Facilities and fleet operators are increasingly using preventative maintenance strategies and connected vehicle technologies to improve operational efficiency, reduce downtime and strengthen asset performance.

Industry leaders discussed evolving approaches to service, maintenance and repair (SMR) during a recent fleet management roundtable, highlighting how maintenance decisions are becoming more closely linked to operational outcomes and cost control.

One example came from Emcor, which brought SMR management in-house after previously relying on an external leasing arrangement. According to the company, the move contributed to a reported 30% reduction in maintenance costs alongside a significant decrease in vehicle downtime through greater control over servicing and repair activity.

Participants highlighted the importance of combining maintenance oversight with stronger supplier coordination, performance reporting and clearer accountability across vehicle operations.

Fleet leaders also noted that maintenance contracts increasingly require a service-led approach rather than purely cost-driven procurement decisions. Managing vehicle availability and reducing off-road time were identified as priorities, particularly for organisations operating mobile workforces and field-based services.

Preventative maintenance was another major theme. Representatives described how connected vehicle platforms and telematics data are helping organisations identify potential issues earlier and schedule servicing before failures affect operations.

This approach was reflected by Arcus Facilities Management, which discussed using connected fleet technologies to support proactive maintenance scheduling and reduce vehicle-off-road incidents.

The discussion also explored the impact of electrification on maintenance planning. While electric vehicles may reduce traditional servicing requirements, operators reported that tyre wear, vehicle utilisation patterns and repair considerations continue to influence overall maintenance costs.

For facilities management organisations, fleet strategy increasingly extends beyond vehicle procurement into broader operational performance, workforce mobility and service continuity.

As maintenance technologies become more predictive and data-led, operators are placing greater emphasis on asset visibility, preventative interventions and supplier collaboration to maintain efficiency and support business performance.

Read more about maintenance strategies shaping facilities and operational performance.