How Fleet Management Will Transform the Future of the Transport Industry

The fleet management industry contributes heavily towards the growth of the global economy by creating job opportunities and also through tax remittance. Additionally, with technology enhancement, fleet management is expected to change now and in the future.

Some of the jaw dropping technologies that have already been implemented include bus and motor coach TV systems, remote braking systems, and GPS tacking monitors. EyeRide, for instance, has been one of the leading players in developing efficient all-in-one fleet management systems.

Most fleet managers are keen to improve the game within the industry by focusing their energies on how to protect the environment by going green, promoting safe driving among their drivers and minimizing operation costs so as to increase their profits. On the other hand, the systems are tailored to cut down the time drivers spend writing reports, which takes up most of their time.

However, according to research, most fleet operators and drivers have yet to embrace the new technology. Additionally, drivers feel that the on-board camera monitoring systems will infringe on their privacy.

Analyzing arising fleet trends within 2018 and beyond will help investors and business people currently within the industry and those anticipating investing in the future. They will be equipped to prepare for any threats and opportunities so that their business can be a lot more successful. Here are some of the fleet management changes expected.

Safety Improvement

With the aim of bringing down the number of accidents within the industry by promoting the safety of the vehicles, passengers and the drivers, most fleet companies are purchasing new automobiles. The vehicles are equipped with driver assistance technology, telematics and fleet tracking systems. Furthermore, vehicle manufacturers are looking forward to introducing automatic braking systems and monitoring systems, which will assist fleet managers in detecting mechanical faults within each vehicle and taking the action of servicing the vehicle before it breaks down.

Telematics and Tracking Devices

Although telematic systems have been around for a while, they have undergone significant improvements because of technology. More user-friendly features will be added to collect and send reliable data, which help fleet managers formulate beneficial policies.

Cost reduction can be achieved by designing short and efficient routes, which minimize fuel usage. Monitoring driver behavior will curb the number of crashes. Maintenance costs can be reduced by frequently servicing your vehicles.

Promoting better driving habits among your drivers will make the roads safer and also guarantee premium discounts from your insurance provider. Facilitating optimal fleet performance will expand your business and make it more profitable.

Autonomous Vehicles

According to research self-driving vehicles will reduce the number of road accidents, making roads safer. In addition, the fleet industry is expected to adopt this technology because of its benefits, which include increased driver productivity, reduced cost, improved safety and efficiency of fleet drivers and cargo, and minimized road accidents. Self-driving cars will have features such as blind spot sensors and forward and rear sensors, which will reduce the potential for human error.

Handling Big Data

Fleet management apps will provide fleets owners with a deeper capacity into their day to day operations. The future looks promising for fleet owners who are looking to improve their service delivery and business operation procedures.

Due to the telematics systems there is now large quantity of data which was not available back then that is now readily available. Presently, the data may be difficult to access fully. However, fleet owners are now starting to the data into action and using it to optimize and better their operations.

According to one fleet management expert, it is high time that fleet managers start organizing and analyzing data collected to help improve their business operations. Nonetheless, the data collected currently comes in a variety of formats and as such it can be tricky to handle.

Accounting Made Easy

Currently there are new reforms on accounting standards and lease transactions which will take effect come 2019. What this means is that fleet owners will need to start collecting data similar financial statements and reports. It is vital that fleet owners hire qualified financial and accounting experts to ensure they are well prepared for the changeover.

New Generation Taking Over the Workforce.

Another huge trasition in the coming years is that millenials will be taking over from generation X who will now be exiting. This generation shift will without doubt create a more tech savvy realm in the fleet business. Additionally, the new generation workforce will easily learn and understand how to use fleet managemnt apps to perform tasks such as route planning, expense reporting and tracking alongside telecommuting.

What this translates to is that, fleet opwners with fleet management systems already in place will be able to offer more advanced to their drivers and clients.

Mobility as a Service

In recent times car rental and sharing services and apps have gained popularity. On the other hand, there are suggestions that this technology could be adopted in the fleet industry very soon. Fleet owners will have the ability to provide Mobility as a Service or even help manage for firms with a smaller fleet.

This of couse is a huge commission and as such it would require a substantial expansion plans in to get all businesses across the industry on the same page. Additionally, the MaaS technology requires fine tuning in order to meet the set targets.

Still on the same, fleet owners are seeing the need for smart ticket and transport app solutions. Moreover, fleet owners are at the best position to manage the logistics of several vehicles based on the transportation requirements.

An Opportunity Not a Threat

The transport industry is at the fore front in matters adopting new technologies. However, some proffesionals, for instance, drivers are still hesitant to adopt the new techs, there are claims that it is biting into their private life. Nonetheless, fleet management apps should be viewed as opportunities to optmize the procedures and make the processes smooth sailing.

About Author:

Jack Botsford is an experienced writer and content manager who has contributed to various publications in Data Science and IT. He has researched and written many publications for big data and technology blogs for the last 5 years.