Embrace Premier League data tactics to boost fleet performance

The methods employed by Premier League football clubs for boosting operational performance should be employed by fleet decision-makers to drive improvements, says i247.

It recommends fleets embrace a data-led strategy, mirroring top division clubs including Liverpool, Manchester City and Leicester City.

The clubs maximise data analytics to enhance player recruitment, performance analysis, and injury prevention.

David Legg, director at i247 Group, believes that applying this data-led approach to fleet management could help unlock greater efficiency, achieve cost savings and improve sustainability.

“Fleets can learn a lot from the Premier League,” he explained. “Over the last decade, fleet data has become infinitely more sophisticated.

“Part of our fleet management approach is to provide support, a bit like a data coach, so we can help customers interpret their data to make smarter decisions and unlock real efficiencies - from selecting optimal tyres through to predictive maintenance planning.”

Liverpool FC uses analytics-based recruitment to pinpoint undervalued players with the potential to outperform expectations. i247 Group says fleets can do the same.

Recent analysis by i247 Group revealed that switching a fleet of 100 electric vans to those with the best total cost of ownership (TCO) could save over £2.5 million in TCO over five years, with no compromise in delivery performance as in the example below.  

Manchester City was among the pioneers in utilising 3D foot scanning technology to ensure perfectly tailored boots that enhance player performance and reduce injury risk.

The equivalent for fleets are tyres, says i247 Group.

The correct tyres on fleet vehicles improve safety and performance and also deliver tangible cost benefits.

Last year, i247 Group says it identified more than £1m in savings for one customer alone by fitting optimal tyres based on its fleet data profile.

Michelin’s managing director UK and ROI, John Howe is behind the move to a data-led approach. “The right tyre strategy reduces total cost of ownership, improves fuel efficiency or range, and drives down carbon emissions,” he said.

“A data-driven approach helps fleets align tyre choices with operational needs - minimising tyre waste and maximising lifecycle value.”

Fleets can also harness real-time and historical telematic data to optimise routes and drive efficiencies.

Data is fast becoming the defining factor in fleet performance according to Legg. “Like elite football clubs, successful fleets of the future will be those that act on insight, not instinct,” he said. “Our job is to make that data actionable.”