Fleet management has come a long way from using map books to plan routes. GPS, dash cameras, and telematics have helped to progress the field. Below we take a look at these technological advances.
Dual-Facing Dash Cameras
Dual-facing dash cameras record a live stream video of drivers on the road and have come to play a major role in monitoring driver behavior. Algorithms that read various sensors are used to make calculations that enable these tools to assign a score to each driver showing how well or poorly they are driving. Some of these systems have built-in benefits/rewards programs for drivers who score a high mark.
Big Data
Big data works with large volumes of data that are analyzed and used in decision-making. It is much more difficult to arrive at accurate conclusions when data is limited. On the other hand, it requires big data to manage bulk data that can provide real insights and allow for changes to be made.
In fleet management, big data can demonstrate that the vehicles you hire break down frequently, for example. This enables you to find a better supplier. It can help you to compare maintenance companies and select the best one on multiple dimensions. Big data can also calculate every stage of each journey, e.g., unloading times, plot the optimal routes, staff adequately, and have better control of delivery times to communicate to your customers.
GPS
Correction curves are special routes that enable a driver to get back on track after missing an offramp earlier. This is achieved with GPS. Additionally, it will record the vehicle’s speed, location, stops, mileage, and driver hours. The best route can be planned for the lowest mileage and fuel consumption using GPS. Geofencing can also restrict drivers to assigned areas and report violations.
Vehicle Performance
Fleet managers use technology to measure every aspect of vehicle performance. This includes items such as fuel used, temperature, CO2 emissions, engine failures, and speed. This may alert the fleet manager to inferior vehicles and result in better purchasing or leasing decisions.
Route Planning and Asset Tracking
Intelligent navigation systems are needed for automated route planning. This technology aims to save fuel by selecting the shortest or fastest route. It takes several factors into account, such as where goods must be collected or delivered, how much load a vehicle can safely take, and sales areas. An optimal route plan for all your deliveries may cut down on the number of vehicles and drivers you need to use. Asset tracking will take note of weather and traffic conditions and make adjustments to ensure the safety of drivers and other road users and maximize swift delivery at the same time.
Predictive Maintenance
Predictive maintenance keeps track of factors that indicate a need for repairs. This ensures timely repairs and reduces downtime when major repairs are needed. Measures can also be taken to address behavior that results in vehicles in poor condition.
Integrated Systems
An integrated system will allow the fleet manager to keep track of all aspects of fleet management on a single dashboard. Click here for a fleetio demo, a comprehensive system that covers all aspects of fleet management in one.
Today’s fleet manager needs to be highly computer literate and able to cope with strategic level data as well as being able to focus on and deal with the detail.