mercury is a leading provider of comprehensive fleet management consulting services to utility companies, military, transit, federal agencies, state and local government, school districts, companies, and private businesses.

 

mercury fleet management articles - read articles written by our team of vehicle and equipment consultants and published in some of the most subscribed to magazines in the vehicle and equipment industry.

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Our team of professional fleet, travel, and relocation management consultants is recognized throughout the industry as experts on a wide range of mobility topics. Articles such, we are routinely invited to write articles for industry periodicals and manuals. In our ongoing effort to provide information to fleet, travel, and relocation management professionals on how they can optimize their operation we are pleased to make a number of our recent publications available online.

 

All of our articles are in an Adobe PDF file format. To view these articles you must have the Adobe Viewer 5.0 application or later , which can be found at www.adobe.com.

 

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Methods for utilizing information to implement cost control measures and benchmarks for saving money.
Title : Converting Information into Dollars
Subject : information systems; technology; cost control
Synopsis :

Converting information into savings requires that an organization capture the total cost of ownership (TCO) for its fleet operation using fully burden rates for internal labor, parts management, commercial services, and fuel services. These rates are then loaded into a fleet information system that calculates the cost of products and services on a per unit basis, which can then be analyzed for opportunities to control costs without impacting service levels. This presentation illustrates the steps required to begin implementing information measures and benchmarks that can be utilized to covert information into dollars.

Date : 10/2007
File Size : 1,002 KB
Download : Methods for utilizing information to implement cost control measures and benchmarks for saving money.
 
Selecting and acquiring a fleet management information system is a process that requires a lengthy process of evaluation, due diligence of the software company and its products, development of a functional matrix and RFP, and demonstrations.

Title :

Acquiring and Using a Fleet Management Information System to Manage Your Fleet

Subject :

information systems; technology

Synopsis :

Selecting and acquiring a fleet management information system is a process that requires a lengthy process of evaluation, due diligence of the software company and its products, development of a functional matrix and RFP, and hosting scripted demonstrations. It is also a process that can confuse and overwhelm most fleet managers. However, when these steps are followed properly an organization can procure a state-of-the-art fleet system that best fits their operation; but selecting and purchasing a system is only beginning. Once a fleet information system is installed, a new set of challenges related to its use become the focus. This presentation discusses these issues and the benefits of selecting and using a modern fleet solution.

Date :

4/2007

File Size :

5,398 KB

Download :

Selecting and acquiring a fleet management information system is a process that requires a lengthy process of evaluation, due diligence of the software company and its products, development of a functional matrix and RFP, and demonstrations.
 
Many fleet operations have implemented sophisticated vehicle management software with limited success getting beyond using it as a work order and parts management system. This presentation explores several areas in which organizations can continue to leverage their fleet software to increase its value.
Title :

Now that you have a fleet management system, what should you do with it?

Subject :

information systems; technology

Synopsis :

Many fleet operations have implemented sophisticated vehicle management software with limited success getting beyond using it as a work order and parts management system. This presentation explores several areas in which organizations can continue to leverage their fleet software to increase its value.

Date :

3/2007

File Size :

1,726 KB

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Many fleet operations have implemented sophisticated vehicle management software with limited success getting beyond using it as a work order and parts management system. This presentation explores several areas in which organizations can continue to leverage their fleet software to increase its value.

 
This article discusses how a fleet manager can justify the cost of tracking technology by creating the right partnerships.
Title : Team with Operations to Justify Tracking Technology
Subject : technology: preventive maintenance
Synopsis :

Fleet managers have struggled for years to get the information they need and to determine how to use the information effectively. Odometer readings, for example, are important for preventive maintenance management and vehicle utilization monitoring. But getting accurate and timely updates can be frustrating, because drivers often input incorrect numbers when they refuel. Vehicle tracking technologies, such as GPS and perimeter tag logging, have the ability to capture the information (e.g. current odometer reading) needed by fleet managers to quantitatively make decisions, but the cost is typically prohibitive. However, as fleet manager can leverage the political support of his / her customer base in order to make the investment possible. This article discusses how a fleet manager can justify the cost of tracking technology by creating the right partnerships.

Date : 11/2006
File Size : 43 KB
Download : This article discusses how a fleet manager can justify the cost of tracking technology by creating the right partnerships.
 
The implementation of any enterprise management information system is a complex task that requires planning, experience and sufficient resources in order to successfully avoid project issues.
Title : Implementing a New Fleet Management Information System - To Do and Not To Do
Subject : information systems; technology
Synopsis :

The implementation of any enterprise management information system is a complex task that requires planning, experience and sufficient resources in order to successfully avoid project issues. This presentation address some of the key points on avoiding pitfalls that can hamper an effective implementation.

Date : 9/2005
File Size : 73 KB
Download : The implementation of any enterprise management information system is a complex task that requires planning, experience and sufficient resources in order to successfully avoid project issues.
 
Which emerging fleet and vehicle technologies should fleet managers be tracking on their radar screen?
Title : The Road Ahead - Emerging Vehicle Technologies
Subject : technology
Synopsis :

Which emerging fleet and vehicle technologies should fleet managers be tracking on their radar screen? As GPS and AVL technologies begin to mature (and come down in cost) and new vehicle solutions begin to emerge, which ones add enough value to implement.

