from businesses within your industry. Insights from these sources can shed light on the practicality and reliability of the fleet management systems you are considering and showcase the positive outcomes that others are already experiencing – See how Kite Mobility is reimagining sustainable, urban transportation.

By considering the variety of options available and following these guidelines, you can select a fleet management solution that not only meets your immediate needs but also supports your business’s long-term efficiency and growth.

Discover more in our quick guide to “Smart vehicle management for small business”and learn how combining GPS tracking and video solutions can help you find cost-savings and efficiencies.

Whether you’re a small business looking to add vehicle diagnostics, live video streaming and in-vehicle Wi-Fi to stay connected while on-the-go — or you’re a large commercial fleet in need of real-time monitoring, advanced reporting and ELD capabilities – TELUS Business has a solution that’s ideal for your needs.

Connect with a TELUS specialist to learn more about how TELUS Business Fleet Management solutions can help you optimize fleet performance – You may qualify for special offers and Owner Perks, such as exclusive fuel savings with PetroCanada’s Superpass.*

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