Technology is progressing faster and faster every year, and software is being developed at a rapid rate to keep up with demand. The world is turning digital and the fleet management industry is very much going the same way.

One of the key areas this is progressing is through all the rich data attained through comprehensive vehicle tracking. This area is steadily on the rise with many businesses and municipal areas embracing these fleet tracking solutions to improve the efficiency and productivity of their fleet management. The 2022 Fleet Technology Trends Report Europe found that 68% of fleets surveyed are now using GPS tracking technology.

Telematics isn’t a new concept, but the new platforms being created to compile, analyse and manage this information are. Previously, information and statistics relating to your fleet would have been provided in separate platforms, which proves time-consuming and inefficient. The introduction of new software such as our in-house Bucher Connect system compile and analyse the data for you, providing in-depth insights into your fleet without having to cross-reference dozens of platforms. Not only do these new programmes streamline your data but they provide a useful platform to integrate other aspects of the job - they can provide a singular management platform to store information, order parts, book services, immediately identify faults, and much more.

With many of these digital fleet management solutions provide three main key aspects:

• Digitisation of data
• Maintenance and service packages
• Customer and breakdown support

Many platforms (including Bucher Connect) have a singular digital touchpoint where you can view the status of vehicles, have GPS tracking and route planning for the whole fleet, vehicle productivity through heat mapping, and detailed statistical analysis of KPIs. These online areas completely eradicate the need to comb through multiple platforms for data and planning. Our in-house Bucher Connect platform is a revolutionary system that increases productivity significantly. The data also shows the status of your vehicle in regards to oil, battery, and fuel levels so you can easily view and maintain these accordingly. It shows current fuel consumption, engine revs, fan power, and other useful metrics which can help you plan which jobs and routes need the most attention, supporting forecasting. This streamlined job planning saves time, money, and resource. Not only will you be able to view your machine’s status, but you can find maintenance plan information, workshop manuals, access to the parts e-shop, and easily organise all your repair and service needs in one place.

Maintenance and service packages are often offered alongside the digital aspect of the platform. These packages differ from ‘usual’ maintenance packages as the online portal shows you exactly when your vehicle needs to be serviced and the status of the unit. Additionally, it provides a space where you can view exactly what is included in the services, how to extend warranties, and what maintenance you are entitled to and can easily upgrade or downgrade your package to suit your changing needs.

Arguably the best side of embracing the new fleet management technology is the new ways of approaching customer and breakdown support. Through the software installed on each machine, you can view faults or potential faults before they become a problem. From a monetary standpoint, this is invaluable knowledge to have; with the need for recovery vehicles reduced, overall costs decrease. It also means that if there are any major faults or errors in your vehicle, engineers can view the status of your vehicle almost immediately and remotely diagnose issues, keeping you on the road. Similarly, mobile technicians will have pre-knowledge of the fault leading to more efficient and quicker repairs.

Not only do platforms such as Bucher Connect improve workflow and efficiency, but they are extremely cost-effective. When users of fleet tracking software were asked about cost savings in comparison to previously used methods, Fleet Technology Trends Report recorded an 8% reduction in fuel usage, 15% reduction in collision costs, and 12% reduction in labour costs.

Get in contact with us today to find out which Bucher Connect package best suits your needs.