4 Factors Government Agencies Need To Consider When Choosing Fleet Technology

Choosing the right fleet technology is a critical decision for any government fleet manager. The technology you select will have a major impact on your fleet’s operations, efficiency, and costs.

There are a number of factors to consider when choosing fleet technology, including your fleet’s specific needs, the features and benefits of different technologies, and the costs of implementation and ongoing maintenance.

This article provides an overview of some of the most important factors to consider when choosing fleet technology, as well as some tips on how to select the right technology for your government fleet.

Cost

Cost is and will continue to be the biggest single factor for government agencies, so there is no use in shying away from the conversation. Finding a budget-friendly solution that maximizes ROI is at the top of every fleet manager’s list of priorities when examining new technology.

But there is more to cost than meets the eye. Far too many fleets look only at the monthly service rates and eliminate viable options before they even get started. The truth is that like any other public works project there are costs that might not immediately be visible and can vary wildly depending on the level of sophistication that your fleet might need.

Choosing a provider that has an existing cooperative contract with the likes of NASPO and Sourcewell can both reduce the cost and streamline the RFP process. As a fleet manager, you get the technology that you need at a price that makes sense.

Implementation

If you are looking at the adoption process in chronological order, like most do, the next logical step is to examine implementation. Getting your fleet equipped with technology can range from painless to a pain in the…you get the idea. Because of this, it pays to get a clear understanding of what the implementation process looks like and what challenges lie ahead.

Here are a few great questions to ask:

• Can the hardware be self-installed?

• Can you use your OEM technology?

• What is the typical setup time per vehicle?

• What type of support do you offer through the process?

One of the best ways to smooth out the process is to look for solutions that have existing integrations with both OEM technology as well as any third-party systems your fleet may already be using. A great example of this is the new Geotab-Stellaris integration. For fleets already using the Stellaris platform, data is funneled directly into MyGeotab without the need for additional hardware.

Support

Tech support is important for fleets of all sizes, but it's especially important for government fleets. That's because government fleets are working with taxpayer dollars and are frequently leveraging technology during emergency situations. A good tech support team can help you avoid any major issues and keep your fleet running smoothly.

Look for solutions that offer both 24/7 customer support as well as on-demand options such as training videos. The combination of the two allows each fleet manager to choose which option is right for the situation and act accordingly.

Expandability

When you're first starting out, it's important to choose technology that will grow with your fleet. You don't want to invest in something that will become obsolete in a few years. Instead, look for technology that is scalable and will be able to meet the needs of your fleet as it grows.

A perfect example that many government agencies are currently facing is the implementation of electric vehicles. Whether you are currently going through the process or it is on the horizon, it is important to understand that not all telematics platforms integrate seamlessly with EV technology.

Even if you are choosing technology to address a specific challenge or need, investing in the right technology can help you save money and avoid headaches down the road.

Geotab Checks All The Boxes

Adopting new fleet technology can be both exciting and a bit daunting. The prospect of a huge return on investment can quickly go out the window without the proper backend infrastructure in place, and that is something we examine closely with all of our partners.

Whether you are adopting technology for the first time, or are looking at upgrading your existing platform, our team is here to help. With decades of experience in the public sector, we know the importance of getting it right the first time. To learn more about our suite of telematics partners, visit our website, and connect with our team to schedule a demo.