Fleet managers have a critical role in managing the day-to-day delivery of services alongside strategic planning for the future. So, January offers the ideal time to review and reflect on past performances and future opportunities.

The key question to ask is, is your fleet optimised for 2023? If the answer is no, it’s time to call the experts at Holman.

Review and reflect

How have you found 2022? It’s been challenging, with increasing energy prices, fluctuating consumer demand, and staffing shortages all adding to the challenges.

We know that December can drain the energy of even the most dedicated fleet manager. So when January comes around, it’s easy to enjoy some downtime – but you could use this time wisely. The new year offers an incredible opportunity to listen, learn, plan, and future-proof your fleet – so don’t miss out.

Here are four things every fleet manager can do in January to prepare for 2023.

1. Dig into the data – Your fleet generates mountains of valuable data. Are you using it to drive decision-making? January offers an ideal opportunity to dig into the data and mine it for insights. For example, Holman’s fleet management analytics uses telematics data to deliver actionable information that can help you optimise your fleet. You can use the information to reduce expenses, streamline processes, track driver behaviour, and provide a clear view of operations.
2. SWOT analysis – While SWOT analysis is old, it still provides a valuable mechanism to collate your thoughts and that of your team. When you start, encourage ideas, but set out the ground rules – this is about strategic priorities, not everyday operational issues.
3. Fleet focus groups – A focus group sounds like a big deal, but it can be as simple as some friends sitting around a table with coffee and cake. The purpose here is to provide a forum for people to share their experiences. Listening and learning from those on the front line can identify issues you may never have considered.
4. Horizon scanning – Nobody has a crystal ball (read any predictions about 2022, and it’ll prove that), but there are things we can say with some certainty. For example, fuel prices will fluctuate, regulation will increasingly focus on emissions reductions, and fleet managers must consider the environmental impact of their activities and choices. Look at the rules, regulations, and emerging issues affecting your business and develop solutions before they impact operations.

January is an opportunity to plan – so don’t waste it. The exercises above are just some simple ways every fleet manager can gain a perspective on the challenges, opportunities and threats. It’s essential to collate these for the next stage of planning and Holman are here to help at every stage.

Plan, prioritise and put into practice

Fleet optimisation ensures that your organisation is driving what’s right, for your drivers and your business. The truth is, no two companies are the same and only by approaching the process strategically can you ensure you are building a sustainable growth plan.

Fleet management is complex, and any choice you make will have an impact. At Holman, we can use over a century of fleet experiences, combined with the latest technologies, to ensure you make the best ones.

With Holman, you have at your disposal a dedicated Strategic Account Manager and a team of over 150 people working on your behalf and helping you deliver on your business objectives and create a fleet this is fit for today, and the future. Read more about how your account manager will support you here.