Mileage Tracking Solutions and Software Integrations
Frédéric Baroin
Global Head of Automotive Business at Anyline
Today’s fleet manager needs to pay close attention to a wide range of factors, including whether or not their vehicles are operating at their most efficient level. One way to do that is to pay close attention to mileage. Mileage tracking has long been an important component of the process of managing fleets, but making it a fast and efficient process isn’t always easy to do. That’s especially true when it comes to mileage tracking solutions and software integration.
Why Monitor Mileage?
There are numerous reasons for business owners to monitor their vehicle’s miles. For example, for some business owners, this can allow for writing off mileage on their taxes each year. Large fleets need to monitor mileage on a consistent basis to oversee things like driver performance, maintenance services charged by mileage and warranties. It is also an important way to meet preventative maintenance purposes. For rental car companies, monitoring mileage enables them to deliver better maintenance on a scheduled basis, which ultimately improves the longevity of the vehicle.
How Can You Do So?
There are several routes to take to achieve this.
Vehicle mileage log
It may be surprising to learn that today, most mileage is still recorded in a paper logbook. Ordered in bulk from the local office supply store or shipped to your location, this is an inexpensive option. However, each driver is then tasked with manually recording the odometer reading before and after each of their ships, and that often does not happen. When incomplete or illegible, or even downright inaccurate, that makes it difficult to have any accuracy in this process. Logbooks offer benefits such as allowing for more valuable information to be added, like driver insights. However, they are far from the digital solution today’s companies need.
Mileage tracking apps
Numerous Android and iOS apps are available that aim to make it easier to track mileage. Some are free to use, while others charge a monthly fee as high as $20. Their capabilities vary, but most will use smartphone GPS to log trips. This requires the driver to record individual trips but also to manage pre-scheduled days or times of the day.
Many of these apps integrate with ride-sharing platforms, expense or accounting platforms, or Excel for management. For a small business that does deliveries, this type of app can work well. It also works well for rideshare drivers.
GPS trackers
A third option is the use of GPS trackers, including those that are both hardwired into the vehicle and battery-operated versions. Some are ideal for fleet management with integrated reporting dashboards, alerting capabilities, SOS buttons, impact detection, and even driver and fuel monitoring from a remote location. Many integrate with larger fleet management systems.
The sophisticated solutions collect many data points that can be used to predict better routes and ideal fuel economy. Prices vary greatly, but the more features, the greater the upfront and monthly costs. These can be great options for large delivery fleets. Be sure to check up front if the solution you choose integrates with your existing IT stack.
Mobile Data Capture
It’s now possible to scan odometers from any smartphone using OCR mobile data capture simply by pointing a camera at your dash. Anyline’s Odometer scanner is highly accurate and 282% faster than recording the data manually. Every scan can be captured, processed, and stored offline, enabling your workforce to stay mobile while being fully integrated into your IT stack and workflow.
Daily safety checks are required in the US and other countries for commercial vehicles. This requires checking multiple points around a vehicle, which can also be built into your driver workflow. Anyline’s Odometer scanning can be paired with many other data collection solutions, completing your safety check requirements and ensuring you comply with all required rules and regulations. Mobile data capture is ideal for fleet managers, rental car operators, and many other businesses with multiple vehicles.
Points to remember
Monitoring mileage is a valuable tool for all companies operating a mobile vehicle. Accuracy can impact taxes, preventative maintenance, fuel costs, and regulatory compliance. With numerous solutions, it’s best to choose one that fits the way you operate your vehicles or fleet.
