Once you add a second vehicle to your fleet, keeping track of who’s driving what, and why, starts to take real effort. Add a third, and fleet management becomes a responsibility that needs dedicated oversight. By the time you’re running a full commercial fleet, it’s no longer a side task, it’s a full-time job.

The arrival of telematics systems like our VT Connect was inspired by this challenge, offering users the chance to more easily oversee performance, introduce efficiencies, and even to respond more effectively in a crisis.

So what should you be looking for?

Managing Operating Costs

A good telematics system will allow you to track fuel consumption in close to real time. Matched with route data you’ll be able to identify whether changes need to be made for more cost effective travel, especially if you operate a system like fleet fuel cards which can give you specific pricing data. By paying attention to this information you can make adjustments that return real value with every trip, and update them as fuel prices fluctuate in different areas of the country.

VT Connect also allows you to record maintenance status and set reminders within the system, allowing you to schedule maintenance when it works best for your business.

We recommend pairing this data with the VT Record. Remotely accessing vehicle camera footage in the event of an incident allows you to quickly and easily adjust plans where needed, and these systems can reduce insurance premiums and protect you against false claims into the bargain.

Improve Fleet Efficiency

While plans for routes are usually made well in advance, we recognise that business needs can change  following an incident or a priority order from a valued customer. With clear, up-to-the-moment vehicle location data and other performance information, revising routes on the fly to accommodate these issues can be done more effectively, ensuring better delivery timing and more efficient use of driver time.

It’s always better to make an informed decision.

Enhanced Safety

Matched with camera systems like the Record Five and VT Turnaware PDS (itself part of our DVS Progressive Safe System), telematics systems can help shield the vehicles and drivers which are the biggest assets to your fleet.

The ability to collect data on driver behaviour also allows you to train your drivers, making for a safer environment overall as well as helping to identify any issues with speeding, harsh braking, and the like.

The full data also allows for powerful incident analysis, which can help where responsibility is in question.

Another benefit of the VT Connect system comes when paired with the VT Ident Plus system. Ident Plus is a powerful anti-theft tool; in the unlikely event that a vehicle fitted with it is still taken, it is possible to track it in real time, even with camera feeds, and to provide this information to law enforcement for swift recovery.

To further discuss how telematics can benefit your fleet – whatever its size – request a call back with the form below or call us on 01254 679 717 and we’ll be happy to help.