Utilities are quickly realizing that fleet vehicles are more than just methods of transportation for their technicians. These vehicles contribute to a significant piece of the expenditure pie. When managed properly it can positively affect the company’s bottom line.
Fleet-as-a-service is a concept intended to help utilities govern the way their vehicles are used. Here are a few of the ways that fleet-as-a-service and fleet tracking can result in savings across a utility’s mobile workforce. And keep drivers safe in the process.
Daily fleet vehicle use is not uncommon for most utilities. When it comes to motor vehicles, normal wear and tear can accumulate fast. The best way to navigate the hazards of time and use is to practice proactive maintenance. Fleet-as-a-service emphasizes proactive maintenance plans that include tasks like regular oil changes, tire rotations, and windshield wiper replacements.
When used in tandem with a field service software like EnSight+, tasks can be scheduled in advance. With customized maintenance and safety procedures embedded into the request. Based on regular maintenance and efficient monitoring of 10 vehicles, EnSight+ estimates a shop can save more than $5,000 per year on fleet costs.
When you’re driving, the fastest route from Point A to Point B may not always be a straight line. But how can a leadership team in an office ensure that drivers follow the path that will get them to customers in the most efficient manner? Through fleet-as-a-service and fleet tracking, of course.
Field service software provides drivers with real-time turn-by-turn directions, giving back-office employees insights into where the vehicle is at all times. Fleet-as-a-service takes that visibility up a notch. Allowing the utility to create geofencing alerts that instantly ping the company if a vehicle goes off route or out of its designated area. Compliance with a predetermined route, built for efficiency and to avoid traffic or weather-related slowdowns, can have a huge impact on fuel consumption. If a vehicle is ever stolen, notifications will enable the utility to alert the authorities quickly, which will improve the chances of the vehicle’s recovery.
We’ve already mentioned the importance of route compliance, but fleet-as-a-service can monitor much more than where vehicles are going. A robust fleet tracking program can monitor real-time driver compliance. Violations like speeding or illegal maneuvers will immediately alert leadership.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding has been involved in about one-third of motor vehicle fatalities over the last two decades. Speeding not only increases the chances of injury but can put others around them at risk. That is a massive liability for the utility. Even a non-fatal crash has a bearing on company operations as it could result in vehicle downtime. Utilities can use the insights provided by fleet-as-a-service as a teaching moment and instruct their drivers about the importance of safe driving.
One of the things that utilities love most about EnSight+ is that our platform is a well-rounded solution. It includes fleet-as-a-service and other modules like work order management, scheduling, routing and dispatching, and asset and inventory management. If you’d like to learn more about how fleet-as-a-service and EnSight+ can save your utility money, book your demo today.
All monitored by you, in real time. Are you ready to take control?