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Boost Operator Satisfaction with Technology
By Kelly Hogan Engaged landscaping crews are productive crews . However , between tight margins , demanding schedules and warm climates , it ’ s easy to overlook workplace satisfaction . What if you could cultivate a more positive work environment while simultaneously streamlining day-to-day operations ?
Specifically focusing on the driving and logistics aspect of landscaping businesses , fleet managers can look to software and other integrated fleet solutions . These technologies offer features that allow employees to focus on the job rather than whether a vehicle can get them there safely – let alone at all – and if the equipment will work as it should .
A recent benchmarking report found that internal stress on the project team was a leading cause of inflated soft costs related to asset downtime . Also on the list ? Higher utilization rates and downtime on other assets due to emergency repairs . These can heavily impact internal stress on a project or at a jobsite . Avoidable disruptions cost both your company and your employees time and money .
Time pressure
Landscape projects often have strict deadlines , especially for seasonal services such as aeration or leaf removal . Unexpected breakdowns or delays due to a lack of maintenance or inspections can throw off the entire schedule , impacting customer satisfaction and potentially leading to revenue loss .
Exposure to the elements
Landscape crews battle everything from scorching heat to freezing temperatures . Unreliable vehicles that leave them stranded in the heat or cold can be frustrating at best and a safety hazard at worst .
Communication gaps
Poor communication between crews and managers at different sites leads to a multitude of problems for landscape businesses . This can include wasted time fixing mistakes , unhappy customers due to unmet expectations , crew frustration and even potential safety hazards .
Fight frustration with prevention
Getting stranded on the side of the road with a sputtering truck is a recipe for frustration for any driver . In the landscape industry , it can wreak havoc on a meticulously planned schedule . Unexpected breakdowns leave crews unhappy , disrupt project timelines and potentially damage client relationships .
This is where proactive maintenance comes in . Fleet maintenance software and integrated fleet solutions leverage data from a vehicle ’ s onboard diagnostics sys-
12 OPE + October 2024 www . OPE-Plus . com