Automotive Fleet, February 2016
AUTOMOTIVE FLEET I FEBRUARY 2016 22 Technology can help take millions of points of vehicle generated data and make it actionable to manage fuel usage and overall spend BY LAUREN FLETCHER A s a fleet manager there is no question that fuel management is a major part of overseeing a fleet But it can also be a complicated area to actually manage from frequently volatile fuel prices to the yearover year goal to reduce fuel spend Several technologies are available to help fleet managers with this daunting task and subject matter experts share some advice to help select and better utilize fuel management and technology options The Importance of Fuel Management Technology First and foremost understanding the data related to fuel including spend data is crucial Fleet managers should do all they can to dig into and explore their fuel spending data Thorough data analysis is a well established best practice in many other industries but its relatively new to the fleet world In depth data analysis may initially create challenges but it also reveals opportunities to leverage and benefit from the experiences of other industries Take advantage of that expertise said Kurt Thearling VP of Analytics for WEX And once you understand the data the next step is working to take control of it It seems that fuel costs will continue to fluctuate but fleet managers are best served by focusing on what they can control Level III data such as driver ID vehicle ID odometer as well as fuel and maintenance product codes are key pieces of data and visibility to such fleet data is essential said Jeff Pape global transportation product and marketing manager for U S Bank When working to take better control of fuel data Pape recommended fleet managers ask themselves Do I have access to the right data Am I measuring the right factors Can I get this information easily What actions can I take with this data to improve my fleet program Its really more about controlling the cost of fueling and managing driver habits than the actual cost of fuel Fleet managers can and should demand program management tools and mobile applications that support FUEL MANAGEMENT ANALYSIS SIMPLIFYING To take advantage of the numerous benefits fuel management systems and technologies have to offer fleet managers should Understand all fleet data related to fuel Work to take control of fuel spend through data analysis Determine which options work best for your fleet operation AT A GLANCE THEARLING WEX PAPE U S Bank PHOTO ISTOCKPHOTO COM JIMMYJAMESBOND
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