We’re happy to serve many clients within the transportation industry. In addition to these customers, we also serve many others that own and operate fleets of vehicles. These fleets must be well-managed in order to control costs, and ensure that goods get to their intended destinations. Fortunately, there is a slew of useful technology that can make fleet management that much easier. Here are some notable advancements that are really making fleet managers take notice.
Using Solar to Power Fleet Tracking Devices
Businesses as a whole are turning to solar powered solutions more and more often. This is true for fleet managers as well. One area where this is being deployed is with fleet tracking device. Many managers are seeing that this is a worthwhile investment.
Solar powered, fleet tracking devices are run on lithium batteries. These are charged throughout the day thanks to strategically placed solar panels. The batteries themselves don’t need to be changed very often, and the device itself simply last longer. Since batteries last so long, device maintenance is minimized thereby reducing costs. Solar, tracking devices can also be used to track offshore and overseas cargo. They can continue to transmit geofencing and other data, even when cargo is well out of the reach of the fleet management team, all without worrying that the batteries will die enroute.
API Based Integrations With External Software
APIs are programming interfaces that allows one system to access the database or other assets of another system. These are being used increasingly more often to connect fleet management software platforms to other software platforms and databases. The benefits are twofold. Fleet tracking technology becomes more functional by being able to access other systems. Also, by sharing data across systems, the capability for deep data analysis increases greatly. Both fleet managers and those in other business area can use the information they are now receiving to drive their decision making process.
When fleet management software can communicate with other software and devices, it also extends the reach of the fleet manager. This means they can perform tasks such as tracking a driver’s work hours by accessing a time tracking system, sending instructions and other information directly to a driver’s smartphone, and monitoring fuel and other purchases.
In Vehicle Monitoring With Inward Facing Dash Cams
Distracted driving is a real problem. All drivers are at risk. Commercial drivers are at increased risk. Not only that, but when a distracted driver who is employed as part of a large commercial operation is involved in an ‘at fault’ accident, the potential for liability is great. A business could lose money, face increased insurance costs, be fined, and become buried in legal costs.
Behaviors that indicate distracted driving include mobile phone use, as well as eating and drinking, driving while exhausted, and engaging in other activities that take the driver’s attention off of the road. It is the responsibility of fleet managers to monitor driver activity, and to intervene when unsafe or inefficient conditions exist. Dash cams can be used as a rool in this effort.
There’s an additional benefit to these devices. While inward facing cameras can be used to monitor driver behavior. They can also be used to clear driver’s and the organization of liability if the driver is recorded operating their vehicle safely. Then there are outward facing cameras. These can be used to document unsafe road conditions, and behavior of other drivers that might contribute to accidents.
Increased Use of Data And Analytics in Fleet Management
There are now more ways than ever to collect and use data in the fleet management process. IOT devices can be used in vehicle to track vehicle routes, speeds, cargo temperature, and a variety of other factors. All of this data can then be mined, and used to to support the fleet manager’s decision making process. This data can be used to plan routes, to schedule drivers, to plan vehicle maintenance, and to better ensure that cargo arrives safely and in good condition.
Improved Security
One area of concern for fleet managers is loss prevention. Both cargo as well as fleet vehicles is at risk of theft, sabotage, and vandalism. Fleet tracking devices provide the advanced technology needed to mitigate these risks. With these devices, you can use geo fencing technology to track when a vehicle and its cargo enters and leaves designated areas. In the event of loss, you can pass this tracking data on to law enforcement. This will increase the likelihood of recovery.
Another bit of technology that is being used with increasing frequency are those that control starter function. If a vehicle goes missing this can be activated. While this will not stop a running vehicle, it will prevent it from starting again after the engine has been turned off.
In addition to preventing fleet vehicle theft, there are also technologies that can reduce the risk of cargo theft, and fuel theft. Tracking devices can be used to continually monitor the location of shipping containers. There are also sensors that can be used on vehicles. These will let fleet managers know when a rapid loss of fuel indicates that someone is manually draining fuel from a vehicle.
Final Thoughts
Fleet managers are faced with complex decisions and tasks on a daily basis. Not only that, but the stakes are quite high. When cargo goes missing or is damaged, or fleet vehicles aren’t able to reach their destinations, that can costs companies millions of dollars. Fortunately, by implementing tech based solutions, these risks can be mitigated.