What is fleet management software and how do you choose the right solution?

A fleet management software package is a platform that brings GPS tracking, preventive maintenance, fuel consumption and asset security together in one tool. Fleeti is an IoT fleet management solution designed for companies in France and Africa, built for mixed fleets: light vehicles, trucks, construction machinery and non-powered equipment. This FAQ answers all your questions, from installing telematics devices to calculating ROI.

Mis à jour : novembre 2026

1. Understanding and choosing fleet management software

Positioning and company

What is fleet management software and what is it for?
Un logiciel de gestion de flotte est une plateforme centralisée qui pilote véhicules, engins et équipements depuis un seul outil, pour réduire les coûts de 15 à 25 %. Fleeti connecte tous vos actifs via la télématique IoT : real-time GPS tracking, preventive maintenance, fuel management, Eco-driving et conformité réglementaire.
What is the difference between a GPS tracker and fleet management software?
Un traceur GPS indique où se trouve un véhicule. Un logiciel de gestion de flotte répond à des questions plus profondes : combien coûte ma flotte ? Où perdre du temps ? Fleeti transforme vos données en leviers d'action : automated preventive maintenance, fuel alerts, driver scoring, tableaux de bord par véhicule ou conducteur.
Why choose Fleeti over a long-established provider?
Fleeti was born in the field, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Unlike traditional providers, Fleeti offers a unified platform (cars, trucks, machinery, OEM), rollout in 10 to 15 days, local support in France and Africa, and flexible contracts.
Is Fleeti a credible alternative to Samsara, Webfleet or Geotab?
Yes. Fleeti covers the market's key features (real-time tracking, CAN bus, dashcam, eco-driving, maintenance), with better support for mixed road and site fleets, a consolidated view of costs and responsive local support.
Does Fleeti offer local support in France and Africa?
Yes. Fleeti combines an international organisation with local teams in France, Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, Morocco, Mauritius and 8 other African countries. Local support at every step: rollout, training and ongoing technical support.
Can you manage a mixed fleet (light vehicles, trucks, construction machinery) from a single platform?
Yes, it is one of Fleeti's main differentiators. The platform brings cars, trucks, construction machinery and non-powered equipment (trailers, aerial work platforms) together in one tool, with unified reporting and cross-asset alerts.
Is Fleeti suitable for SMEs, mid-sized companies and large accounts?
Yes. Fleeti suits organisations with at least 50 assets. The platform grows with you: multi-subsidiary management, advanced user permissions, custom reports and open APIs.
Is company vehicle tracking legal in France?
Yes, under conditions. Tracking company vehicles is legal in France provided certain recommendations are followed: prior notice to employees, data collection limited to working hours and no permanent monitoring. Fleeti builds these constraints in (privacy mode, configurable time slots) and helps customers draft driver policies that comply with labour law.
What is the difference between TCO and a fleet's operating cost?
TCO (total cost of ownership) covers all costs over a vehicle's life: purchase or lease, fuel, maintenance, insurance, tyres, taxes and depreciation. Day-to-day operating cost is only one part of it. Fleeti calculates and monitors your actual TCO by vehicle, driver and site, bringing all this data into a single dashboard, which you need to make the right decisions (replacement, electrification, disposal).

Finance and contract

Should you buy or rent telematics devices with Fleeti?
Fleeti offers both. Rental (opex) is the most common: an all-inclusive monthly subscription (hardware, multi-network SIM connectivity, platform access), with no upfront investment. Purchase (capex) is possible depending on your accounting constraints.
How much does a fleet management solution like Fleeti cost?
The cost depends on the number of vehicles or machines and the modules activated (tracking, preventive maintenance, fuel, dashcam, reporting). Fleeti offers custom pricing per asset per month. A free audit quantifies potential gains, and ROI is usually reached in 3 to 6 months.
What is the minimum commitment?
Terms adapt to each customer, usually aligned with lease contracts (24, 36 or 48 months). Specific arrangements can be considered to secure ROI without excessive rigidity.
What is the return on investment (ROI) of fleet management software?
Le ROI est généralement atteint en 3 à 6 mois. Leviers principaux : fuel savings of up to 25%, up to 20% fewer claims, optimised preventive maintenance, gain de productivité jusqu'à 15 %. Un client Fleeti a réalisé 94 000 € d'économies carburant en première année.
Do you offer a trial or pilot before rollout?
Yes. For sizeable fleets, Fleeti offers a pilot on a limited scope to validate technical compatibility, measure actual gains and bring teams on board. Full rollout only starts once ROI is validated.
Can Fleeti be added to an existing lease contract?
Yes. Fleeti is independent of the vehicle's financer and can be installed on any fleet, whether owned, leased or rented. Fleeti coordinates installation with your leasing company and respects the vehicle's contract terms. Fleeti can also report the exact mileage needed for end-of-contract adjustments.

