For managers of fleet vehicles, keeping track of different makes, models and annual design changes can get complicated. It’s even worse when a manufacturer stops offering one of the key vehicles in your fleet. That’s exactly what happened to companies using Econoline vans for fleet vehicles. Ford’s decision to discontinue production of the E-Series and migrate customers to Transit vehicles led to some tough choices. Unlike the E-Series, with one roof height and two wheelbases, the Transit series has nearly 60 configurations, with different roof heights, body lengths, wheelbases and window and door types.
How can a vehicle manufacturer’s decision impact your branding? While the same vehicle graphics could be used for the majority of E-Series fleet vehicles, with so many configurations of Transit fleet vehicles, one size does not fit all. With that in mind, let me walk you through how our four-step ix Brand Implementation Management process saves you time, money, and frustration when branding and rebranding fleet vehicles.
Step 1: Assessment
Let’s say your records show you have 10,000 fleet vehicles located around the U.S. and the database doesn’t list specifics (body color, door and window configurations, trim level, current brand graphics, etc.). Unless the fleet vehicles are exactly the same, ordering one size of vehicle graphics will lead to frustration because the logo may overlap windows on some vehicles, while being cut in half by door openings on others.
Our Assessment process for a large fleet starts with a detailed analysis of the information we can ascertain from the database and our experience with similar projects. We then smartly supplement the database assessment by walking through a sampling of parking lots and garages to catalog vehicles using our ix Assessment mobile app. For example, we may visit a location and find a mix of 50 Ford Econoline vans, 200 Ford Transit vans, and 75 other vehicles. Photos are taken to have a visual record of the condition of fleet vehicles (e.g., body damage). Many other details area also catalogued in our app so we can fill in missing information necessary to brand the vehicles.
Step 2: Value Engineering
To keep things simple, let’s say there are 10,000 fleet vehicles with 30 different configurations. We analyze makes, models and other details to create 10 standardized vehicle graphics kits that fit all 10,000 fleet vehicles instead of creating 30 different kits. This standardization allows you to leverage economies of scale for purchasing and installation, saving more time and money.
Step 3: Conversion
We coordinate with fleet managers and branch managers around the country to develop conversion schedules that don’t interfere with day-to-day operations. That often means installation crews work nights and weekends to make sure fleet vehicles remain in service during regular work hours. Since the 10 standardized vehicle graphics kits are designed for easy installation, installers move quickly through the fleet in each location. Using our ix Conversion software, you can view progress in real-time and know the exact status of the branding project.
Step 4: Automation
The branding process doesn’t stop after the 10,000 fleet vehicles are finished, since vehicle graphics are needed on a regular basis (e.g., new purchases or accident repairs). The Automation portal containing the database of 10,000 vehicles also serves as an online ordering system. Fleet managers and other designated individuals can use the interactive tools to select and order brand-compliant vehicle graphics as needed.
Keeping track of your fleet vehicles in a centralized database not only saves time and money, but ensures your company makes the most of its travelling billboards.
