Fleet Management Blog

6 Ways Integrating Your Fleet Management Systems Positively Impacts ROI

One of the biggest challenges most IT and IS departments face is maintaining integrations between various back-end business systems. Another big challenge is justifying capital expenditures on new software technology.

For fleet managers and fleet owners looking to establish a fleet management strategy or deciding to make a change to a new solution provider, one thing you should look for is a solution which easily integrates with your current systems. Centralized fleet management software solutions are built to easily integrate with your other systems. Standard integrations mean a much faster return on your investment.

Here are six reasons why:

1. Integration extends what you already use

Extending the life of your current systems – CRM, GPS, accounting, payroll, human resources – are all important. Look at fleet management solutions which can leverage and expand their use and effectiveness through integration. Maximizing the investment you have already made in your existing systems to increase their value should be an accompanying goal.

2. Integrations can reduce the time of implementation

Seek an integration-friendly platform with a full set of tools that can easily share information back and forth with your other business software solutions. A centralized solution which easily integrates helps simplify the implementation process. The less disruption an implementation has on day-to-day workflows, the quicker you can realize a positive ROI and increase the likelihood of early adoption.

3. Ease of use means quicker adoption

Integrations that are simple on the back-end and seamless to the user allow for quick adoption. Ease of use begins with the implementation process. Choose a provider that has a proven implementation and training strategy. Establish an internal champion to lead the way on your end and engage as many end-users early in the implementation process. Poorly implemented software projects lead to your new software being bypassed, worked around or ignored altogether.

4. Streamline your workflows and eliminate duplicate data entry

A system that integrates with your current ancillary systems, like CRM and accounting, means that data needs to be entered only once. Critical data is not delayed by waiting for paperwork to be delivered from another department or field employee.

Furthermore, you reduce time spent importing and exporting data between systems. The digital trail created by these linked systems reduces the possibility of losing information, or that information being incorrectly input due to multiple entries from different individuals. Efficiency is gained as tasks are automated, freeing up your staff to move on to other things.

5. Let specialists specialize

Be quick to see that certain business solution providers dominate their respective fields. Make use of what they offer. When purchasing a fleet management system, understand that you do not have to use all of its functions. Especially when that would entail parting ways with, for example, a CRM provider you prefer. Instead, cultivate an understanding that the role of centralized fleet management system is to act as the hub and connect the additional systems you use to operate your business. It should not be the only tool you use, but the tool that provides you a 360-degree view of everything that happens within your fleet.

6. Improve communication

Centralized fleet management software and mobile fleet management solutions are designed to increase transparency and help everyone in your business work more efficiently and communicate more effectively. When all your disparate business operations systems are seamlessly integrated through a robust operations system, your business will enjoy continuity across departments. When implemented properly this will reduce costly mistakes and lead to increase in profits.

Integrating all your business systems under the umbrella of a centralized fleet management system grows more important as profit margins tighten and competition increases. Seek simple integrations and receive a quicker return on your investment.

If you want to learn more about how integrated fleet management software can positively impact your ROI, download this free report.