Advanced features

Is the platform compatible with electric vehicles?
Yes. Fleeti tracks the state of charge, remaining range and charging status of electric vehicles, built natively into overall fleet management.
Can I create user sub-accounts with different access levels?
Yes. Access rights are fully configurable by role (fleet manager, site manager, management, accounting) or by geographic or functional scope.
How does driver identification work?
Identification uses an RFID badge or Dallas key, reliably assigning each trip to the right driver. Useful for fine management, individual scoring and cost analysis by driver.
How are devices updated?
Firmware updates are carried out remotely (over the air, OTA), with no vehicle downtime. Your fleet always has the latest improvements with no logistics.
Does Fleeti use artificial intelligence in its platform?
Yes. Fleeti includes advanced analytics: automatic detection of consumption anomalies, maintenance prediction, behaviour scoring and optimisation recommendations. The goal is to move from reactive monitoring to proactive management.
What is the difference between OBD and CAN bus telematics?
La télématique OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) se connecte à la prise standardisée de diagnostic présente sur les véhicules post-1996. Elle remonte des données génériques : position, kilométrage, codes erreur moteur. La télématique CAN bus accède directement au réseau de communication interne du véhicule, permettant de remonter des données constructeur précises : exact fuel consumption, régime moteur, pression des pneus, niveaux de liquide, heures moteur réelles. Fleeti exploite les deux technologies selon le véhicule, pour une précision maximale des données.
How does Fleeti handle fleets in countries with limited network coverage?
Fleeti was designed to work with poor connectivity, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Multi-network SIM devices automatically switch to the best available network. Where there is no coverage at all, data is stored locally and synced automatically when the network returns. No data is lost, even in remote areas of Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire or Burkina Faso.

Rollout and onboarding

How long does it take to roll out for a fleet of 100 vehicles?
Once the project is approved, rollout usually starts within 10 to 15 days. Several sites can be equipped in parallel to reduce vehicle downtime.
Do you handle device installation?
Yes. Fleeti relies on a network of qualified partner technicians who work directly at your sites.
How does migration from another provider work?
Fleeti is used to fleet migration projects. Removal of old hardware and installation of the new are coordinated. Retrieving historical data via API is assessed case by case.
How do you train teams?
Every customer gets structured onboarding: account setup, video training for administrators and access to a knowledge base (tutorials, FAQ, business guides).

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2. Fleet management by industry: construction, transport and rental

Transport and logistics

How do you optimise last-mile delivery rounds with Fleeti?
Fleeti tracks every stage of last-mile delivery in real time: warehouse departure, travel time, customer stops and time-stamped proof of delivery. Productivity reports by driver and area identify inefficient routes and cut unproductive kilometres. For urban delivery fleets, Fleeti integrates with your TMS and dispatch tools.
How do you reduce a transport fleet's CO2 emissions?
Fleeti mesure automatiquement les émissions CO2 de chaque véhicule à partir des données de actual fuel consumption, calculated using ADEME references. The platform identifies empty trips, unproductive idling and fuel-hungry driving. This data helps prioritise actions: eco-driving training, optimisation des itinéraires, anticipation du renouvellement vers des véhicules moins émissifs. Certains clients Fleeti ont réduit leurs émissions de 20 %.
Is Fleeti suited to patient transport fleets (ambulances, light patient vehicles)?
Yes. Fleeti is used by patient transport operators who need trip traceability, time-stamped proof of visit, regulatory compliance and faster pick-up times. Privacy mode protects patient confidentiality outside missions.

Rental and leasing

How do you protect vehicles against theft or non-return?
Real-time location, zone alerts and remote immobilisation (on compatible vehicles) form a complete system for recovering vehicles quickly in a dispute or theft.
Does the reported mileage match the actual odometer?
Yes. CAN bus readings report the exact odometer mileage, data you can use directly for billing, mileage allowances and contract tracking.
How does geofencing monitor where a vehicle is used?
Le Fleeti geofencing permet de définir des zones géographiques virtuelles (région, département, pays) et de déclencher une alerte immédiate quand un véhicule franchit cette limite. Applicable à tous vos actifs avec notifications par SMS, email ou application.
How do you detect abnormal or risky use by a renter?
Impact, speeding and aggressive driving alerts identify risky use in real time. This data lets you act quickly and protect the vehicles' residual value.

Field services

How do you respect employee privacy?
A privacy mode is available, activated by the driver with a physical button or set automatically for defined time slots (evenings, weekends). In privacy mode, no position is reported.
How do you optimise field service management with Fleeti?
Fleeti includes a field service management module to see all your technicians' positions in real time and instantly assign a job to the nearest available person. Less travel and faster customer response.
How do you justify job times to customers?
Time-stamped stop reports serve as proof of visit, usable for billing or dispute handling. They give you transparency with your clients.
How can I reduce accidents and negotiate a lower insurance premium?
L'analyse des comportements à risque (excès de vitesse, freinages brusques) permet de cibler les formations. Les indicateurs de conduite documentés peuvent être présentés à votre assureur. Certains clients ont obtenu jusqu'à 20 % de réduction sur leurs primes. Découvrez notre module business dashcam pour des preuves vidéo en cas de sinistre.
How do you introduce eco-driving without alienating drivers?
Fleeti offers an educational eco-driving score pour encourager la progression plutôt que sanctionner. L'approche valorise les bons comportements et donne aux conducteurs une visibilité sur leurs performances. Résultat : jusqu'à 20 % de réduction des émissions CO2 et 15 % d'économies carburant.

