Top-Five Tech Solutions for Fleet Optimization
Frédéric Baroin
Global Head of Automotive Business at Anyline
Fleet management companies that want to remain competitive must keep up with emerging technologies. These tools provide better insight into the condition of vehicles, drivers, and the business itself. They can facilitate better outcomes for any cargo transportation. However, there are a lot of technology options out there. When selecting one, companies must ensure the solution is one that integrates easily within existing tech stacks. While the majority of fleet management companies may still be using paper processes, if existing management solutions or technology stacks are in place and don’t integrate well, that adds to the cost of implementing any new strategy. That typically does not have to happen, though.
As a company, making the decision to invest in any technology should come from careful research and consideration. The more data you collect and compare, the better. This leads to more insights into your business, which ultimately helps your company to compete.
Companies need access to business intelligence. The right practices create significant value for companies in this industry. That’s why fleets should always be in motion, consistently monitoring and collecting information and data as it goes, even on moving targets. That’s not easy to do, though.
There are some new technologies that are helping to streamline operations and improve mobile businesses like cargo transportation companies.
Automating vehicle inspection with mobile data capture
One such technology is the use of mobile data capture. In the US, UK, and EU, there are numerous regulatory bodies that require frequent inspection of vehicles, trailers, and other components used in cargo transportation. These steps help to minimize risks on the road. It is also necessary for companies to have information on drivers and other documentation that must be both tracked and stored digitally to be within compliance.
Artificial intelligence and computer vision are enabling this through automated data collection. To do this efficiently, a mobile, handheld device that captures visual information can be integrated directly into the workforce or driver-facing apps without any additional equipment purchased and with full integration possible.
Deploy GPS trackers
Companies can also utilize GPS trackers to track the movement of individual trucks and trailers in real time. GPS trackers allow fleet managers to have a clear indication of where every driver is within their delivery route. This allows for better accuracy while estimating delivery times and also helps to ensure proper communication remains in place.
Fleet managers can also manage details like start and stop times to ensure the company’s drivers remain in compliance. Other details, like refueling and optimum routes, can also be accessed this way.
AI dash cams
The use of AI dash cams allows fleet managers to keep track of drivers, and when the driver engages in risky behavior, it allows the fleet manager to be alerted so they can take action. This provides a way to protect lives through actual live incident management.
Dashcams provide evidence as well. They can help show what the truck driver or company is actually responsible for if an accident occurs. This can reduce legal costs.
Augmented reality
Augmented reality technology can help with various steps of the fleet manager’s job. It can help in various areas of fleet management, from the loading point to safe driving on the road. It can be applied in every aspect of fleet management.
With the use of wearable technology, it is possible to improve maintenance and repair, enhance driver training and assistance, and scan cargo items accurately as they are coming on board. AR glasses, for example, are one such tool.
Self-driving vehicles
Self-driving vehicles are one of the best features for today’s fleet managers because they not only drive themselves but also improve road safety for all involved. That is because these vehicles eliminate human errors that lead to accidents. That includes driver distractions, fatigue, and negligence.
Using autonomous vehicles can help to lower maintenance and repair costs from accidents. It can also help to streamline schedules since these drivers do not need a break.
Take away
Fleet management technology ensures transportation safety, better resource planning, controls routes and stops, and improves customer service. It allows fleet managers and owners to generate custom reports and gives them control over an entire fleet.
