It’s a problem faced by any fleet operator looking at introducing new fleet management software: just what questions need to be asked to ensure that you get the system that’s right for your organisation?

The list of capabilities offered by today’s sophisticated software is lengthy, and covers myriad areas such as driver licence checks,  vehicle sourcing and event reporting, as well as driver and fuel management – often with information provided in real-time.

Many providers can also develop bespoke products as well as selling off-the-shelf offerings, giving fleets plenty to think about.

Martin Evans, sales and operations director at software company Jaama, says: “The benefits delivered from such systems are multiple, but they fall chiefly into three key areas: financial savings, a reduction in the amount of time spent on fleet administration and improved levels of legislative compliance.

“All three issues should be a critical focus for all fleet decision-makers irrespective of the size of their fleet.”

Over the next five pages are some of the questions fleet managers need to consider to find the ideal software package.

Software requirements

Questions to ask

• This is what I want the software to achieve – how does your product compare?
• Do I need all the modules you’re offering me? For example, an off-the-shelf package might come with the facility to check driving licences when you already have separate existing providers.
• These considerations might give rise to a further question: does the off-shelf-package meet my needs or do I need a bespoke system?

Ashley Sowerby, managing director of Chevin Fleet Solutions, argues that most modern web-based fleet management software systems have flexibility at their core.

He says: “In the vast majority of cases, the standard product on offer now should be able to meet your needs, so the best approach is to sit down with a number of software providers and not just run through what you want the system to do but to ask them what they believe it could deliver for you in addition.”

However, both Wiltshire Council and CitySprint believe that large fleets need a bespoke system.

More on page two