The fleet management industry is undergoing rapid transformations, making it essential to adapt efficiently.
Retaining talent, maintaining work-life balance, transitioning to alternative fuels and integrating new technologies are just some of the current challenges facing fleet managers. An effective change management strategy is crucial to navigate these shifts smoothly and keep your fleet business thriving.
Operating a fleet business efficiently often means adhering to well-established routines. Introducing new technology can disrupt these routines, but embracing innovation is necessary for future success. Teletrac Navman’s 2024 Telematics Survey found that telematics has become a vital tool for fleet management, with 96% of users reporting significant savings in administrative time, fuel and overall costs. Moreover, 47% of fleet managers are using AI tools to streamline complex processes through precise and efficient automation.
From resistance to acceptance
Resistance to new technology, particularly GPS tracking and video telematics, is common. Drivers often fear constant surveillance and punitive measures. To help build trust, it is essential to clearly communicate the purpose and benefits of the technology.
Articulating the need for change is crucial to ensuring a smooth transition. Whether the change involves adopting new technologies, transitioning to alternative fuels or restructuring operations, it’s important to explain how these changes will benefit both the business and employees. People are more likely to support a change if they understand its purpose and advantages.
In fleet management, this means clearly communicating how new systems will help your drivers perform their jobs more safely and efficiently, and how maintenance teams can benefit from predictive maintenance technologies that prevent costly vehicle downtime.
Another crucial step is to involve key stakeholders, such as your drivers and maintenance staff, in the decision-making process. Engaging everyone early on and gathering their feedback helps address any concerns and makes them feel part of the change. For instance, drivers might worry about GPS tracking being used for constant surveillance.
Andrew Rossington, Teletrac Navman Chief Product Officer, pointed out that research showed drivers often believed someone was watching their journey in real-time on a map, 24/7. “No company has that ability,” Andrew explained.
“Fleet managers need to articulate that to their staff, so they understand there’s no mission control with 72 screens and people watching every journey. Telematics is just in the background recording the journey. And then on a monthly basis, it will produce a report, identify if there are some areas for improvements and then act upon those.”
By involving them in discussions, fleet managers can clarify that the data is used to improve safety and efficiency rather than to micromanage their every move.
Andrew observed that with organisations that have a mature approach to cameras in vehicles, the drivers don’t want to go out without them. “When somebody cuts them off and forces them to hit the brake, resulting in a collision, more often than not professional drivers are not at fault. It’s the people around them that cause collisions, and that’s where the cameras are hugely beneficial because they capture what actually occurred.”
Preparing employees for potential risks associated with the change also helps with building trust and reducing resistance. This could involve outlining how new technologies might initially disrupt routines but will ultimately lead to smoother operations and less manual work. Identifying the resources available to assist with the change, such as training programmes, technical support and clear communication channels, so that employees have the necessary tools to adapt.
The influence of change management in fleet sustainability
The trucking industry in New Zealand is experiencing significant changes due to safety regulations, environmental mandates, and the shift towards cleaner energy. Fleet managers must juggle these changes while still meeting customer needs.
Using a change-management process seems obvious for big changes like the move to alternative-fuel vehicles. Many fleets are planning their transitions to alternative fuels in response to accessible energy infrastructures and government mandates. Tools like Teletrac Navman’s Electric Vehicle Evaluator (EVE) can help fleet managers navigate this complex process. EVE utilises telematics data and predictive analytics to support a fleet’s decarbonisation goals by assessing the viability of switching to electric vehicles, calculating the costs and savings associated with the transition, and planning the necessary charging infrastructure.
Monitoring sustainability targets is another crucial aspect of managing change. Teletrac Navman’s Sustainability Dashboard enables fleet managers to track progress against decarbonisation targets. It provides a score out of 100, allowing managers to see progress at a glance and simplifies internal and external reporting on emissions and sustainability goals.
We all get used to doing things the way we’ve always done them, and change can appear daunting. But by dedicating time to developing and implementing a comprehensive change-management process, you can make these transitions easier for everyone involved. Once your people know what to expect and understand the reasons behind the changes, they are more likely to work towards accepting and embracing the new way of doing things.
*Michael Barnard is a solutions specialist at Teletrac Navman.
