Things To Consider When Looking for fleet management system

Based on the search results provided, there are several types of fleet management systems available in the market, each catering to different needs and preferences[1]. Some of the common types include:

Fleet Size and Scalability: Several fleet management vendors offer solutions for businesses of all sizes, whereas others cater to medium to large enterprises or small firms. Software and hardware discounts for volume purchases can reduce costs as your company expands. These savings can help since most platforms charge a per-vehicle fee, and you will pay additional costs for hardware or other services. While add-on options and modules are great for customization, these can also add to the overall costs in the long run compared to an all-in-one system. 

Key Features and Functionality: fleet management system combines many tools into one platform, including asset management, parts and inventory tracking, and safety and compliance. However, vendors may offer additional modules to increase your platform’s functionality. 

While researching applications for our rating of the best fleet management system, we came across options for route optimization and navigation, customer management, work orders, invoicing, spend management, and sustainability. Therefore, we recommend identifying your firm’s main reason for deploying fleet management tools and then narrowing your list by selecting only platforms that offer those features.

Mobile Accessibility: Modern fleet management systems offer iOS and Android applications, allowing various users to stay in the know without being tied to a desk. Vendors take a different approach, with some offering one app for managers and drivers and others having two or more applications for mechanics, drivers, fleet managers, and more. Like most mobile apps, usability varies. You can go to the app store to see how users rate the software and if any patterns exist, like an ongoing issue of the app closing unexpectedly or not connecting to the internet. For a delivery driver relying on the mobile app for navigation or a trucker who needs to show an enforcement officer logs during a stop, a poorly built app is not only a frustration but can also cost your firm money. Mobile apps also have different functionality. Some support two-way communication, whereas others only let the dispatcher send a message. In addition, certain vendors allow you to upload vehicle documents and take photos after an accident. Both of these features can be helpful for your teams. However, a larger fleet with AI-powered dashcams may not need this capability, and an extra icon can clutter the user interface. 

Customization Options: A few fleet management platforms are ready out of the box. You purchase a subscription and receive the features according to the plantier. This is typical of many software-as-a-service (SaaS) systems. These allow for minimal customization, usually in the form of alerts and notifications. Many fleet management system solutions use modules. The vendor provides a core system; you can add various modules to increase functionality. These work well for businesses of all sizes because you can pick the tools you need and add others as your company grows. Conversely, a tool like Fleet Complete is entirely customizable. In this case, you work with the vendor to develop software, integrations, and automations specific to your needs. This solution takes longer to design and implement. However, it may work better for diverse fleets and growing companies that want an all-in-one service. 

It’s essential to evaluate your specific requirements and operational functions to determine the kind of fleet management system that best suits your needs.