Published on May 13th, 2019 | by Bibhuranjan

How Technology Changes Fleet Management

Remember those paper maps no one ever figured out how to fold, no matter how long the attempt? Perhaps not, but paper road maps are the best example of how much technology has evolved over the past decade, especially in the aspect of transportation using vehicles and fleets. Over thirty years ago, maps were readily available at service stations, completely free of charge. These service stations, or gas stations, gathered maps as a complimentary commodity to commercial products.

Even with a map, it was easy to get lost. Today, however, they no longer serve a useful purpose. Any person is conveniently equipped with a GPS system on their smartphones, as with mobile vehicles. GPS also brought change to fleet management, and not just to help with directions.

Here are some ways technology has helped fleet management evolve:

Diagnostics

Technology continues to dominate driving vehicle diagnostic for years, and research suggests that this trend will not be stopping any time soon. For example, it is highlighted that remote diagnostics already complement onboard diagnostics. The ever-evolving diagnostics is already on its way towards a downloadable software, which automatically corrects issues without the need for the driver to get to a service location. Moreover, ELDs, or onboard electronic logging devices, are considered as a diagnostic generation tool for data analysis, which leads to more efficient driver and vehicle strategies.

Directions

GPS is more than just a replacement for paper maps. Even with the absence of other enhancements, GPS allows drivers to change routes depending on current traffic blocks. It instantly communicates road updates, which is tracked by mobile phones and installed GPS; accidents on the road are lifted from 911 or other emergency hotline calls.

Disintermediation

While direct communications from fleet management are yet to be streamlined, experts look into telemetrics that could improve communication, so much so that there will be no need for any dispatch directly from the driver. This could be based on computer-based data analytics, which can be directly transmitted to the vehicle. One of the pioneers in this field is surely the Sylectus transportation management system and with its advanced tools that simplify the whole process, you can be more efficient while also halfing your spendings and time needed simultaneously.

It is also relevant to point out that the combination of directions, diagnostics, and disintermediation will move forward, driving the economy and efficiencies in different levels.

Efficiency

Given the technological trend, one should expect results of greater efficiencies. Efficiency will also be affected by and drive by competition and collaboration.

- Competition. It is important to note that technology will not change competition; rather, it will make it more aggressive. World leaders who welcome new technologies should be the most competitive.
- Collaboration. Reducing wasted times is how modes of fleet deliveries will be affected, brought about by collaboration and incorporation.
Economy

The product of efficiency is almost always cost production, but there are other technologies that factor in at the equation, which can also bring about changes to the economics of fleet management.

Safety. This is a period where safety is heavily regulated. New technologies greatly consider safety, not only within the confines of regulations, but outside of the box where there is an emergence of new needs for new measures. Improved safety is a feature that will continue, which will be utilized by the commercialization of fleet management technology. The reason for this is improved safety equates to cost reductions, keeping companies profitable. Safer operations mean reduced costs of insurance.
Size. Advancements will reduce the size of fleets as a result of increased efficiencies. Because these efficiencies reduce the need for equipment, the capital and operation expense necessary will also be reduced. The cost of labor and workforce decreases alongside this, but the efficiencies increase. The combination of all these will expand the business. Furthermore, if managed properly, workforce reduction won’t be needing layoffs, but a more efficient use of the current personnel already available.
Supply. Because of the already efficient delivery system, expect a more expanded reach of availability for your business. Greatly managed fleets make use of data analytics, which maintains that supply and demand continue to move optimal revenue and profitability.
Staffing. Hiring and talent management decisions are already driven by psychometrics. With similar emerging technologies, expect that the time-consuming and face-to-face processes will be reduced even further, in order to manage personnel requirements better and more efficiently.
Apps and Automation

While it’s unclear how much virtual reality (VR) applications and auto vehicles will affect fleet management in the near future, it should be expected that research will find a need for them. It’s impossible to predict the future, but the view from here remains positive.

To further understand and get a clear look at just how massive the possibilities are, SYSTEMS & TECHNOLOGY®, a fleet management solutions company, has crafted an infographic that provides actionable data on fleet management and efficiency. See their video:

Much of today’s systems rely heavily on emerging technologies. There are home improvements that completely automate the entire house using voice, and there are emerging platforms where students can ask “write my thesis for me”, and it will be made available to them. With this, it is imperative to continue to look into data and information on the future of science and technology, and how it will continue to affect fleet management.

To understand fleet management and its relationship to technology even further, check out Forrest Burnson’s article.

Tags: business, IT, management, team, technology

About the Author

Bibhuranjan Editorial Officer, technofaq.org I'm an avid tech enthusiast at heart. I like to mug up on new and exciting developments on science and tech and have a deep love for PC gaming. Other hobbies include writing blog posts, music and DIY projects.