Fleet Management

Mobile Computing

Fleet Management Technology Report

Exploiting the full potential of global positioning system software BY RYAN DRISCOLL, GPS Insight North American electric utilities experience a number of challenges when managing fleet vehicles such as digger derricks and bucket trucks. A few of these include fuel consumption costs, maintenance...

Casting Doubts on Global Positioning

Many fleet executives working at electric utilities have doubts about implementing global positioning system (GPS) tracking technology into their fleet operations. A number of doubts exist. For example, GPS technologies are designed to track a vehicle’s whereabouts; this can lead to trust issues...

Fleet Electrification

Plugging into Electric Vehicles

Most future planning discussions about electric vehicles begin with a prediction for significant impact by 2020. While these studies are important for future planning, utilities must consider the direct impact that EVs are currently having on society. Despite recent news about lower gas prices at...

Reducing Alaska’s Prison Population as a Climate Strategy

In Alaska, a novel approach to climate strategy is gaining traction: reducing the prison population. Advocates argue that addressing the high incarceration rates can play a crucial role in mitigating climate change. This perspective reflects a broader understanding of how social justice and...

Technology Adoption and Integration

Resin Innovation Paves the Way for Sustainable Wind Turbine Blade Recycling

The renewable energy sector is experiencing rapid advancements, particularly in wind energy, where new technologies are crucial for sustainability. A recent breakthrough from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) highlights a promising development in the recycling of wind turbine blades:...

Tire Management for Utility Fleet Vehicles

Maintenance, performance tracking can help optimize assets BY BRIAN BUCKHAM, Goodyear Commercial Tire Systems As utility trucks spring into action during and after severe weather events, the risk of tire damage due to storm-related debris increases exponentially. Tires on utility trucks also may...

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Utility Fleet Tracking Myth Busters

Since global positioning system (GPS) tracking was first introduced to the fleet industry, users have debated whether this technology is beneficial for their fleets. Some of the most common objections include the fear of employee pushback, budget concerns, and usage apprehensions regarding Big Data.

Additionally, GPS tracking presents a learning curve, which means that utilities have to train their employees to use the technology. Moreover, daily operations swamp utility employees.

The aforementioned challenges present...