So, it comes as no surprise that the software industry created a PacMan creature called AVL (automatic vehicle location). AVL keeps high level executives entertained and IMPRESSED at your ability to apply MOVING PARTS to your snow and ice removal program. The mayor loves it, the news media oooh's and aaah's, and as soon as they are gone, you have work to do.

I know what you're thinking.
I sense a subtle rise in your blood pressure. You have just spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on your AVL system. Maybe you even spent millions, if you added features like knowing the exact position of the plow, and whether or not the salt spreader is engaged. AVL systems are not cheap. Every movement of the truck - adds big numbers to your final AVL BILL. I would guess, that all of the extras that you added to your AVL system - you are probably NOT even monitoring. I'll leave that for another discussion.

AVL works best if ALL of your fleet is equipped with sensors. But, you know how hard it is keeping AVL sensors in the trucks WORKING and synchronized. What is the first goal of your driver before turning on the ignition? Figuring out how to disable the AVL sensor. After all, who wants BIG BROTHER watching?

Notwithstanding, I'll be the first to admit, AVL provides important ANIMATION VALUE to any FLEET management system. You should know where your vehicles are, which route they have plowed - and keep tabs on anyone who has decided to venture off course for a cup of Joe. Animated graphics are one of the best way to display all of this information - without drowning in the details of reports and numbers.

While AVL is a wonderful tool to display the "here and now" aspect of your snow and ice removal program, it provides very little VALUE beyond the immediate moment. 30 minutes later, an HOUR later, 3, 5, 8 HOURS later, the next day - what is your AVL doing for you? The PAST is PAST.

AVL captures the IMMEDIATE moment...and after that GAME OVER.

AVL doesn't help you create timesheets for the employees who were DRIVING those trucks, it doesn't provide you with a list of REPAIRS made to your trucks, it doesn't provide you with the details to validate INVOICES from your contractors.

AVL cannot help you YEARS LATER when a citizen has decided to SUE your municipality for an accident that occurred on your roadways.

AVL cannot tell you the actual cost of SALT, SAND or liquid abrasive usage - over your entire snow season.

AVL cannot compare costs of your snow and ice removal program with years PAST - to help you properly budget for next year's program.

And, AVL is not intended to provide you these services. AVL simply displays a PACMAN video of your FLEET in ACTION for the IMMEDIATE MOMENT. It provides you with SHORT TERM value, ONLY.

For long term value, you need to transform your snow and ice removal program into a budget conscious machine!