Although most computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) software options can accommodate both small and large fleets, the features that a fleet tends to prioritize can depend on the size of the fleet. Generally, smaller fleets will need a foundation to manage their assets and easily integrate into the other software systems they already use. Because of their smaller size, they will need to be able to drive a return on investment relatively quickly, so warranty and tracking any kind of inventory, especially slow-moving inventory, is critical.
Small fleets may find it beneficial to have functionality with the ability to hide software options that they aren’t currently utilizing. That way, they still have room to grow into the software and expand operations in the future, but they aren’t being confused by features or details that aren’t using initially. Start small and add on additional functionality as it is needed.
For larger fleets, the concern is scalability, security, and configuration. Large fleets may benefit from automation and trying multiple systems to compare at the same time. For these fleets, integration is especially important, as well as the flexibility of working in multiple currencies or multiple languages.
In a fleet testing different vehicle options, say one that is operating a combination of electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, diesel, or gas, having a software that’s flexible enough to help benchmark each of these vehicle types and deliver insight to uptime is critical. A good CMMS software should be able to help these fleets compare the cost per mile, cost per hour, or “cost per” for any other type of measurement to give fleets an idea of how these vehicles compare with each other in terms of overall cost and efficiency for the fleet.
Large fleets will have a lot of the same maintenance needs as smaller fleets but will also have multiple locations and potentially multiple lines of business, so the system will need to be able to manage security and permissions, as well as reporting, in a much more sophisticated way.
