The Fleet Success Show

Episode 165: Why Your Fleet Software Implementation Is Doomed: The 5 Biggest Pitfalls to Avoid

Episode Summary

Fleet software implementations often fail—not because the software is bad, but because of avoidable mistakes. In this episode of The Fleet Success Show, Marc Canton, Head of Product and Consulting at RTA Fleet, teams up with Josh Turley, a 20-year fleet tech veteran, to break down the most common pitfalls that can sink a fleet management system (FMIS) implementation.

Episode Notes

Drawing from decades of experience across thousands of implementations, Marc and Josh highlight the key reasons fleet managers struggle with adopting new technology. From data migration nightmares to lack of training and buy-in, they share hard-hitting lessons learned from real-world failures—and successes.

Key Takeaways from the Episode:

🚨 Data Migration Can Make or Break You – Many implementations go off the rails due to bad data. If your fleet reporting was garbage before, don’t expect miracles just by switching systems. Take the time to clean, standardize, and validate your data before migrating it.

⏳ Budget for Time—Lots of It – Underestimating the time required to implement a new system is a fatal mistake. If you aren’t carving out time for training, testing, and system setup, your project will drag on for months (or years).

🔄 Process Overhaul is a Must – Saying, "That’s just how we do it," is a surefire way to ensure your fleet stays inefficient. Implementation is the perfect time to rethink and improve your workflows.

📊 Integration Gaps Can Wreck Everything – If your fleet software needs to integrate with other systems, don’t assume it will just work. Vet your vendors early and ensure they can actually deliver. Otherwise, you could be left scrambling when a critical integration won’t be ready for years.

🎓 Training is Non-Negotiable – The #1 reason fleets hate their software? They don’t know how to use it. Skimping on training means missed opportunities, lost efficiency, and wasted money.

About the Speakers:

🚛 Marc Canton – A 30-year fleet industry expert, Marc has worn many hats, including fleet manager, transportation director, and consultant. Now at RTA Fleet, he’s passionate about helping fleets succeed through smarter technology.

📡 Josh Turley – With over 20 years in fleet technology, Josh has been at the forefront of every major evolution in the industry. He’s seen thousands of implementations—some wildly successful, others absolute disasters—and knows what separates the two.

Schedule a Demo—Make Your Fleet Software Work for You!

At RTA, we know implementing fleet software can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. With RTA Fleet360, we streamline the process, help you avoid costly pitfalls, and ensure your team is fully trained.

👉 Schedule a demo today and see how RTA Fleet360 can set your fleet up for long-term success! https://rtafleet.com/book-a-demo