The concept of deploying mobile technology in fleet vehicles – thereby, maximizing field workforce productivity throughout the day – has been around for a couple of decades. Companies are increasingly savvy at knowing the issues and pitfalls when considering proper software application, device selection and connectivity. However, there is one aspect of a deployment that is often overlooked… how to manage the installation of the solution.

Why is this a challenge? Because installing mobile data solutions requires synchronization across many levels. The product components that make up the solution, the myriad of fleet vehicles, and the installation labor required all need to converge on the same dates at the right locations for an efficient rollout.

Managing a couple dozen deployments at one location may not be that complicated. However, managing several hundred vehicles spread out over dozens of sites is another story. Add in tight scheduling requirements, delayed product lead times or the inability of pulling some vehicles off the road at each location, and the project becomes a huge logistical puzzle.

Since our beginning in the late 1990’s, Mobile Mounts has been providing project management services to our customers. Over the years this portion of our business has grown rapidly as more and more customers rely on us to completely manage all aspects of their rollout. So what exactly do the project managers… manage?

SCHEDULING
The project managers consult with our sales staff and key customer contacts monitoring the individual maturity of each project. Even when final decisions are made, purchase orders are cut and install dates are loaded on the calendar, factors like an unexpected delay for a key component, changing vehicle types or severe weather can throw the schedule off. Our project managers then work diligently with all stakeholders, work in the variables and re-map the rollout.

The project managers consult with our sales staff and key customer contacts monitoring the individual maturity of each project. Even when final decisions are made, purchase orders are cut and install dates are loaded on the calendar, factors like an unexpected delay for a key component, changing vehicle types or severe weather can throw the schedule off. Our project managers then work diligently with all stakeholders, work in the variables and re-map the rollout.

The project managers consult with our sales staff and key customer contacts monitoring the individual maturity of each project. Even when final decisions are made, purchase orders are cut and install dates are loaded on the calendar, factors like an unexpected delay for a key component, changing vehicle types or severe weather can throw the schedule off. Our project managers then work diligently with all stakeholders, work in the variables and re-map the rollout.

VEHICLES
The larger the rollout, typically, the more challenging it is correctly identifying all of the vehicles in a company’s fleet. Accurate vehicle descriptions (year, make, model) and locations are vital for a successful, efficient installation schedule. To minimize delays once the rollout begins, our project managers thoroughly work closely with fleet managers, audit the vehicle list correcting errors and discrepancies, and plan for extra parts at certain locations to offset any surprises.

PRODUCTS
Mobile Mounts provides our customer with everything for the installation except for the mobile device itself (tablet, laptop, etc.). This can include the vehicle mounting system, docking stations, antennas, power management supplies, modems, printers and wiring harnesses. Our project managers work with our buyers, warehouse personnel and individual vendors, monitoring orders and shipments to ensure that the right product and quantities are delivered on time and to the right location ready for installation.

DOCUMENTATION
Project managers help develop a Statement of Work that details the scope and expectations of the project, product components and wiring diagrams so the installation staff knows what and how to install the solution. Once an installation is complete, they then review individual vehicle work orders for accuracy and provide vehicle summaries with pictures and serial/asset numbers for our customers. To find out how we can help with your next deployment or for more information about our project management services, please contact us.