Fleet management can be defined as the tracking of a company's vehicles; this can include ships, vans and cars. It is becoming increasingly viable with the advances in GPS technology for all manner of companies. The uses are diverse and for the manager who likes to know the whereabouts and functions of their fleet it can provide a comprehensive solution. But what predictions can be made for the fleet management industry in the next twelve months?
One issue that is becoming increasingly important in the world of fleet management is the rises in the cost of fuel. This has become a major concern as expenses for fuel seem to be escalating at record levels. It is estimated that the hardest hit will be those involved in the management of truck fleets. Fleet managers this year will attempt to lower their fuel costs; this however will be difficult. The only way they will be able to reduce the fuel costs of a fleet is to look at tyres and maintenance of vehicles to ensure higher levels of efficiency.
One benefit for those involved in fleet management is that last year's new regulation in engines is not having as great an effect as previously thought. Seemingly efficiency has not been greatly diminished. One way in which fleet managers will be trying to increase efficiency is to limit the time vehicles are spent idling. Introducing management procedures that forces drivers to turn off engines whenever stationary will definitely become common practice this year. Once again technology is aiding these procedures by producing devices that measure idling time and cut the engine off if this period is too long.
The world of fleet management may also see the increased use of alternative fuels. We are already seeing bio-fuel becoming a popular alternative to diesel as it is cheaper and better for the environment. There are even transportation companies sprouting up that are specialising in bio-fuelled vehicles; it is believed that this approach will lead to environmentally conscious customers utilising their services. An alternative to bio-fuel has been the use of propane in fleet management; this comes at a time when the entire motor industry is trying to find more viable fuelling solutions.
GPS tracking will become an even more important element to fleet management in 2008. While these systems have been developing since the late eighties it is now that they are becoming a truly appealing option. While installation costs are still relatively high the dividends can be huge. They can improve fuel efficiency, increase delivery space and more generally raise levels of productivity.
GPS tracking or telematics can improve fuel efficiency by creating routes that are the most fuel efficient fleet management solution. By planning driver routes in advance it is possible to maximise the deliveries made in relation to the fuel used. In the same way, by making accurate route plans it is possible to reduce the number of trucks on the road by filling each to their maximum before departure. Hopefully this technological advancement will make the one pallet delivery a non existent occurrence.
The use of GPS systems can also measure the activities of drivers in detail. This may seem as an invasion of privacy on the part of the fleet management team, but as the drivers are effectively working, their whereabouts should be known at all times. By having procedures in place to deal with drivers who take excessive detours it is possible to maximise efficiency and reduce the time wasted.
The world of fleet management is rapidly changing. This is mainly due to inclusion of GPS technology in many fleets and the subsequent benefits. As stated previously the increase in fuel prices worldwide means that the major concern of fleet managers this year will be to increase fuel efficiency and hence profitability.
After the tinsel, fruit cakes and fast paced holiday season, here you are, left with your New Year's resolutions. But around this time, many prospective entrepreneurs reconsider their resolution of opening a new business. They look at the time and effort needed to start a business and feel overwhelmed. And the reward for doing that hard work appears far away in the distant future.
They procrastinate.
This is just the wrong thing to do. Many business owners do not know the effort is much less if they start up "right." And the rewards from a successful business are closer than they believe. Opening a business, like anything else can be achieved by not reinventing the wheel, but by identifying successful business models and copying them.
Opening a Business: You Don't Have to be Original
We have all heard the caveman logic of "Don't reinvent the wheel." Although this common phrase likely dates from the times of ancient Greece, its simple principle still applies today. Do as successful businesses do, and you will succeed.
But no matter how often you hear it, many business owners resist this idea. They believe they must be "original" to be a success.
This is just not true.
Often professionals view works before them and build on those ideas. For example, a successful novelist begins by reading popular works. An expert web designer researches successful site designs, before building a new one.
Think about it. Dominant businesses put much time and energy towards securing their market share. If you copy their successful methods, you can save money, time, and effort.
If you want to open a business in the New Year, you must study your industry. Seek out the business winners. Find as many candidates as possible then compare what you believe works for them and what doesn't. From this simple exercise you can judge the correct way to do business. It may stretch your original idea into a whole new area, or help you refine your products or services to a narrower demographic. Whatever it produces it will save time and money when opening your new business.
Opening a Business: Modeling is Ethical
First let me define modeling.
Modeling is out-and-out copycatting. Is there anything unethical about copycatting business practices? Nothing at all. Zip. Zilch. There is zero liability when copying how a company runs. The Internet has brought many copycat businesses. As soon as Alta Vista found success, there were literally thousands of copycats competing for the same users and business. And by the way, Google copied and improved on the model and won. It is the way of the marketplace. And you must compete in the marketplace.
Competition aside, I have one final piece of advice as you open your new business. When modeling a business' success, be sure to put your ego aside. At times, our ego leads us astray when it comes to our ventures, ideas, and services. We feel our ideas are the best and no one could do them better or have anything important to say. It is this isolation that can hurt the success of a business. Get help when you need it and identify what works for other businesses.
So before the eggnog settles in your stomach, start planning for the opening of your new business. Studying successful business in your area will lead you down the path toward success.
Both Thomas Pretty & Kevin Muir are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Thomas Pretty has sinced written about articles on various topics from Formula One, Debts Loans and Interior Design. Industry expert Thomas Pretty looks into ways solutions are changing and predicts trends for the coming year.. Thomas Pretty's top article generates over 1500000 views. to your Favourites.
Kevin Muir has sinced written about articles on various topics from Asthma, Bankruptcy Chapter 11 and Entrepreneurship. Kevin Muir helps new owners start up their businesses easily. Get your free copy of Kevin's downloadable information kit on starting a new business here:. Kevin Muir's top article generates over 165000 views. to your Favourites.