, opting to make use of satellite navigation technology that gives them up to the minute advice on the best routes to take, and the quickest way to arrive at their destination. […] "'Pin It")
How Technology is Improving the Future of Fleet Management
Technology has become an invaluable tool for fleet management companies around the world. Drivers no longer use physical road atlases (for the most part), opting to make use of satellite navigation technology that gives them up to the minute advice on the best routes to take, and the quickest way to arrive at their destination. And, entire fleets of vehicles can be tracked on the road and analyzed, enabling companies to monitor them and provide advice as and when it is needed.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the ways technology is improving the future of fleet management, and explain what we can expect in the future.
In-vehicle assistance
One of the biggest things we’ve seen technology-wise is in-vehicle assistance. There are numerous ways in which this works, including inbuilt GPS systems, built-in video displays which give drivers a wider view of the road, and parking assistance. Video recording devices are also becoming more commonplace for fleet management companies who want to ensure that their drivers are driving safely at all times, while also providing evidence of any accidents that occur.
In-vehicle assistance is helping fleet management companies to lower their carbon footprints, reduce fuel costs, and, in some cases, lower insurance premiums as well.
Wearable technology
Everyone’s heard of the Fitbit and the Apple Watch, but did you know that these devices and others like them are helping fleet drivers? Everything from smart glasses to smartwatches are being used by companies to monitor driver health. In the future, this technology could be used to monitor a driver’s physical wellbeing and alter the way their vehicle drives. For example, if heavy traffic conditions cause a driver’s heart rate to increase, adaptive cruise control could kick in, increasing the stopping distance between vehicles.
Wearable technology could also be used to warn drivers of construction work or accidents on the road ahead.
Drones
Finally, we also have drones. Amazon made headlines when they sent their first packages by drone with Prime Air delivery centers being tested in the US, UK, France, Israel, and Austria. It’s likely this will become more commonplace with fleet management companies as well. Drones decrease the need for drivers, and when this happens, we’ll lose all of the risk factors that come with using real-life human beings.
Drones are also expected to provide an enhanced customer experience. With the youth of today expecting their goods within hours of ordering them, drones seem to be the easiest and cheapest way of making this happen. Companies that opt to use them could see themselves excel, leaving their competitors far behind.
It’s quite clear how much technology has advanced fleet management over the last decade; however, it will definitely be interesting to see how much things will change in the future. With drones looking like they will be a mainstay for Amazon, and wearable tech and in-vehicle assistance also options, the future is looking bright.
This is a collaborative article.
The News Wheel is a digital auto magazine providing readers with a fresh perspective on the latest car news. We’re located in the heart of America (Dayton, Ohio) and our goal is to deliver an entertaining and informative perspective on what’s trending in the automotive world. See more articles from The News Wheel.