Advancing technology has brought along revolutionary, cost-effective, scalable, and innovative fleet management solutions. However, this wasn’t the case some years ago, where fleet management technologies only provided means of tracking vehicles. Back then, fleet managers relied on GPS technology to manage their daily activities.

However, modern situations demand the use of comprehensive software for fleet managers to survive in the current competitive fleet management industry. Efficient fleet management reflects on your company’s bottom line. Fortunately, a wide array of technologies have enabled fleet managers to stay on top of their management tasks. Below are some emerging techs that bring efficiency to fleet management operations.

1.  Advancing Telematics

Telematics primarily is the use of technology, such as GPS, dashboard cams, and sensors to track vehicles and other assets. The inception of telematics dates back to the early 60s when the military used this technology to track their nuclear submarines. Since then, telematics has improved and is currently among the most sought-after technology in the fleet management system.

Advancing telematics has made it possible for fleet managers to gain information in real-time. Fleet managers can monitor sensors and logging devices of all their logistics vehicles, enabling them to improve their productivity, compliance, and safety. Below are some benefits of telematics in fleet management

  • Real-time updates – Telematics provides real-time updates to fleet managers, eliminating guesswork in fleet management. Fleet managers can monitor the location of their vehicles and update their clients on the expected delivery times. Real-time monitoring also allows for better reaction to various road conditions, such as bad weather and roadblocks.
  • Safer fleets – Sensors and trackers placed in trucks and vans ensure that drivers observe all the safe practices on the road. Fleet managers can access data on vehicle status and driver behavior. Telematics allows managers to issue warnings to drivers for dangerous driving, aggressive maneuvers, and more. They also feature an electronic logbook, which monitors drivers’ Hours of Service, ensuring adherence to the ELD mandate.
  • Reduced fuel costs – A recent NACFE survey found that fuel costs make up more than 22% of the total fleet management costs. However, this percentage is expected to increase, thanks to the continuously rising fuel prices. Telematics provides a detailed analysis of your fleets’ fuel consumption. With this information, you can analyze and identify areas contributing to unnecessary fuel usage.

2.  The Internet of Vehicles

Telematics and the Internet of Things are intertwined in fleet management. A report concluded that 11% of goods perish or spoil before reaching their distribution centers. This is a significant loss that fleet managers should find ways of averting. Fortunately, the IoT brought along sensors that notify drivers and fleet managers of possible package damage.

The sensors capture every slight change, be it shock issue, temperature and humidity changes, or increased brightness. This enables fleet managers to identify and eliminate conditions that can lead to package damage. Damaged goods can also be fixed proactively before being shipped to customers.

Endnote

Big data, augmented reality, and autonomous vehicles are other future technologies that ease fleet management. Information provided by these technologies allows for better planning of resources, improved customer service, and allows fleet managers and owners to have better control over their business.