Construction

How does Fleeti track construction machinery engine hours?
Fleeti distingue automatiquement le temps de déplacement, de travail effectif et de ralenti non productif de chaque engin, grâce à la lecture CAN bus ou après-contact. Ce suivi déclenche automatiquement la preventive maintenance au bon moment, sans attendre qu'une panne survienne.
Can your devices withstand site conditions?
Yes. The devices are IP67-certified and designed to withstand water, dust and heavy vibration. They work on machinery of any brand and on older equipment.
How do you track trailers and non-powered equipment (skips, aerial work platforms)?
Fleeti offers standalone GPS trackers with long-life batteries (1 to 5 years) for any non-powered asset: trailers, skips, generators, aerial work platforms. No electrical installation is needed, making them ideal for construction sites and logistics.
How do you prevent construction machinery theft?
Fleeti combines geofencing, authorised usage hours and real-time alerts. On some equipment, the engine can be cut remotely. Position history makes dealing with the police easier.
How do you set up preventive maintenance for construction machinery?
La preventive maintenance with Fleeti repose sur le suivi des heures moteur réelles : les rappels d'entretien (vidanges, contrôles VGP, révisions) se déclenchent selon l'usage effectif, et non sur un calendrier fixe. Moins de pannes, meilleure disponibilité, réduction significative des coûts.
How do you calculate the real cost of a machine hour on a construction site?
Fleeti agrège les heures moteur réelles, la fuel consumption per machine, maintenance costs and downtime to automatically calculate the full cost of each machine hour. This data lets you bill clients accurately, compare machine profitability and choose between repair and replacement. A particularly useful feature in the mining sector et les grands chantiers africains.

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3. Telematics devices, installation and Fleeti integrations

Hardware and installation

What is a telematics device? Which types does Fleeti offer?
A telematics device collects and transmits GPS position, fuel consumption, driving behaviour and engine hours in real time. Fleeti offers two types: an OBD device (plug and play, a few minutes) and a hard-wired device (maximum security, recommended for heavily used professional fleets).
Does installation void the manufacturer warranty?
No. Connections are non-intrusive and meet manufacturer standards. Installation is carried out by qualified technicians.
Do the devices have a backup battery?
Yes. If someone tampers with it or cuts the power, the device keeps transmitting data for several hours.
Does Fleeti integrate directly with manufacturers, with no device installation?
Yes. Fleeti has native OEM integrations with more than 30 manufacturer brands. For eligible vehicles, no device is needed: position, mileage, fuel and engine alerts are reported directly via manufacturer APIs. Activation is almost immediate.
How long do standalone trackers last?
Between 1 and 5 years depending on the reporting frequency set, designed to cover your assets' life cycle with no intervention.
Is connectivity included?
Yes. Devices include a multi-network SIM card that works in France and internationally (depending on coverage). You have no telecom plans to manage.
Can Fleeti be used on vehicles without an OBD port (older machinery, trucks in Africa)?
Yes. For vehicles without an OBD port (older construction machinery, mixed African fleets, generators), Fleeti offers universal hard-wired devices installed directly on the vehicle's battery or electrical circuit. No vehicle is excluded from Fleeti coverage, whatever its age or brand. This requirement comes from field experience in sub-Saharan Africa, where fleets are often mixed.

Data and integrations

Do you offer an open API?
Yes. A documented REST API lets you integrate Fleeti with your ERP, maintenance management system, CRM or any other business tool. Fleeti adapts to your existing tools, not the other way round.
Can I export my data?
Yes. All data can be exported in Excel, CSV and PDF formats. You own your data at all times.
How is the data hosted?
Data is hosted on secure servers in the European Union, with encryption in transit and at rest, and daily backups.
What happens in areas with no coverage?
Data is stored locally in the device and sent automatically as soon as the network returns. No data is lost.

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Home

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Fleeti Telematics

Fleeti Fleet Management

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Countries

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Resources

Referral programme

Blog

Contact

Privacy policy

Legal notice

Cookie policy

Terms of use

© 2026 Fleeti SAS

IoT for the operations of African and European businesses.

Any questions?

Home

Countries

Features

Industries

Fleeti Telematics

Fleeti Fleet Management

Fleeti Vision

Fleeti Lease

Use cases

FAQ

Resources

Referral programme

Blog

Contact

Privacy policy

Cookie policy

Terms of use

Legal notice

© 2026 Fleeti SAS