Managing a fleet involves optimizing routes, reducing overall costs, and ensuring the safety of all drivers. Over the last few years, there has been plenty of innovation when it comes to fleet management tech. Throughout this article, we’ve gathered together seven examples of innovative fleet management tech.
Collision Management
Avoiding collisions is the aim of any fleet manager, and there are plenty of tools to do that now. For example, the Mobileye 8 Connect is hard installed into the vehicle and calibrated to its parameters. Working tirelessly, the device scans the road ahead and uses AI to alert the driver to unseen hazards that may cause a crash. Having an additional couple of seconds to react can be the difference between life and death in a collision.
Augmented Reality
Augmented reality (AR) has only recently gained traction with wider use cases, and fleet management is one of them. In particular, when it comes to loading a vehicle, AR saves time by quickly assessing the space and detailing the optimal positions. Additionally, AR has the potential to reduce repair and maintenance costs, especially when used as wearable technology.
Autonomous Vehicles
Many road collisions are caused by human error, which is why autonomous vehicles are a dream for fleet managers. Not only will autonomous vehicles help to reduce crashes, but they will also significantly lower maintenance bills. As well as this, autonomous vehicles will help streamline working schedules because there’s no need for breaks and they aren’t programmed to take unauthorized routes.
ELD Compliance Systems
The ELD mandate requires all vehicles in a fleet to log working hours – including rest periods. Stricter regulations are looking to eliminate paper tracing by requiring an ELD device to be installed. When it comes to fleet management, this is a fantastic step in the right direction because it helps to reduce fatigue.
Internet of Things
The Internet of Things (IoT) and telematics are intrinsically linked. Thanks to IoT, sensors can be placed to send notifications of damaged goods to drivers. Additionally, the technology allows fleet managers to view detailed metrics straight from the dashboard, which helps managers to act in real-time – as opposed to reactively.
Fuel Management Systems
Fuel prices are soaring, which makes reducing usage a priority for fleet managers. Luckily, you can have fuel management systems installed, which monitor the amount of fuel consumed. As well as seeing fuel usage, managers can view routes taken and address any issues straight away.
Blockchain
Blockchain, which is the infrastructure behind cryptocurrencies and smart contracts, is beginning to gain traction across many different industries to promote accountability and transparency. In the fleet management space, blockchain tech is being used to secure transactions, store customer details, and evidence product routes.
When used correctly, technology has the power to make roads safer, reduce monthly outgoings, keep secure records, and comply with time-tracking laws. Some of the tech outlined above is still in its infancy, but you’ll see it become more accessible over the coming years. Eventually, the merits will be widely recognized, and they’ll become the industry standard.
