Interruptions forcing assets off of the job wreck everyone’s schedule and reduce the revenue the equipment brings in. No matter how things unfold, belts don’t break at random and tires don’t mysteriously blow.
Don’t let your fleet end up like this.
Ron Turley Associates understands breakdowns are inevitable however, they tend to lend themselves to other underlying issues. One of the best processes a manager can do to avoid asset breakdowns is to implement a control system to keep operators and equipment running safe.
Auditing The Fleet Operation Process
One of the best ways to improve the fleet management operation process is to conduct an audit. Inspect how processes and procedures work and interact with one another. Find ways to improve efficiency of the operations and help employees streamline their daily output.
What Are You Lacking?
Managing a fleet operation is unique and complex. There are many variables, inside and outside factors, that directly affect your operation on a daily basis. Having control of as much as you’re able will help improve operational deficiencies.
Naturally, piles of information are processed on a daily basis and your fleet’s efficiency depends on your ability to stay organized. Preventive maintenance software is a critical ally in your struggle to manage individualized maintenance checklists, multiple assets, and hundreds of parts successfully. Each of these areas plays a key role as to whether or not equipment is safe and operational.
Understanding Minor Details Are Important
We all realize changing the oil every 3,000 miles and properly rotating and balancing tires every 10,000 miles is necessary for our personal vehicles, but do we take into account the needs of our fleet or thought about the diversity of maintenance requirements of our fleet? How do we keep track of this?
Fleet is diverse and covers a wide expanse. Each is maintained differently. The minor details and differences are important. Utilizing two of the same asset still requires different maintenance repairs and intervals, as their usage and wear and tear vary. Having a software program in place to accurately track maintenance schedules allows operators, mechanics, and managers to realize the fine tuning each asset needs and when it’s needed.
Business Management + Preventive Maintenance = Reduction in Breakdowns
Implementing a comprehensive fleet management software system promotes proactive problem resolution. Running an operation in a reactive mode increases costs, expands breakdowns, frustrates employees, impacts morale and your bottom line.
Don’t underestimate the power of a preventive maintenance program. An effective preventive maintenance program should:
- Implement barcode, SDS, and other vehicle parts tracking standards
- Satisfy safety compliance standards
- Track resource statuses (batteries, oil, parts, warranties, etc.)
- Assist with maintaining complex schedules for roving and multiple-garage fleets
- Ability to zero-in on specific asset maintenance needs
- Immediate reduction in road calls
Added Bonus: RTA’s Road Call Module – This new module within the RTA system provides a tracking capability for breakdowns. Integrated with the work order module and external interfaces with “Truck Down”, the ability to locate nearby repair vendors is a click away. This module provides a streamlined way to create, post, and resolve outside work orders while a vehicle is off-site and out of service.
Utilizing a fleet management software system allows the search of historical maintenance records to see breakage trends. A well-organized system comes in handy after a traffic accident or breakdown – having proof proper upkeep was performed on an asset could potentially save your operation from being negligent in a courtroom. The ability to have an accident tracking system allows all pertinent equipment, operator, and contact data to be stored in one, convenient location.
Become Profitable
Let’s take for example a missed filter change. Having a preventive maintenance system in place would have alerted the mechanic when this item needed to be addressed, however, the company didn’t have a system in place. Although this may seem like a minor issue, consider the reduction in fuel economy and additional engine wear.
How assets are maintained have a direct effect on the bottom line. Maintenance costs come in second to fuel expenditures therefore, it is hard to dispute the value of software tools that keep fleet maintenance on track.
It’s inevitable – you will spend money on asset upkeep, so why not implement a complex fleet management software solution that gets you organized, increases your profits, minimizes downtime, and helps reduce breakdowns. Leverage RTA’s experience.
See how partnering with RTA will help your company avoid unnecessary asset breakdowns by requesting a free demo.