Date : 8/2005
File Size : 504 KB
Download : Which emerging fleet and vehicle technologies should fleet managers be tracking on their radar screen?
 
There is little point on implementing and operating a state-of-the-art fleet information system atop a finely tuned servers and network hardware if the information it generates and the decisions based on that information are flawed.
Title : IT For Fleet Managers - Gathering Reliable Data - Part 5
Subject : information systems; technology
Synopsis :

There is little point on implementing and operating a state-of-the-art fleet information system atop a finely tuned servers and network hardware if the information it generates and the decisions based on that information are flawed. This article discusses the proven techniques for gathering reliable data to mine for management information.

Date : 8/2005
File Size : 34 KB
Download : There is little point on implementing and operating a state-of-the-art fleet information system atop a finely tuned servers and network hardware if the information it generates and the decisions based on that information are flawed.
 
The marketplace abounds with GPS-based remote vehicle tracking and monitoring systems. Do the benefits to your fleet operation of such a system justify the cost?
Title : Are We There Yet - A Look at Remote Vehicle Tracking and Location Solutions
Subject :

cost control; technology

Synopsis :

The marketplace abounds with GPS-based remote vehicle tracking and monitoring systems. Do the benefits to your fleet operation of such a system justify the cost?

Date : 5/2005
File Size : 95 KB
Download : The marketplace abounds with GPS-based remote vehicle tracking and monitoring systems. Do the benefits to your fleet operation of such a system justify the cost?
 
Getting the most decision making power out of an information system is predicated on establishing a coding system that works.
Title : IT For Fleet Managers - Creating Codes to Measure Productivity - Part 4
Subject : information systems; technology
Synopsis :

Getting the most decision making power out of an information system is predicated on establishing a coding system that works. This article provides an in-depth discovery of why data codification provides referential integrity and is an essential part of creating reliable management reports.

Date : 4/2005
File Size : 1,623 KB
Download : Getting the most decision making power out of an information system is predicated on establishing a coding system that works.
 
Best Practices for Protecting a Fleet's Priceless Management Data
Title : IT For Fleet Managers - Protecting a Fleet's Priceless Data - Part 3
Subject : information systems; technology
Synopsis :

Measures to protect the data in your fleet information system against viruses and other malicious attacks, equipment failure, and natural and un-natural disasters are some of the most important activities for ensuring data integrity. This article discusses several methods that can be implemented in a multi-layered strategy to mitigate your risk for down time or even worse, permanent data loss.

Date : 12/2004
File Size : 242 KB
Download : Best Practices for Protecting a Fleet's Priceless Management Data
 
Where Does Your Data Live in Your Fleet Management Information System (FMIS) and How Does It Travel?
Title : IT For Fleet Managers - Where Does Your Data Live and How Does It Travel? - Part 2
Subject : information systems; technology
Synopsis :

Understanding the resources required by a fleet management information system, such as database platform, hard disk storage, and network architecture are critical details that are core elements for having a reliable and responsive platform. This article discusses the technical differences between the platform options and architecture available in modern fleet systems.

Date : 10/2004
File Size : 354 KB
Download : Where Does Your Data Live in Your Fleet Management Information System (FMIS) and How Does It Travel?
 
Title : IT for Fleet Managers - System Data Architecture - Part 1
Subject : information systems; technology
Synopsis :

Understanding how the data elements in a fleet information system relate to your vehicle and equipment management operation can make using the software easier and more productive. This articles discusses

Date : 8/2004
File Size : 271 KB
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Title : Accurate Mileage: The Lifeblood of Good Fleet Management
Subject : fleet management; information systems; preventive maintenance; technology
Synopsis :

Nearly every function of fleet vehicle management requires a decision dependent upon accurate odometer reporting. Moreover, major fleet tasks, including vehicle replacement planning, proper vehicle maintenance and repair intervals, and efficiently analyzing data all require accurate mileage. This article discusses proven techniques for capturing accurate meter readings in order to operate an efficient maintenance operation and make reliable management decisions.

Date : 6/2004
File Size : 47 KB
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Fleet Management Best Practices in the Electronic Age
Topic : Fleet Management in the Electronic Age
Categories : technology
Synopsis :

Technology has enabled many fleet management organizations to make objective and quantitative decisions based on information. Moreover, various emerging technologies will extend the amount of data available to fleet managers and other decision makers. This article discusses several promising solutions that are expected to make a significant impact on how fleets are operated and managed.

Date : 6/2003
File Size : 42 KB
Download : Fleet Management Best Practices in the Electronic Age
 
Digital Divide: Does Your Fleet Management Organization have a Plan for Staying on the Right Side?
Topic : Digital Divide: Does Your Fleet Management Organization have a Plan for Staying on the Right Side?
Categories : technology
Synopsis :

Does your fleet management organization have a plan to implement the right fleet information technology? Utilization of a business plan to map out current and future technologies that provide the greatest value is critical to achieving cost-effective use of emerging solutions. This article discusses important considerations when developing a plan for your fleet operation's technical needs.

Date : 7/2001
File Size : 160 KB
Download : Digital Divide: Does Your Fleet Management Organization have a Plan for Staying on the Right Side?

Mercury Associates, Inc.
Professional Fleet Management Consultants
16051 Comprint Circle
Gaithersburg, MD 20877
301 519 0535 Office
301 519 0536 FAX
email: contactme@mercury-assoc.com


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