Most construction fleets have a mix of vehicles, equipment and other assets that are overworked and continually on the move. GPS fleet- and asset-tracking software allows you to monitor asset location and fleet health and extend vehicle, asset and equipment life.
Monitor Information in Real Time
It is important that you monitor the way that your assets are handled. Since your employees are the ones using your equipment, you should know how they are using it. You will know how your trucks are being handled with driver scorecard information. This information includes driver speed, idle time, miles driven, harsh braking and fast acceleration. These driver metrics provide a clear view of the ways your vehicles are being used and give you the opportunity to coach employees to correct driving behavior when necessary. There are three clear benefits of monitoring how your assets are handled: increased safety, reduced wear on vehicles and reduced costs.
Many construction businesses find it valuable to have engine diagnostic information sent to the fleet or maintenance manager once trouble is detected. Diagnostic devices are available that connect to the engine’s computer and send trouble codes in real time in the form of a text message or email.
These alerts and reports supply a trouble code and information about the problem. Below is an example of what a trouble code might look like:
| Code: | P0320 |
| Basic Description: | Engine may not be consuming fuel efficiently |
| Technical Description: | Ignition/distributor engine speed input circuit malfunction |
You can minimize asset downtime by having trouble codes sent to the shop so technicians can prepare to work on the vehicle once it arrives. If you use a maintenance service, your knowledge of the problem will allow you to avoid being charged too much. You also no longer run the risk of your driver continuing to use the asset without notifying management once the “check engine” light comes on.
Optimize Asset Usage
Knowing when and how often your equipment is in use will help you make key decisions regarding maintenance schedules, frequency of usage and asset life.
Usage reports are available that will provide information such as distance traveled, engine hours, days used and trips taken. Some of the data may not be applicable for all assets, but the information provided will help optimize asset usage.
Schedule Maintenance
With advanced GPS fleet and asset tracking software, you can schedule maintenance reminders for any kind of maintenance for every asset in your fleet. Set the reminders based on miles, hours or dates. For example, you might set a reminder to change the oil every 3,000 miles, to perform standard maintenance every 300 hours of run time or to renew registration on a date nearing its expiration. You can also view your maintenance schedule to see upcoming needed maintenance. Due dates will be color coded based on how close you are to the reminder.
GPS tracking software that provides real-time driver metrics, diagnostic information, utilization reports, and maintenance scheduling will help you extend asset and equipment life. Improving fleet health will save you money in accidents, engine replacements and repairs.
