Tech trends that are changing fleet performance optimization

While many “old school” fleet managers and operators swear by their spreadsheets, clipboards, and log books, it’s no secret there are a growing number of tech trends that are transforming how we operate, manage, and optimize fleets

Not only do these tools provide volumes of data, they can also help anyone anywhere remotely manage their fleet performance and find real-time opportunities to attack issues as they’re happening.

If your fleet isn’t already using tech for some (if not all!) of your business processes, it’s time to start. You can still use your spreadsheets and legacy systems, but tapping into all of the ways you can boost your fleet performance can offer you a competitive advantage.

Find out which areas of your fleet business operations could see the most return on investment by adopting tech.

Data, data everywhere

If you’re already using tech to handle the day-to-day of your fleet operations, there’s a good chance that tech is recording data about what your drivers and your trucks are doing every single day. The key now is to find tools that work together to organize that data and turn it into actionable tips that your team can use to boost performance, lower costs, and avoid vehicle downtime.

While older software and legacy systems might hold that data in a silo, newer programs allow for expansion and collaboration with other tools — one huge benefit of upgrading your tools if you’ve been on the fence. Newer software systems can now offer APIs, integration, and remote management features that can bring all the data together to give you a big-picture look at fleet performance.

Route it Out

GPS isn’t new to the world of trucking, but new trucking tech innovations have made it much easier for drivers to re-route their trips based on current road condition information delivered in real time. Being able to quickly switch it up can cut operating costs and wear and tear on fleet vehicles.

Using this “dynamic” mapping method doesn’t just help shorten trips, it can give information that can reduce idle time and fuel usage, or it could help identify trucks that could take on more volume to maximize load space and delivery trips. Organizations can even map out these last-minute changes if they become a pattern and use that information for routing of future trips.

Get a better picture

Trucks have had in-cab cameras for quite some time, with the primary function being to defend a driver or fleet in case of collision or accident. Having another set of eyes also helps with maneuverability in tight spaces or on roads experiencing construction.

Video tools these days, however, are much more advanced than they were 10 or even 5 years ago, Improvements include expanded storage capabilities, better screen resolution, night vision, and even scene recognition that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to provide better video. There are some truck video features that can combat even bigger problems life driver distraction or fatigue, which can lead to costly and dangerous accidents for your fleet.

Cut the collisions

Without a doubt, collisions can be the most costly obstacle for fleets to mitigate and overcome. While good driver training and remote management is important to help avoid these accidents, sensing technology has long been used to alert drivers of possible issues on the road from all sides.

Current tools on the market use a variety of approaches and strategies to make this happen, including radar and video monitoring. Using data from several factors, including driving behavior, new video cameras can even offer the ability to take over autonomously in some emergency situation or give a “safety notification” when a trouble area is coming up.

Track that trailer

Aside from your employees, your trailers are the most valuable assets in your fleet. Knowing what your vehicles are up to can offer plenty of opportunities to optimize performance; from routing to maintenance and even idle time, tracking information plays a crucial role in your overall optimization strategy.

Trailer tracking can also include maintenance records that are specified for the trailer they’re attached which can give drivers and fleet managers a comprehensive picture of the vehicles history and condition.

While trucking is one industry that’s been slow to adopt tech tools, there are a number of options available to fleet managers who are looking to improve and optimize fleet performance across the board. Learn how IdleSmart is one of these tools that help revolutionize your fleet by helping to manage and organize fleet vehicle data — get in touch to speak with us about adding it to your fleet management tools.

Interested in reducing the idle time of your fleet? Check out the Idle Smart Services and calculate how much fuel cost you could be saving!