Key Technology Trends Shaping Fleet Management
Updated: Aug 17, 2021
Technology is rapidly changing and expanding the transport industry. A market report on fleet management by Automotive World has predicted that its market value will triple by 2030. With consumer habits becoming much more digital orientated this has led to a greater demand for delivered goods. In turn, this has led to innovations that are shaping fleet management systems today. And here are five of the latest tech trends. 5G Technology
5G is more than a simple upgrade to the 4G network we have come accustomed to. It is 100 times faster, and has greater bandwidths to maximize the full potential of the Internet of Things (IoT). A previous post on the manufacturing industry by Michael Intravartolo emphasizes how 5G adoption can improve the efficiency of communication on a large scale, especially in running more applications and conveying real-time data much faster. This will give fleet operators much more control over their drivers and deliveries, as they will have a much wider network in which to communicate to due to increased connectivity. With 5G, fleet management systems will be able to send vital information very quickly, which in turn will streamline operations. Telematics
Telematics, or the use of integrated technology in vehicles, is growing fast in fleet management and for good reason. An article on telematics by Verizon Connect highlights how it solves key issues in growing businesses. Primarily, telematics can determine real-time diagnostics. Using GPS tracking, telematics devices installed in vehicles can help fleet managers monitor their real-time location and safety status of their drivers, and their vehicles’ health condition. Telematics also improves the customer experience as they can better track and trace their orders, “improving service levels, satisfaction and loyalty in the process.” Data Security
Fleet management systems collect data that managers use for analyzing trends and making key decisions. This may involve the best routes to take, the best times to take them, driver safety and behavior, environmental conditions, and predictive maintenance analysis. However, as with any data, it’s crucial to protect it from any possible system breach. A report on fleet data by Trip Wire revealed how hackers were able to access a Jeep’s software, disable the brakes, control the steering wheel, and cut the accelerator. Due to the potential risk this poses to disrupt the supply chain, fleet management systems will be judged on how well they are protected from digital threats. Any company that does not have good enough cyber protection will find themselves a long way behind their competitors. Vehicle Automation
Autonomous Vehicle (AV) technology is probably the most interesting technology trend in fleet management. Fleet vehicles will soon be connected to each other, and will be able to share data using the cloud as well as self-diagnosing any problems. In the latest tech news update on driverless tech by Slash Gear, Waymo will soon test their autonomous driving technology called Waymo Driver, which they’re planning to apply not only to taxis, but also to Class 8 trucks as well. The company started building a replica city in Ohio, where they can conduct research, development, and testing of this so-called driverless technology. Mobility-as-a-Service
Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) integrates different transport services into a single on-demand platform where users can plan, book, and pay for multiple mobility services. MaaS provides users access to mobility using a single payment channel instead of separate ticketing and payment tools. Imagine Uber — but with trucks and utility vehicles. A recent feature on MaaS points out that there is an increased interest in exploring the possibilities of MaaSintegration in traditional fleet services. As fleets start to embrace MaaS solutions in delivering a wider range of mobility services this will help reduce overall fleet costs, enhance the drivers’ experience, increase efficiency in mobility service, and improve sustainability. Technology is continuously shaping the global supply chain and in the next few years there will be more major leaps forward for fleet management systems.
Written by Joanie Briley
for solsyst.com
