Managing your mobile workforce has changed.
No longer do you need to spend hours on the phone, with paper-based scheduling, and drivers spending their time looking for jobs or waiting for job assignments to be updated.
Today, there are many smarter technologies available to businesses that will help streamline daily operations, making them faster, simpler and much more organised.
Vehicle Tracking Creates Better Visibility
Vehicle tracking technology has moved beyond simply seeing when your vans are parked.
Modern real-time tracking gives you an opportunity to view your fleet as they navigate through traffic, take alternative routes and arrive at their destinations.
This level of insight into what your fleet is doing allows for better communication with customers regarding delivery status and provides insights that help eliminate lost time and money due to inefficient routing.
Many systems now allow for reporting on driver behaviour (e.g. braking, speed, idle), giving managers another tool to identify poor habits of employees who may need coaching.
Scheduling Apps Keep Teams Moving
Managers in fast-paced businesses are often unable to manage mobile workforces using paper notebooks or Excel spreadsheets.
Managers can quickly assign jobs while allowing employees (drivers or field workers) instant access to schedules through scheduling software from their cell phones.
Many of these tools have features including live calendars, electronic job sheets, and automated notification systems.
When a customer changes an appointment, the system automatically updates all involved parties – eliminating the need to make multiple telephone calls.
The greatest advantage of this type of technology is its ability to provide your teams with increased flexibility during peak usage times.
It allows teams to be able to adjust much quicker than before, without causing confusion or delay.
Fuel Cards Help Control Everyday Costs
The amount of money spent on fuel in your business may seem like a small part of overall operating expenses, but it can easily become a significant drain if you don’t keep close tabs on how much is being used by each vehicle.
That’s why using fuel cards for your mobile workforce makes so much sense.
They are easy to use as they allow employees to simply fill their gas tank with a card instead of having to collect and submit gas receipts for reimbursement.
They also help reduce administrative costs associated with tracking gas purchases since all of the information will be stored electronically with the provider.
Dash Cams And Communication Tools Improve Confidence
The dash cam has been a staple of the commercial vehicle market for years now.
As with anything that is going to be used to document an incident, it helps protect your business and employees by providing evidence should you ever need to dispute a claim with your insurance provider.
Additionally, having a camera in your commercial vehicle encourages safe driving behaviour.
Unlike many other forms of enforcement, there isn’t a lot of tension created between the manager/driver and their employer when using cameras.
Clear communication tools are equally important.
Mobile workforce apps with messaging features help teams stay connected without relying on endless calls.
Drivers can receive instructions, upload photos, confirm deliveries, or report issues in seconds.
Businesses also benefit from streamlined admin when working with Fleetcover fleet insurance providers, especially when managing multiple vehicles and keeping driver records organised.
Smarter Systems Build Stronger Businesses
When technology is used correctly, it will typically remove “friction” from the normal course of daily business operations.
Most mobile employee management systems will be simple and effective in this regard by allowing employees to perform the work assigned to them and not have to spend time looking for information or completing administrative tasks.
When businesses make smart investments in useful tools, they generally see an improvement in the three key areas: efficiency, communication and customer service within a short period of time.
Hope you’ve found our article, Essential Tech And Tools For Managing A Mobile Workforce useful.
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