Fleet management operations are currently hampered by numerous challenges. It is the only technology that can fill the missing gaps. We can conclude this by looking at the current trends and how technology has changed this sector so far. Every innovator in the sector is trying to come up with a smart device with a solution to the current issues in the fleet industry. On the other hand, all the fleet managers are striving to adopt helpful technologies to reduce workload, maximize employee productivity and provide many more benefits.
Reliable fleet solution providers are working closely with manufacturers to make technology available in this sector. Any fleet manager who wants to know what is trending should check the whole list here. Most of these devices are on the leading edge of what future technology holds for the sector.

The Current Problem in Fleet Management

Even though technology has brought us numerous devices, software programs, apps and systems that have changed the fleet management sector, there is still a big gap that needs to be addressed.

• Not all have accepted the technology – unfortunately, some fleet companies are still struggling with the old ways of doing things. They have not yet embraced the current technology or made some small steps forward. GPS is the most popular tracking device for most fleet companies, and the majority only go up to this level. This means they have not experienced the benefits of smart cameras, automated logs and much more.
• High cost of technology – probably, the greatest drawback for many companies is the lack of finances to upgrade their systems or buy new fleet management gadgets. Some reports show that technology comes at a cost that requires a lot of planning and strategy on how to get a ROI. Still, there are companies that are not yet ready to take the leap of faith.
• Waste – another problem that is facing the fleet companies is waste of time and resources. This further increases the cost of operations, particularly the cost of fuel. Poor driver habits like unnecessary idling and risky driving behavior always add to the costs. Drivers who are not careful with the vehicle they drive also raise the cost of maintenance to a higher level.
• Poor customer service – when the customers are not happy with a delivery or service, they are likely to look for other fleet vehicles to use. Failure to embrace technology has brought these problems to the doorsteps of numerous fleet managers.

Benefits of Using Technology in Fleet Management

The best way to understand why technology is so crucial to fleet management is by checking the benefits those who are already using it are enjoying. Indeed, the advantages are numerous, and they are likely to become better when smarter devices hit the market. Here are the benefits to expect once the fleet company starts to use technology.

Fleet visibility in real time

GPS trackers that use both satellite signals and the internet are the trending options now. They allow the managers to see all the vehicles and their movements in real time. There is no danger of a vehicle going off the radar since the technology takes advantage of the internet as well. Literally, a manager or the owner can see the vehicles remotely from internet-connected devices. The GPS devices that are on the market today are not only accurate but also sophisticated with numerous options.

Fuel management

A big fleet management company is likely to save a lot of fuel if they properly manage the usage of this resource. But, how do they achieve this without technology? Gadgets like dash cams and automated logs monitor the driver behavior while on the route to reduce the wasting of fuel. GPS also plays a part by regulating the routes all these drivers use. The shortest route possible is identified by the supervisor at the base station.

Maintenance and Repair Management

Fleet vehicles require regular servicing and procedures to give them optimal performance and prevent major damage. Without technology, it would be very difficult to coordinate this. The systems used by fleet management firms track each vehicle, service dates, the number of maintenance services each vehicle has had so far, accident records and much more. This data is useful in making decisions that ensure all the fleet vehicles are in good shape.

Improved customer service

Fleet companies that keep the data of their clients are likely to meet their needs in a better way than those who do not. Transport companies can pull the data of their regular clients and offer them their preferred service with ease. All this is possible when technology in fleet management comes into action.

Creating better reports

Report are important in a fleet company for the sake of decision making. Both the managers and the owners gather reports from different sources like the drivers and the service bay personnel. They need a system that can automatically generate accurate reports using the supplied data.

Future Fleet Management Technology

In the near future, we are likely to see more technology integrated into the fleet management operations. Even though GPS has been in use for many years now, we are likely to see GPS devices become better and even more reliable. Smart GPS systems with more features are already in the market today. The future promises a lot more.
Drones are expected to hit the market with a capability to guide fleet vehicles through heavy traffic, do the physical counting of the vehicles and report on the status of accidents. Drones are already in use in other sectors, and manufacturers are working day and night to bring to market those that will be used in fleet management.
More devices like smart cameras will have improved accuracy to count people who are boarding and alighting from vehicles as well as monitor the behavior of the drivers. Even though they are already in use now, they will have more features that will take fleet management to another level.
Indeed, technology is an essential tool in the transportation and the operation of fleet management. Those companies that have not embraced technology yet should start to enjoy the evolution it is already bringing. The future is even better, and no fleet company should miss out.