By: Anonymous Fleet Manager
Time and time again the fleet department is instructed to implement a GPS tracking system.
So, the fleet department then invests massive amounts of time to spec, procure and install a GPS system. Mind you, this doesn’t include the initial cost and ongoing monthly fees – which are nothing to sniff at!
But this is what really drives me up the wall: barely anybody ends up using this expensive and time-consuming system.
Although there are numerous benefits of using a GPS system for the fleet department, the real benefits are obviously only realised when operational staff actually utilise the system.
In my experience, operational staff often use GPS as a reactionary tool – if something goes wrong they the log in and review historical data. What this means is that fleet departments and their organisations are missing out on massive benefits. The use of GPS tracking as a ‘works management tool’ can be highly beneficial, particularly in regards to planning, scheduling and dispatching work, route optimisation, and so on.
The BIG question is: When are operational staff going to start using the system?
And, who is going to make them? It’s my belief that senior management must drive the use of the GPS system.
Perhaps a lot of operational staff are stuck in their ways and reluctant to change? Who knows.
All I know is, it really grinds my gears.
What do you think? Leave your comments below.
To stop our Anonymous Fleet Manager (AFM) blowing a gasket, we created Internal Combustion, a monthly column for fleet-related rants that lets him blow off some steam. Got a fleet gripe you'd like to get his opinion on? Email emily.ditchburn@ipwea.org and she'll pass it on to AFM... when he's in a good enough mood, that is.