THE NUMBER 1 RESOURCE FOR VOCATIONAL TRUCK FLEETS
In the long run, technology will exert inexorable downward pressure on overall fleet size and will eliminate altogether the need for some fleet vehicles. Despite this, fleet management will survive, albeit in a smaller capacity, and, most likely, in a completely different form than what we know today.
ARI has developed VehicleDowntimeView, technology that uses GPS monitoring and telematics data to measure how long a vehicle is out of service and provide data to manage the reduction of a fleet’s total downtime.
The best way to answer the question of what is the future of fleet is to look outside the fleet industry.Here are six technology trends happening outside of fleet that will have a major impact on the future direction of our industry.
Fleet management will increase in complexity with the pervasive use of technology and emphasis on data analytics. This will attract new employees with different skillsets. Despite what cynics may say, now is the best time to get into fleet management. It is at the corporate crossroads of technology, sustainability, supply chain management, and safety. Fleet will be very attractive to managers because of the exposure to these cross-functional groups and the opportunity for advancement.
With more sophisticated applications than one may guess, construction fleet managers have a unique set of challenges to work with, from differing payload and cargo-carrying requirements to regulations and more.
A telematics system, digital inventory control and pipe cameras have helped this small plumbing fleet create a more efficient working process — while improving and speeding up its customer service.
Two of the most significant changes in fleet management were the result of military breakthroughs – namely the opening of GPS to civilian use and the creation of the Internet, both of which will be critical to operating autonomous vehicles. While extremely difficult to do, technology will not be the issue with the implementation of autonomous vehicles. Other broader non-fleet issues may slow or inhibit widespread implementation of autonomous vehicles.
Within the first three weeks after it deployed the SmartDrive Systems video-based driver safety program, Mid South Baking Company boosted its internal safety score by 68%.
An NTSB report has concluded that on-board video systems can “provide valuable information for evaluating the circumstances leading to a crash,” if the cameras are positioned properly and if the systems are adequate for recording in low light.
Kenworth will begin offering Trucktech+ and Nav+ HD technology products designed to improve vehicle diagnostics and productivity.