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With technology improving more and more every year, fleet efficiency is higher than ever. Data analysis is often overlooked and not made a priority, but the value big data can bring to your company should not be ignored.  

Every aspect of fleet management from route optimization, to fuel services, to the reduction of waste is improved through large scale analytics. Here are five surprising ways that big data is impacting fleet management. 

1. Direct Dispatch 

The days of attempting to keep track by hand of which drivers are where are over. New developments in telematics software use GPS to track your entire fleet simultaneously.  

Location data allows you to directly dispatch your closest driver to the required pickup location, significantly reducing fleet drive times. The math is simple. The higher number of jobs you’re completing on a daily basis, the better your bottom line will be. 

2. Streamlined Administration 

The advancements in data tracking have completely streamlined much of the administrative process. The information is automatically transferred from your fleet to the backend software, eliminating any user input. This process reduces human error and time wasted on data input. 

The software substantially increases how quickly you can complete tasks, such as invoice remittance, driver log checks, and expense report reconciliation. In addition, if you need a more in-depth analysis, these software programs can export data into Excel spreadsheets. 

3. Accountable Accounting

Without technology, keeping accurate track of exemptions, work-related equipment, and state-by-state driving data is nearly impossible. Improperly documentation of this information can lead to missed deductions and troublesome audits.  

However, data tracking software allows you to keep exact details of vehicle types, fuel services used, and the mileages in every location your drivers travel through. 

4. Accident Reduction 

Comprehensive tracking data can be used to help manage and identify unsafe driving habits. Getting reports on dangerous practices like speeding, harsh braking, and rapid acceleration will help you address how employees behave on the road. 

Proactive measurements and retraining lessens the risk of dangerous driving habits resulting in injury or loss of product. This goes a long way to minimize the number of incidents your fleet experiences, as well as keeping your insurance rates low. Better driving habits can also increase overall fuel efficiency. 

5. Securing the Fleet 

Another common source of loss is fraud and theft. Luckily, fuel management services are also taking large steps in security. Fuel card technology allows fleet managers to limit and track each driver’s spending individually. You can easily cross reference your drivers’ fuel needs based on their route, and ensure no one is taking advantage of your company through excessive purchasing.      
In addition, GPS tracking can greatly increase your chance of recovering stolen products. Being able to report where and when a product is stolen within two hours increases the chance of recovery by upwards of 50%. 

Don’t be intimidated by big data. Start cutting waste and increasing your bottom line with advanced technology. McPherson Oil has been serving customers with comprehensive fuel distribution and petroleum management for over forty years. We help you maximize savings on the resources your business needs to keep running. Contact us or call 888-802-7500 today to learn more about our products and fuel services.