Sooner State adopts fleet management tools
The Oklahoma Department of Central Services (DCS) has signed a contract with Wayne, Pa.-based AssetWorks for fleet management software, hardware, hosting and implementation services.
The department currently uses AssetWorks’ FleetFocus system statewide for fleet asset and maintenance management. Oklahoma DCS maintains its monthly lease and daily rental fleet for numerous state agencies with the aid of FleetFocus. The department said it will be launching an aggressive FleetFocus expansion effort into other state agencies across the Sooner State.
Looking for ways to boost efficiencies and cost savings, the department recently searched for an automated and fully integrated telematics solution. As part of the fleet management deal, Oklahoma DCS will take advantage of San Diego-based Networkfleet’s telematic services for automatic vehicle location (AVL) that is offered by AssetWorks. Those services include GPS tracking, automated odometer reading and integrated diagnostics. The FleetFocus system integrates out of the box with Networkfleet’s AVL/GPS technology for automated meter readings and updates and to obtain engine fault codes and diagnostic information in real time for maintenance management.
After a competitive procurement process that included on-site demonstrations and an analysis of several vendor offerings, the state selected the integrated technology offered by AssetWorks and Networkfleet. While there were many factors considered, DCS identified the following key points in making its selection, according to the two companies:
- Proven AVL-GPS interface experience.
- Web-based technology.
- Demonstrated large-scale implementation experience.
- Simple, proven integration.
- Financial stability.
The integrated setup from the vendors enables the department and the state of Oklahoma access to real-time location and on-board vehicle information, including meter readings.
“Getting real-time odometer readings is a vital component of a successful preventive maintenance program,” said Clay Chandler, CPFP, fleet manager for Oklahoma DCS. “Telematic devices eliminate the manual and time-consuming process of entering odometer information, and can serve as a catalyst for reducing vehicle maintenance costs in state-owned vehicles.”
Networkfleet’s technology communicates with a vehicle’s onboard computer, interprets the data and transmits important information directly into FleetFocus. FleetFocus assimilates this information into a single fleet management database that allows users to proactively manage all maintenance aspects of a fleet with a close eye on safety and compliance, according to the two firms. In addition, FleetFocus provides the technology for fleet operations to manage labor, parts inventory and materials, warranty claims, procurement, availability and equipment utilization. This technology can increase equipment up-time while capturing and analyzing the costs associated with operating a large and diverse fleet, according to the companies.
The FleetFocus setup also provides the state of Oklahoma with the ability to access engine trouble codes and diagnostic data in real time. FleetFocus can use this information to automatically generate work orders and service requests. The integration with Networkfleet’s telematics product gives fleet managers the tools and data to better manage both routine and unscheduled maintenance, according to the two vendors.
