Tools for an efficient car fleet

Managing a fleet of cars goes beyond just the car itself. We sift through some of the tools needed to build an efficient fleet, and save on the price.

Fleet management is not easy for small and medium businesses, especially when competing with the big end of town. But tools such as electronic logbooks, driver training, and novated leases make the process easier, and more cost efficient. So rummage through this toolbox to keep yourself in the super lean game.

Logger’s World

Whether recording business kilometres, the actual driver, or vehicle activities, logbooks are a necessity must for fleets. The downside? They are quite thecan be a hassle, especially when paper-based.

“It’s inefficient,” says Nigel Malcolm, Fleetcare general manager. “Quite often mistakes are made, and the legislation isn’t understood,.” says Nigel Malcolm, Fleetcare general manager Malcolm instead recommends electronic logbooks. “I think we’ll see an increase in that type of activity over the years,” he says, explaining it is easier to reconcile an electronic log.

The two electronic logbook options are handheld by PDAs and in-car devices. One such product is Fleetcare’s logit, a program that can be uploaded to either type for recording business travel percentages. “It does real-time communication and the driver just selects the parameters for the trip,” says Malcolm. “Based on those parameters, the software works out if the travel is business or private, and that gets stored in real time on an activity-by-activity basis.

“Logbooks are the best way of reducing your FBT cost,” Malcolm adds Malcolm. Without the risk of human error, the Fringe Benefits Tax paid for personal use of the vehicle becomes easier to calculate–logit meets ATO requirements, and also allows data to be printed for more traditional storage.

Electronic Eyes

There are other ways to observe monitor vehicle activity besides logbooks. An inexpensive one is e-Tagsoption is to use electronic toll pass. By monitoring how often tollways are used, and if there is any backtracking, a fleet manager can decide whether it’s necessary to devise a new route.

“A lot of business is about doing some really good work with that kind of information,” says Malcolm. “Not quite as good as GPS and knowing exactly what the car is doing every second, but it does help them.”

The added benefits of both portable and built-in GPS are obvious. They can track a fleet, pick up bad traffic, and even create a safer working environment. “The GPS, provided it’s been programmed before they start driving, can actually be a great driving aid and assist the driver to be a little more stress free, and a little more efficient,” explains Malcolm.

The uptake of the devices is still slow, but it’s picking up. “As navigation devices become more affordable and perhaps more mainstream, we’re noticing more clients are looking at this,” says Malcolm, though he adds it can be costly. “Even though you can buy units under $1,000 now, that’s $30,000 in a 30- car fleet. But as we see more and more vehicles coming out with it as an option, buyers might start leaning towards buying it as part of the vehicle.”

Bluetooth, Also now available as both a portable and built-in option, also isBluetooth, which has numerous advantages in comparison to older in-car phone kits. “We’re finding many more fleets are demanding Bluetooth inside their vehicles,” says Malcolm.   

Bluetooth capability is not tied to a specific mobile phone model, so it will continue working even if you upgrade your phone. The cheaper fit-out cost will also help your budget.

On the list of the latest Bluetooth technology is the BlueAnt Supertooth Light Speakerphone. It can easily be attached to car visors, so you don’t need the traditional Bluetooth headset. And with duplex speakers and echo-cancellation technologies, it claims to allow better caller hearing. Only Plus, as it only weighsing 115 grams, throw it into your bag to prevent theft.

If you find in-built Bluetooth more attractive, Toyota’s Prius is one of the options available. The Bluetooth system, available with the voice-activated DVD navigation technology, can pick up signals from handsets nearing a distance of 10 metres. This The range does vary slightly, though, depending on the phone’s model and the level of battery power. Four different phones can be paired with each navigation system, and answering calls only takes the touch of the steering-wheel control or the navigation screen. Also, numbers can easily be transferred from Bluetooth phones to the vehicle.

What’s more, the Prius has a smart key system, and is equipped with Hybrid Synergy Drive. So with greater power, fuel-efficiency, and lower emissions, it’s also better for the environment.