Episode 206: Fleet Leaders Reveal the Software They’d NEVER Use Again

“You can run a fleet out of a spreadsheet, but you’ll never succeed with one.” – Steve Saltzgiver

Episode Summary

In this no-holds-barred episode of The Fleet Success Show, RTA’s VP of Product & Consulting, Marc Canton, is joined by the Fleet Whisperer himself, Steve Saltzgiver, to dissect one of the biggest mistakes fleets make: trying to manage fleet operations through non-fleet systems like ERPs, EAMs, or telematics platforms with maintenance add-ons.

Steve shares battle-tested stories from his decades of hands-on fleet leadership, where multi-million dollar companies wasted years and millions trying to shoehorn fleet into systems never meant for it. The two dive deep into the problems with using generic asset systems, and explain exactly why FMIS (Fleet Management Information Systems) like RTA are built to drive wrench time, reduce downtime, and give you clean, reliable data.

Whether you’re being forced into an ERP, trying to justify an FMIS to leadership, or want real-world ammo to make your case, this episode is your go-to resource.

Key Takeaways

• ERPs and EAMs are not built for fleet: From 40-click work orders to missing fleet-specific features like VRMS codes and SRT tracking, they cause inefficiency, data loss, and user frustration.
  
  
• FMIS platforms deliver immediate ROI: Purpose-built systems dramatically reduce clicks, improve reporting accuracy, and streamline daily shop workflows.
  
  
• Fleet data needs fleet-first systems: Granular cost tracking, downtime reporting, and shop scheduling require systems designed for mobile assets, not static ones.
  
  
• Politics often drive bad decisions: Leadership's desire for system consolidation often ignores the operational needs of the fleet.
  
  
• Don’t go it alone: Independent third-party evaluations can help justify the move to an FMIS.

Speaker Bios

Marc Canton
VP of Product & Consulting, RTA
Marc brings decades of fleet experience to his role as RTA’s product and consulting lead. Known for blending operational know-how with strategic thinking, Marc helps public and private fleets rethink the way they approach replacement planning, KPI tracking, and stakeholder communication.

Steve Saltzgiver
Fleet Consultant, RTA
Known as the “Fleet Whisperer,” Steve is a Hall-of-Fame fleet leader and the Head of Consulting at RTA. With executive-level experience in government and private sector fleets, Steve’s deep understanding of operational pain points makes him a trusted voice in the industry.

PODCAST HOT TAKES:

The 40-Click Work Order Hell: Why ERPs FAIL at Fleet Work Orders 

The Big Lie: ERPs Treat Fleets Like Desks, Not Vehicles

The Hidden Cost of Using ERPs for Fleet? Time, Money, and Sanity

You Don’t HAVE Use RTA… Just Don’t Use an ERP for Fleet!