Efficient operation of off-road and construction vehicles is the key to navigating the complexity of the construction industry. 

Every day, fleet managers face various challenges that inhibit growth and productivity. From poor fuel consumption and high idle times to vehicle tracking issues, there’s a lot going on at once. Using an optimized fleet operation management system equipped with telematics is an industry-wide solution. 

According to a McKinsey study, the implementation of telematics results in a 5 to 10% decrease in maintenance costs, a 10 to 30% increase in resource availability, and a 20 to 30% reduction in job site accidents. 

With this data, it is undeniable that telematics keeps businesses competitive, increases performance, and lowers costs on the job site. Investing in fleet management software streamlines operations and optimizes daily activities. 

Let’s explore seven ways to optimize your fleet operations software using telematics. 

1. Track your off-road and construction vehicles in real time 

Use telematics to track your whole fleet in real-time, anytime, and anywhere. 

Instead of bouncing between multiple software, a telematics-based platform tracks vehicle location, diagnostics, and performance alerts through one centralized location. Telematics delivers efficiency for businesses. Fleet managers can prevent theft, reduce idle time, and allocate resources more effectively with access to detailed location data. 

Data is stored and presented in activity reports so fleet managers can monitor patterns over time. This helps managers make informed decisions and lower costs in the long term. 

2. Prevent costly repairs

Preventative maintenance ensures peak performance and reduces costly breakdowns. 

Managing a fleet takes time. With manual tracking, it is impossible to adhere to all off-road and construction vehicles’ maintenance schedules all of the time. So, without the assistance of a digital strategy or software, a company will endure costly maintenance bills. 

Optimizing a fleet operation process with telematics enables fleet managers to track each of their vehicles in real-time. Telematics tracks engine performance, idle time, fuel consumption, and maintenance schedules so that machines work optimally on the job site. 

The ability to track and view vehicle performance on a single, easy-to-use platform can help to prevent costly breakdowns, extend vehicle lifespans, and speed up project timelines. Plus, proactive maintenance helps identify potential issues before they become more expensive problems. 

3. Pick the right vehicles

This may sound oddly straightforward, but selecting the right vehicles is crucial. Telematics is all about the data. This data will show fleet managers which vehicles are used the most and which tend to rack up the most idle time. 

For rental businesses, for example, this is a great way for business owners to know which equipment is most used. Then, they can stock up on those vehicles and earn more money on high-demand equipment rentals. 

For construction company fleets, managers must consider terrain capabilities, load restrictions, and fuel efficiency when preparing for a site. Data will reveal which equipment is worth owning and which is more cost-effective to rent. 

It can also indicate when to upgrade older models and conduct preventive maintenance, helping to increase efficiency and reduce costs and breakdowns. 

4. Save money on fuel 

Curb high fuel consumption using a telematics fleet operation system. Studies have shown that a large percentage of a construction company’s costs are on fuel consumption. 

According to an analysis conducted by EquipmentWatch, fuel accounts for up to 42 percent of a construction company’s costs. And, with fuel costs on the rise, higher fuel prices only mean lower margins for construction businesses. 

Keep your costs low with telematics. Tracking idle time, engine efficiency, tire pressure, and internal diagnostics can help lower fuel costs for your company. Reducing fuel consumption also helps your company become more of a proactive participant in the global fight against climate change. 

Many businesses and governments are looking to partner with construction companies that promote and prioritize strong Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices. Reducing your fuel consumption may result in lower costs and more business relationships. 

5. Enhance workflows and maximize resource management 

Manage your off-road and construction vehicles’ load, inventory, and performance through a single software. 

Keeping track of your fleet’s load capacity optimizes performance and reduces unnecessary trips. Telematics helps maximize the loads while ensuring optimal use and journeys, all while the materials are secured. Without proper loading knowledge, companies can risk safety issues and increased fuel consumption. 

Manage your inventory to prevent theft or loss. Efficient inventory management makes it possible to have suitable materials on the site. This reduces idle times and delays.

6. Support drivers

Telematics not only monitors the fleet but also helps support enhanced driver performance. Off-road and construction vehicle drivers have a lot of weight on their shoulders. They are responsible for heavy loads, large projects, and hazardous materials. 

Companies and managers should recognize their roles in the project and adequately support them both on and off the job site. 

Fleet management significantly improves when drivers have access to transparent communication portals and safety protocols. Understanding their day-to-day can help enhance operators’ work experience and create smoother communications between departments by avoiding misunderstandings. 

7. Care for our environment 

Sustainability is becoming increasingly crucial for the construction industry. More and more, construction companies are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint. Environmentally sustainable practices include reducing idle time, using low-emission devices, and reducing waste. 

Adopting environmental practices not only benefits our earth but can result in savings for the company. Many governments offer rebates and incentives for clean energy initiatives. 

Final thoughts

To stay ahead of the competition, construction companies must find new opportunities to optimize their fleets and improve operations. 

Increasing productivity and lowering costs starts with vehicle tracking, preventative maintenance for your off-road fleet, optimizing your workflows, managing fuel consumption, prioritizing driver safety, and caring for the environment. 

Invest in your fleet operations and the future of your company today. Request a demo with Trackunit software.