4 Pros and Cons of Today’s Fleet Technology

Fleet technology comes in all shapes and sizes, from the tiniest GPS devices to large computers to related software and everything in between.
For a fleet manager, the trick becomes choosing the right technology for the job. Sure, tools like fleet fuel cards are beneficial, but what about driver-tracking solutions? Or mobile applications?

To help clarify a few issues for you and your fleet, here are two pros and two cons of popular fleet technology today:

Pro No. 1: Improved driver safety
The first pro on the list is improved driver safety. Technology out there right now can help you track accidents, mitigate risk and keep your drivers happy and healthy. According to Automotive Fleet, there are tools that utilize predictive analytics to monitor driver behavior. The software then identifies which drivers are at a greater risk of an accident, so you can take the proper steps to prevent that occurrence.

Con No. 1: Mismanagement of technology
In many cases, the technology you implement will rely on other people in order to work properly. For example, a separate article by Automotive Fleet pointed out that it is often the driver who is responsible for managing the technology. As a result, a successful implementation depends on their training and participation. Don’t let your new tools be mismanaged – make sure your employees are on board and up to the task beforehand.

Pro No. 2: Increased fleet productivity
One of the biggest reasons to implement new fleet technology is to increase productivity. Automotive Fleet noted that many tools, such as mobile applications that monitor vehicle locations, can streamline your operations and shed light on new routes that will save time and money. Use technology to increase your fleet’s productivity by communicating more effectively with drivers and storing relevant information.

Con No. 2: Choosing the wrong technology
The hardest part about fleet technology is picking the right options for your company. Abe Stephenson, fleet and administration manager for DISH, told Automotive Fleet that you should first test trial anything before incorporating it across your fleet. The trial process is incredibly important and it can remove the risk of choosing the wrong technology. This holds true for everything from new vehicles to GPS tracking devices and other forms of telematics.

Always do your research when it comes to fleet technology. It never hurts to have as much information as possible before making a decision.