Golf car maintenance schedules are based on time of service, so some cars receive attention too often and others too rarely. Uneven usage wears out high-ticket items such as tires, floormats, seat cushions, and batteries that are not covered by most car warranties. To solve these problems, Dodd created a digital hubmeter which can be easily installed in golf cars. The meter tracks the distance a car travels and then simply transmits this information to a hand-held computer through an external wand. The computer then sends the data via modem to Fleet Hawk's mainframe computer, where it is processed and analyzed.
Clubs receive reports on each car, along with red and green stickers.
Attendants are directed to send out the green stickered cars whenever possible and only use the red stickered cars when absolutely necessary. The system provides accurate data from which to perform preventive maintenance, adding yet another savings. The detailed maintenance records generated by the Fleet Hawk system can also double as loss control documentation in the event of a liability action. The same documentation can also be used to monitor golf car revenues, matching the number of rounds paid with the number traveled. Though most clubs process the information stored in the hubmeters once a month, they can be read every day if there are suspicions that cars are being given away.