Most businesses rely on trucking operations to fulfill their supply chain needs and for field operations. They either buy and manage trucks in-house or lease trucks from logistics providers. Either way, the process is rife with challenges and blind spots that have troubled businesses and transporters. With digitization, truck tracking systems have soared in popularity to overcome obstacles.
The biggest issue faced by fleet operators is the need for real-time visibility. When the fleet operator does not know the location of their service van, they cannot plan or control operations.
Many fleet providers still have legacy systems and even manual processes in place. They have no real-time reporting systems or emergency communication mechanisms in place. Ad-hoc measures such as making telephone calls may only sometimes be feasible. As such, the controlling office cannot track fuel theft, late deliveries, cargo theft, accidents, or other issues.
Digitized trick tracking systems, integrated with a field service management suite, offer promising solutions. For instance, a GPS-enabled truck tracking system makes operations more transparent and efficient.
Tracking systems meet goals only when integrated with a field management suite. Here is how to make the fleet management system more effective using an integrated system.
Read more: How To Utilize Your FSM Software To Gain Maximum Field Service Management Efficiency!
Effective fleet management depends on accurate information. In many companies, fleet managers allocate vehicles on an ad-hoc basis. Soon, the entire system, including fleet management, becomes chaotic. Drivers will end up doing overtime and double shifts. Some customers will have extended wait times, and others may see a small truck turn up to haul voluminous cargo.
A ticketing system streamlines field service operations. When customers make a service request, the system generates a ticket. The ticket leads to a work order containing the details of the job specification, the nature of the cargo, the destination, and other details.
Planning and scheduling jobs in advance improve efficiency. For instance, the scheduler can group destinations to ensure minimal running time and save fuel. The fleet management app makes this usually complicated task easy.
Manual scheduling is inefficient, time-consuming, and error-prone. A good fleet tracking system:
Digitized fleet management software offers relevant information to field agents, drivers, and other stakeholders. An integrated truck management system allows fleet managers to:
A fleet management suite integrated with field service software streamlines workflows. A fleet tracking software reduces the friction and uncertainty traditionally associated with field service operations. The suite
Read more: Why Field Service Businesses Cannot Ignore Scheduling and Route Optimization.
ReachOut Suite is one of today’s most popular fleet management systems. The suite enables scheduling vehicles based on technician and inventory availability.
ReachOut field management suite enables setting scheduling rules. Advanced options make scheduling even easier.
An inbuilt CRM module enables service providers to store and manage customer data in a central location. Alternatively, they may transfer data using the suite’s native integration options or APIs. Service crews gather customer information. Field technicians update customer details from the field, enabling live information.
ReachOut Suite also streamlines workflows, reduces administrative overheads, and enables paperless operations.
Digital forms and checklists allow recording information and cross-checking task procedures. Service teams may use digital forms to collect data and access product information while on the field. Field technicians may also gather photos, jot down notes and share them with the back office for verification. Connected activities such as collecting signatures and creating invoices also get digitized.
Sign up with ReachOut and get going. This suite, used globally across 20+ industries, saves two hours daily, on average, compared to legacy systems. The plans start from an affordable $12 per user per month. See instant results, and recoup the investment in a short while. Contact us for more information.
Sachin works as a part of the digital marketing team at ReachOut Suite. He believes in a healthy and resourceful web and does his own little contributions for the purpose by creating and disseminating innovative and quality content.
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