7 Advantages of Outsourcing Materials Handling Management

     Fleet management is a tailored service that’s specifically designed to meet your business’s handling requirements. Fleet management isn’t a one size fits all approach and your workspace can achieve increased productivity when the right materials handling equipment in place. Fleet consultants arrange to visit your workplace and appraise your space, handling needs and discuss short and long term expectations to develop the best fleet strategy for your operation. A major advantage when negotiating a long term contract is finding which service suits your business’s short and long term goals before you commit to a contract.

     Preventative maintenance plans reduce the likelihood of major breakdowns. Scheduled services reduce the risk of major faults occurring which can be expensive, time wasting as well as dangerous to operators and others in the workplace. Fleet management services will keep every fleet unit recorded and notify you when fleet units are due for a service. Regular services should be at least every 12 months or as per the manufacturer’s standards. Book services before they’re overdue, secure your qualified technician and plan to stay productive in advance around it.

Companies who manage fleets know that mechanical issues do occur unexpectedly. Fleet services generally offer emergency assistance, some with 24/7 availability, and dispatch a technician to repair the unit so you don’t experience long downtime periods.

     When you agree to a fleet contract you will generally begin the term of the agreement with new equipment. The advantage of the fleet provider supplying you with new equipment is that their own qualified service technicians maintain each units. Ask your forklift management service if they offer upgrades when new models are added to their fleet.

Ensure you review your fleet plan throughout the contract. If handling volume change or floorplans revised speak to your service manager and make sure your fleet plan is still maximising productivity.

     Time is money, money is time! This is true for every business and if your operation relies on maintaining strict schedules you need a plan B in the event of a major breakdown. If you have a forklift management service, you have a plan B! You will be supplied with a replacement unit while the other forklift is repaired offsite.

     Fleet performance is measured using various KPI that provide an accurate cost and productivity scope to analyse each unit. Quantify the cost of the fleet with certainty. KPI’s include; individual hour readings, inactivity, cost of parts, cost of labour, downtime, etc.

     Spend time working on your business, not in it. Choose a fleet management service you are confident will provide the right solution for your business. Secure a service to be available when you need it and supports the long term growth of the business.

     Fleet management is a long term arrangement. Find an established service provider that can fulfil all of your materials handling needs for the full term of the contract. Careful planning can safeguard your business’s plans for the future.