Utilizing Modern Fleet Management Technologies to Track and Manage Indiana University Landscape Services’ Grounds Equipment Fleet

Abstract

Technology integration is critical to the successful operation of any business or municipality. In today’s modern era of sophisticated machinery, smart sensors, and data tracking software, teams must develop a comprehensive software suite that caters to their needs as an industry. In the case of a large user group such as a municipality or higher education environment, these points are even more important. These large entities, unlike a business or production facility, function as small-to-medium-sized cities. Multiple divisions, multiple accounting methodologies, and multiple management teams are the norm for major universities. Ensuring that the university adopts and adheres to a widely adaptable set of operating procedures ensures that these various divisions can all work in a similar format while still allowing each team to adapt their procedures to their unique needs. One of the most difficult tasks of any university is the upkeep and maintenance of its physical assets. These can include the academic buildings, the infrastructure that heats and cools those buildings, and the equipment used to perform those maintenance duties for the physical assets of a university. This task is typically handled by a fleet management division. These fleet management divisions rely heavily on the latest technology to ensure their vehicular and equipment assets are maintained properly, replaced on schedule and ultimately can perform the duties of the workers who utilize them on a daily basis. In the same way that modern technology can improve the everyday functions of so many tasks in daily life, the proper fleet management software can handle many of the important tasks of a facility and fleet manager. Data acquisition can be largely automated, resulting in an accurate inventory of even the most sophisticated equipment fleets. The purpose of this study is to examine the potential optimization of a fleet management system at IU Landscape Services by examining the current framework of existing technologies available to Indiana University. The outcome of this exercise will be a proposed new direction to help accomplish these goals.