Publisher's Column
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14
PUBLISHER’S COLUMN
Computing your bottom line
W
hether you’re an owner-operator
or a fleet owner managing multiple
trucks, if you’re still running your business with
pen, paper and a road atlas, you’re probably
leaving money on the table. The meshing
of onboard computing and a plethora of
specialized software allows instant collection
of critical data, giving you time to focus on
corrective measures and profit improvement.
Fuel economy, maintenance/repairs and
safety compliance are just a few factors you can measure and
manage via this technology.
Here are some details, according to a recent article in NextTruck
sister publication Commercial Carrier Journal:
Track mpg – Software such as the R:Com onboard computing
and wireless fleet management system from Blue Tree Systems
and PeopleNet’s PerformX feature can regularly send mpg reports
to drivers automatically. These reports pinpoint problems and offer
tips to help drivers improve their numbers. Some fleets are using
this technology with both company employees and independent
contractors.
Schedule repairs – Software products also can detect ECM
fault codes and notify you before the “check engine” light appears.
This can give you time to schedule repairs before a breakdown and
possibly without interrupting a haul. For fleets, the message might
include instructions for drivers as well as a description of the fault
code. For instance, you might want your driver to shut down the truck
immediately if it’s about to run out of diesel exhaust fluid.
Improve productivity – These systems also can give you or your
drivers information that will make tasks easier and increase efficiency.
Qualcomm’s Circle of Service Workflow, for example, provides driver
instructions once a truck enters a customer’s geofence. Portable
computers such as Zonar’s Zpad and the PeopleNet Tablet double
as in-cab displays and offer numerous workflow applications for
drivers. These applications could prompt the driver to use the tablet’s
scanner to check the load and scan the manifest, capture a signature
and send proof of delivery to the customer. You can integrate
onboard computing with your existing systems such as dispatch,
fuel optimization and in-cab navigation to provide drivers turn-by-turn
directions and warnings about sharp curves, steep inclines, speed limit
changes and road construction.
Monitor safety compliance – This technology’s exception-based
reporting tools also can help you stay in line with the new federal
Compliance Safety Accountability program. Some systems generate
driver scorecards and allow you to weight each measurement
category. Xata’s Fleet Performance Manager will even coach lowperforming drivers on how to improve their scores.
Customize your alerts – Onboard computing and management
software allow you to set alert thresholds for virtually any metric –
logbook violations, speeding, hard braking, etc. When the limit is
reached, alerts can be sent to an assigned person via text, e-mail or
in-cab display.
If technology isn’t a business tool you’ve embraced, the volume of
products and possibilities can be overwhelming. Try starting simply
with one standard system and monitor your results. If you like what
you see, add others as your knowledge, confidence – and profits –
grow.
SECOND OCT ISSUE 2011
Lmagner@rrpub.com
866-783-5137