Fleet management companies are looking into ways of reducing costs while improving the quality of service. To achieve this, they have begun to use numerous technologies to facilitate the functioning of different aspects of their work . These include vehicle maintenance , route optimisation, logistics, vehicle tracking and behavioural monitoring. Safety, reduction of costs, driver behaviour and fleet safety are increasingly becoming a more of a priority in fleet management. Fleet management companies are coming up with solutions to these issues, such as the installation of cameras for real-time video updates and fleet tracking. If you’re looking for excellent fleet management solutions, check out https://www.eyerideonline.com/ as they will be able to offer you unrivalled service.
In 2018, the number of connected fleet vehicles is expected to increase, as is the use of alternative fuels. An increase in the number of connected vehicles enhances safety by reducing risky driver behavior with the aid of telematics.
Below are some fleet management trends for the automotive industry in 2018:
Telematics technology
The use of telematics in fleet management has recently begun to rise steadily . Telematics is being used to drastically improve the functionality and visibility of fleet operations. This technology has greatly enhanced certain aspects such as the maintenance of vehicle safety and compliance. Research indicates that by the end of 2018 there will be approximately 100 million telematic units installed in vehicles, which is expected to rise to about 160 million by 2020. While fleet managers in the past had difficulties in making sense of difficult data, the use of telematics has greatly improved such capabilities. The use of telematics in fleet management has improved safety and efficiency.
More real-time analytics
When it comes to fleet management, ensuring the safety of drivers, vehicles and assets is of great importance. Therefore, in 2018, the number of safety enhancements is expected to rise , in addition to any functions related to the vehicle or its hardware. For instance, event reporting systems can be used to keep a record of lane departures and any route deviations during journeys, and then can be presented for analysis and evaluation. The data collected by these systems has proven to be useful in determining whether drivers would benefit from driver safety programs or training. In 2018 it is also expected that some major changes will occur in schemes aimed at reducing accidents. The reduction of accidents could be achieved by on-board audio-visual technologies that enable the operators of control centres to give drivers updates regarding traffic or environmental changes. Sensors would be installed in the vehicles, which would notify the driver of any dangerous driving conditions.
Push for operational efficiency
The kind of technology used in telematics and fleet management systems is likely to be used on a larger scale in the future . Specifically, it will target the collection of data from IoT technologies, schemes aimed at saving fuel, systems for route optimisation and also vehicle and driver data. Profits from fleet operations are expected to rise due to the use of technology aimed at optimizing fleet outcomes .
Improved driver monitoring solutions
Systems have been developed that make drivers aware of any dangers when driving and that give notifications about any distractions while driving. Research indicates that about 47% of drivers are comfortable writing text messages while driving. Further research indicates that when one text while driving, the likelihood of an accident increases by 24%t. Therefore, fleet management companies are now further scrutinizing distracted driving by encouraging the creation of systems that monitor drivers’ behavior. This monitoring has been made possible through the use of visual analytics and IP cameras which help keep track on the drivers’ well-being. At the same time, it can help reduce any unnecessary fuel consumption. Tracking solutions have been created which give information on the location of the drivers, as well as information about the most efficient routes. Driver monitoring solutions will even be able to predict when the driver is tired by taking into account the number of breaks they have taken and the body’s response, such as the heart rate.
Autonomous and electric vehicles
In 2017, the fleet industry saw some progress regarding the use of autonomously driven vehicles. This is because it is thought that autonomous vehicles can increase efficiency, as they are self-driving. These vehicles are fitted with safety systems that allow for communication between vehicles, therefore avoiding any form of collision. Some countries have already passed legislation allowing the use of autonomous vehicles on public roads. The adoption and use of electric cars, for example, is similarly anticipated to be on the rise . This is because their operation incurs less expense and fuel when compared to traditional vehicles. Electric vehicles have proven they function well, and therefore manufacturing of such kind of vehicles is expected to increase.
The application of artificial intelligence in driver assistance systems
In recent years, we have seen the creation and adoption of advanced driver assistance systems. Their rise and use are expected to continue in 2018. Many fleet management companies will start using such systems. These now include artificial intelligence, deep learning and vision technologies that are vastly superior to previous advanced driver assistance systems. The ideal solution would include a system enabling drivers to easily change lanes, as well as sensors that are able to detect any dangerous objects on the road or any conditions that might cause accidents.
Predictive maintenance
Fleet management solutions are in constant evolution . This discussion wouldn’t be complete if it left out predictive maintenance from the list of current technological trends . Fleet managers can now install systems in vehicles that collect data and that, in turn, can be used to accurately determine the exact time the vehicles may require service or repairs. Predictive maintenance is expected to continue to be hugely successful. Predictive maintenance has already been crucial in extending the lifecycle of certain vehicles and their systems, which in turn has reduced equipment and product replacement costs.
