Telematics – how do they really affect your construction fleet?

How Construction fleets can save costs using telematics and tracking devices

If you are looking to cut costs in your construction fleet, telematics, (including vehicle tracking systems) can provide you with a powerful tool to do so. Whilst simultaneously improving your funds, benefits can be reaped from aspects like improved productivity and reduced labour costs.

When it comes to running a fleet, the main areas that costs can be wasted are through inefficient equipment use and driver productivity- both of which can stem a plethora of costly issues.

This would be a different story if you were aware of the precise location and performance of all vehicles and assets in your fleet as you can target exactly where changes need to be made. Through using telematics you can optimise schedules and routing to reduce overtime and other inefficient behaviours which drive up labour costs. Not only will this allow your drivers to be aware of the most efficient course to take (henceforth saving time) but because they will be aware that you’re tracking their journey they will be less likely to idle or procrastinate. As a result of these jobs being completed faster, there will be more time to fit in additional tasks and duties throughout the day, bringing in more revenue and improving your business’s reputation.

Because employee’s will be performing better it will give you time to focus on other aspects of the business. Leading to faster response times and better customer service, in turn assisting with generating repeat business. Improved dispatching and routing will also let you take on more jobs without having to employ additional personnel or invest in more vehicles.

Unnecessary breakdowns of vehicles are another aspect where a vast amount of expenditure is drained, which, with the right equipment can easily be prevented. For this, you could invest in a GPS tracking system with engine diagnostic capabilities- this can help avoid mishaps before they happen, simultaneously saving you time and money. This system can provide you with advance warning of engine trouble allowing you to fix minor problems before they escalate as well as reminders for oil changes, tune ups and other preventative measures than ensure your vehicle is kept in the best condition.

Telematics systems, whilst providing real-time usages, are also handy to look back at reports which can compare driver and vehicle activity. Through keeping a regular eye on these reports, you can see long and short term driving patterns and equipment utilisation to identify any areas where productivity is reduced and work to improve these.

Yet another aspect where fleet tracking can improve your construction business is in the prevention of fraud. If a crash was to happen where the opposing driver claimed they had suffered whiplash, a telematics system can show how fast the car was travelling and where/when the brake was applied, thus able to prove if whiplash is plausible or even possible in such a situation. This can help to avoid hefty pay-outs and potential court appearances if a dispute cannot be resolved.

Telematics is ever becoming a more important tools for construction fleets and can save thousands of pounds on generated business and efficient time-keeping. Whether you decide to spend a lot or a little on a telematics system it’s certainly worth it.

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