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KPIs, not realizing a change is beneficial or detrimental could impact uptime,
which would reverberate across the fleet. That's why, in this modern age where
measuring data is so vital to the health of a truck, fleets must also remember
data has always been important to the health of the overall organization.
Meaningful metrics
To track KPIs, you need to first capture data. Using Trimble's TMT Fleet
Maintenance software, Estes measures a wide range of key performance
indicators in a series of dashboards, tracking metrics that indicate efficiency
and proficiency. One of the key metrics it monitors is the number of vehicles
that are down for service at each shop.
" For each location, we set a threshold depending on the size of the facility
and the number of units based there, " Palmer related. " That tells us how
many vehicles we can have out of service and still meet operational needs.
Then we can dig into the reasons, whether it's for a PM (preventative maintenance),
an accident, or a special project and identify units that shouldn't
be out of service. "
With that out-of-service data, Estes calculates how many hours are needed
to complete service, as well as if an outside vendor is needed to help with
the backlog. The data can also address issues where vehicles are waiting for
parts. " Even if a shop can buy a part locally for a higher price, the value of
uptime may exceed the added expense, " Palmer said.
" KPIs also give us visibility into labor, " Palmer continued. " We use SRTs
(standard repair times) and metrics on hours worked, and direct versus indirect
labor, to measure technician efficiency and productivity. That information
also lets us establish a ratio of trucks per technician so we can adjust
staffing levels as needed. "
Other KPIs measured at Estes focus on outside repair costs, road calls, parts,
repeat repairs, overdue PMs, campaigns, and the number of rentals-which
are an indicator of productivity. " All of those are used to more effectively
plan shop workflow, " Palmer said. " In the end, it's all about uptime. "
City of Yonkers, New York, Mayor Mike Spano's Department of Public Works
provided a list of the top metrics that are followed and described their value
in more effectively maintaining the fleet of over 1,000 vehicles and pieces
of equipment:
ÜAsset downtime metrics ensure that PM schedules are followed and
determine what additional repairs are needed either in-house or with
outside vendors.
ÜTechnician proficiency metrics effectively assign repair work, determine
where changes can be instituted, and eliminate downtime waiting for
parts and locating vehicles.
ÜInspection and PM program accuracy metrics indicate technician training
needs, especially as newer vehicles are added to the fleet, to keep the
comeback rate low.
Metrics make the data
Data overload is one issue maintenance providers encounter and must learn
to keep in check. Choosing the right metrics will help do just that.
" We have increasing amounts of data available to us, so the question about
KPIs becomes what can we do to make them relevant, " said Pete Russo, SVP
of product management and solutions at Decisiv. " Raw data is useless unless
you can reach a level where it's intelligent and can directly affect decisions
on what needs to be managed. "
And it can take a deeper dive to make that judgement. For example, Russo
pointed out that measuring PM currency can tell you how often maintenance
is completed but not how many PMs were done late. Likewise, repair time
metrics can point to shop and technician proficiency, but if the estimated
» KPIs in dashboards are used during regular manager's
meetings at Estes Express Lines to focus on a range of service
management, maintenance, and repair metrics.
Photo: Estes Express Lines
» The Estes Express Lines fleet of more than 9,000 tractors and
36,000 trailers is serviced at 82 shops by nearly 800 technicians.
Photo: Estes Express Lines
October 2022 | FleetMaintenance.com
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