Fleet data and analytics: guide for informed fleet operations

Fleet data analytics transforms real-time telematics and sensor data into actionable insights that help improve efficiency, reduce costs and enhance safety. By optimizing routes and scheduling proactive maintenance, you can achieve fuel cost reductions of up to 15% and maintenance savings of up to 20%.

These improvements lower operational fleet costs and enhance safety by monitoring driver behavior and identifying issues early. Explore how you can use fleet metrics for better outcomes.

What is fleet data analytics?

Fleet data analytics involves collecting and analyzing information generated from vehicles and operations — using methods like telematics — to gain actionable insights for fleet management. This data includes metrics such as vehicle location, speed, fuel consumption, maintenance status and driver behavior. 

With this real-time data and predictive insights, you can improve safety, enhance vehicle utilization and cut fuel expenses while extending the lifespan of your assets.

Types of fleet data

Fleet data comes from multiple sources across your operations, from vehicles and drivers to shipping processes. Understanding these data types helps with effective fleet analysis, eventually leading to better fleet optimization. 

Driver behavior 

Driver behavior data focuses on how drivers operate vehicles. It captures details that influence safety, fuel consumption and vehicle wear. 

Analyzing the following metrics helps improve driving habits and reduce risks:

• Hard acceleration and deceleration events
• Harsh braking instances
• Excessive idling duration
• Speed variability
• Seatbelt usage compliance

Location 

Location data provides real-time insights into where vehicles are and how they travel. It reveals route adherence, delivery times and deviations from planned paths. 

This information is key to adjusting routes and schedules for improved efficiency, which includes:

• GPS coordinates
• Route adherence metrics
• Geofencing alerts
• Arrival and departure times
• Dwell time at stops

Safety 

Safety data monitors incidents and hazards, ensuring driver and vehicle protection while supporting fleet safety programs. Evaluating safety data helps identify risk factors and implement measures to protect the fleet. It includes: 

• Collision and near-miss reports
• Safety equipment usage
• Emergency braking events
• Driver distraction alerts
• Incident history

Vehicle maintenance  

Vehicle maintenance data tracks the condition and service history of each asset. This data supports maintenance planning and predictive maintenance (PdM) strategies.  It enables proactive care and includes:

• Inspection schedules
• Mileage since the last service
• Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
• Fluid and oil levels
• Tire pressure readings

Vehicle performance  

Vehicle data is gathered to provide a real-time snapshot of performance. It aggregates various metrics to give an overview of how each vehicle is functioning. 

This information enables you to quickly respond to issues and optimize operations. Some of the most useful parameters include:

• Vehicle speed
• Fuel consumption rates
• Engine operating hours
• Real-time fuel costs
• Idling time

Compliance 

Compliance data ensures that fleet operations meet industry regulations and standards. It tracks records necessary for legal and safety DOT audits, helping avoid fines and operational disruptions. Keeping accurate compliance data is essential for managing regulatory risk. Here’s what you should keep track of:

• Hours of service (HOS)
• Inspection and audit results
• Driver certification statuses
• Regulatory violation reports
• Electronic logging data

Shipping data 

Shipping data captures the performance of delivery and logistics operations. It records key metrics related to the movement of goods, enabling better supply chain coordination. The following data is instrumental in streamlining shipping processes and enhancing overall fleet efficiency:

• Delivery and pickup times
• Route optimization metrics
• Load weight and volume
• Shipping cost per shipment
• Order fulfillment status

Why is fleet data analytics important? 

Fleet data analytics allows you to use telematics to succeed — turn raw data into actionable insights that you can use to streamline operations, lower costs and enhance safety across fleets. Below are some of the key benefits of fleet data analytics. 

Improves fleet efficiency  

Fleet data analytics boosts overall fleet efficiency by monitoring key performance indicators that influence fleet performance. 

Actionable use case: Real-time insights into vehicle utilization, route efficiency and driver behavior allow you to adjust schedules, reduce idle times and plan maintenance proactively. This results in smoother operations and more reliable service delivery.

Reduces fleet costs 

Fleet analytics uses comprehensive data insights to identify inefficiencies and opportunities to reduce unnecessary expenses. Detailed tracking of fuel consumption, maintenance patterns and driver performance allows you to implement targeted cost-saving measures. 

Actionable use case: These actions contribute to lower operational expenses and improved resource allocation, ultimately reducing overall fleet costs. 

Enhances fleet safety 

Data analytics enhances fleet safety by providing critical insights from ELD data that monitor driver behavior and vehicle condition. 

Actionable use case: With real-time alerts on hazardous driving patterns and potential mechanical issues, you can proactively address risks before they escalate into serious incidents. This approach helps create a safer driving environment and minimizes accident-related expenses.

Reduces environmental impact 

Optimizing fleet operations through data analytics cuts costs and reduces environmental impact. 

Actionable use case: By analyzing and improving route efficiency, reducing idling and enhancing fuel efficiency, fleets can lower greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to sustainability. This eco-friendly approach supports a greener future while also benefiting the bottom line.

Improves driver retention and training 

Fleet data analytics enhances driver retention and training by highlighting areas for improvement and recognizing safe driving practices. 

Actionable use case: With targeted training programs based on data insights, drivers receive personalized coaching that fosters professional growth and safer behavior. This leads to higher job satisfaction, improved retention rates and a more skilled driving workforce. 

How to gather and analyze fleet data

You need to follow an analytical approach to gather and analyze data, which helps you cut costs and enhance operational efficiency and overall fleet performance. Here’s how it works:

1. Gathering fleet data starts with integrating telematics, sensors and other connected hardware into your fleet management system.
2. This process collects critical information such as vehicle location, fuel consumption, and driver behavior in real time.
3. The data is then centralized through digital platforms, making it accessible for further analysis and ensuring that every operational detail is captured.
4. Once the data is collected, advanced analytics and AI tools transform these raw numbers into actionable insights. For refined delivery schedules, you can use our fleet routing and optimization software to analyze traffic patterns, route efficiency, and fuel usage. 

Transform your fleet data management with Geotab

Geotab empowers businesses to harness comprehensive vehicle telematics to capture real-time data from every asset. By converting raw inputs into actionable insights, we enable seamless integration of information across your operations. 

Our solutions simplify gathering and analyzing fleet data, ensuring a clear view of your fleet’s efficiency and cost drivers. We also ensure that you can seamlessly tap into advanced fleet data analytics to monitor performance, optimize routes, and fine-tune maintenance schedules.