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How User Experience Helps Minimize Cost and Boosts Fleet ROI
Fleet ROI Calls for Streamlined Communications and an Easier User Experience
In this age of technology, the word innovation is very much overused and often times underwhelming, but that does not mean we have to settle. With a constant push for efficiencies and optimization in order to improve ROI, we are looking to technology for answers – especially in the trucking industry. Trucking, transportation and logistics is one of the most challenging industries in the world, where a focus on profitability and ROI is a daily concern. So, what is this fast paced, detail-oriented sector doing to not only stay on top of fleet ROI, but maximize and boost it? The answer is complex but it all starts with simplicity, integration and communications (through your people and through your technology). For more, Matt Reinhart breaks it down.
1. INTEGRATION EXTENDS WHAT YOU ALREADY USE
Extending the life of your current systems – CRM, GPS, accounting, payroll, human resources – are all important. Look at fleet management solutions which can leverage and expand their use and effectiveness through integration. Maximizing the investment in your existing systems to increase their value should be an accompanying goal.
Companies like EFS have become critical to fleet ROI for years and their integration efforts are only evolving.
2. INTEGRATION CAN REDUCE THE TIME OF IMPLEMENTATION
Seek an integration-friendly platform with a full set of tools that can easily share information back and forth with your other business software solutions. A centralized solution which easily integrates helps simplify the implementation process. The less disruption an implementation has on day-to-day workflows, the quicker you can realize a positive fleet ROI and increase the likelihood of early adoption.
3. EASE OF USE MEANS QUICKER ADOPTION
Integrations that are simple on the back-end and seamless to the user allow for quick adoption. Ease of use begins with the implementation process. Choose a provider that has a proven implementation and training strategy. Establish an internal champion to lead the way on your end and engage as many end-users early in the implementation process. Poorly implemented software projects lead to your new software being bypassed, worked around or ignored altogether.
4. STREAMLINE YOUR WORKFLOW AND ELIMINATE DUPLICATE DATA ENTRY
A system that integrates with your current ancillary systems, like CRM and accounting, means that data needs to be entered only once. Critical data is not delayed by waiting for paperwork to be delivered from another department or field employee. Furthermore, you reduce time spent importing and exporting data between systems. The digital trail created by these linked systems reduces the possibility of losing information, or that information being incorrectly input due to multiple entries from different individuals. Efficiency is gained as tasks are automated, freeing up your staff to move on to other things.
5. LET SPECIALISTS SPECIALIZE
Be quick to see that certain business solution providers dominate their respective fields. Make use of what they offer. When purchasing a fleet management system, understand that you do not have to use all of its functions. Especially when that would entail parting ways with, for example, a CRM provider you prefer. Instead, cultivate an understanding that the role of centralized fleet management system is to act as the hub and connect the additional systems you use to operate your business. It should not be the only tool you use, but the tool that provides you a 360-degree view of everything that happens within your fleet.
6. IMPROVE COMMUNICATIONS
Centralized fleet management software and mobile fleet management solutions are designed to increase transparency and help everyone in your business work more efficiently and communicate more effectively. When all your disparate business operations systems are seamlessly integrated through a robust operations system, your business will enjoy continuity across departments. When implemented properly, this will reduce costly mistakes and lead to increase in profits.
Integrating all your business systems under the umbrella of a centralized fleet management system grows more important as profit margins tighten and competition increases. Seek simple integrations and receive a quicker return on your investment.
Centralized fleet management systems like EFS are key to boosting fleet ROI for all the reasons mentioned above and more. While automation is responsible for many of the efficiencies that are helping to optimize time, consider ELD as well, other online tools and mobile apps are helping to optimize money and the way it is spent. Both vendor payments and payrolll are being handled in the most seamless ways possible and often time without lifting a finger. The transition to electronic payments is both beneficial to the company and the employee, but the apps used to manage the process require ease in order be successful. Ease of use and experience lead us to UX.
What is UX and How Can It Help to Improve Fleet ROI?
UX refers to the user experience based on emotions and attitudes that go along with using a particular application, software or web-based interface. Ease of use and efficiencies matter, which is why there is an entire industry focused on making technology as seamless and intuitive to use as possible. And, because the user experience is dynamic and constantly changing, it forces companies to keep up with the user demand for products that make their working lives easier. The trucking industry is no different. How the user engages with and experiences the product is critical in adoption of that technology, so these tools need to be easy and efficient in order to get practical data and the smart function from them.
An example of effective UX design in the trucking industry is EchoDrive, a load management system for tracking and communications between drivers, carriers and transportation professionals. Echo’s primary goal was to develop a system that would allow users the tools to share details, tracking, status and documentation. Echo applied their function to both desktop apps for managers and mobile apps for drivers and designed them with individual user mentalities and requirements in mind.
There is a huge change in the works for those around us who drive and deliver every day, and an urgent need for solutions that help them transition to a more digitally-driven future. EchoDrive is one solution that does so with an eye on how their critical work gets done. — Eight Bit Studios
The app exceeded expectations for its increased visibility for fleet and load managers and speed of vendor payment, carrier remittance and driver payroll. To that end, EchoDrive won a 2017 UX award for exceptional experience. Not only was the app effective for end users, that user experience led to consistency in the workflow which resulted in a greater fleet ROI. Suffice it to say, technology is a way of life and the easier it is to use, the higher return the investment in that technology will provide.
Resources:
https://userexperienceawards.com/2017-submissions/echodrive/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User_experience
https://www.fleetcostcare.com/integrating-fleet-management-systems/