Using fleet data correctly can improve your fleet management, allowing you to predict trends, behaviour patterns, and problems before they occur. With a fleet management app you can make informed decisions that drive revenue, save money and improve driver safety. This article discusses how to use fleet data analytics and fleet reports to maximise your fleet's efficiency.

What are Fleet Data Analytics?

Fleet data is important to effective fleet management because it provides foresight for your business. Predictive analytics tools found in fleet management apps allow you to build your fleet forecast, using real-time data to improve your decision making in all areas of your business from productivity to safety. Gain insights on fuel efficiency, monitor driver behaviour, and improve your overall operational efficiency with fleet data. You can store your fleet data using a fleet management system, which will produce fleet reports with actionable data to improve your fleet's efficiency.

Combined with telematics data, which is recorded by a telematics device, you can assess your drivers' capabilities. The data and analytics will show:

• number of trips per day
• real-time location
• vehicle speed
• mileage
• speeding
• harsh braking
• acceleration
• aggressive cornering

How to Use Fleet Data and Analytics

1. Oversee driver behaviour

Utilising fleet data allows you to monitor your driver's behaviour and keep your workforce accountable. The dashboard feature on most fleet telematics software, such as Fleetmate telematics, lets you keep an eye on your drivers' location, fuel use and how they are spending money on their fuel card. This way, you can identify inefficient drivers and put in specific measures to change driving habits and protect the efficiency of your organisation.

2. Track vehicle performance and usage

Use vehicle telematics data to assess the performance of both your vehicles and drivers on the road. The data produced allows you to improve these specific areas; for example, you may provide extra training for drivers who aren't using fuel efficiently. This action could reduce maintenance costs and fuel efficiency while keeping your drivers safe on the road, as research has found that 42% of fleets have fewer safety incidents since monitoring driver behaviour using fleet tracking software.

3. Plan routes

Fleet data analytics can help your drivers to plan a more effective route. By using real-time data, you can assess road conditions, avoid traffic, identify the most direct route, therefore planning optimal routes before and during a journey so that your drivers maximise their efficiency on the road.

What are the Benefits of Using Fleet Data Analytics?

1. Make informed business decisions

Using fleet data is important for effective fleet management from fuel efficiency to maintenance work. Use fleet reports to schedule maintenance on a vehicle-by-vehicle basis versus ad-hoc whole fleet repairs. Harness the valuable data from fleet reports to review your operational costs and improve your overall style of fleet management.

2. Positive impact on driver safety

A fleet report, using data from dashcam footage, can help to determine whether accidents are caused by human or vehicle error. Fleet data comprises many data types, such as telematics, GPS and vehicle and traffic cameras, to provide a holistic driver monitoring system that improves driver safety. Compulsory walk around vehicle checks can also be carried out using fleet management apps, integrated into your fleet management software, ensuring that checks are carried out thoroughly. The data may reveal the most common causes of accidents and give insights on how to train your drivers to avoid these situations and action any defects before a journey.

3. Avoid downtime on emergency repairs

Emergency repairs and unscheduled downtime can harm fleet operations. Use fleet data analytics to detect vehicle failures before they happen, so you can assess your vehicles' suitability for your business demands, monitor driving, and track costs. Regular, planned maintenance can keep your fleet safe, reduce costs, and improve your business's overall efficiency. Vehicle checks provide visibility to the fleet managers responsible for maintaining the vehicles to action any defects.

4. Save on fuel costs

Analyse your fuel usage, budget and costs with a fleet management app. Assess your total cost by fuel type, your vehicles' fuel economy, and total spend on the app dashboard. A card activity monitor allows fleet managers to view each driver's spending behaviour and offers the option to set a cap on the fuel card spend.

Predictive fleet data analysis allows you to see what's working and what isn't working in your business. Utilising your fleet data means you can improve your fleet management by making informed decisions on all areas of your business, from productivity to safety, supported by real-time data. For more fleet management advice, please explore our blog.