Fleet management is continuously evolving through the help of innovative technology. These solutions range from surveillance to tracking software and hardware that helps fleet owners to meet their goals. If you are new to fleet management, understanding the connectivity technology that is shaping the future of fleet operations is mandatory.
Experts claim that these technologies work hand in hand, which increases the need to integrate all or most of them in your company. The most prudent idea is to seek the help of experts for guidance on what is best to adopt. In the meantime, let us dive into the most common connectivity technologies for the future of fleet management.
GPS Connectivity
This is one of the oldest technologies to be adopted in the fleet industry. Since NASA gave it out for public utilization, it has been in use for tracking trucks, vans, and other fleet vehicles. A GPS device is installed in the vehicle while the manager or owner can view the location through software installed on their mobile phone or computer.
Current and future GPS technology utilizes internet connectivity for more accuracy and reliability. The features of this solution vary depending on the developer. Apart from viewing the location, managers can stop the vehicle remotely, view routes and traffic, and measure the distance covered, among others. What is coming will be more sophisticated than what we have today.
Cloud Connectivity
Although it has not yet been implemented by all fleet companies, it is anticipated that this is a game-changer in the industry. It will allow all vehicles to be interconnected for communication. All that a company requires is to have access to the cloud to see where other vehicles are, see traffic updates, find out when service providers have promotions, and a lot more.
Cloud-based solutions will be highly utilized by service providers without having to develop customized connectivity software. All available solutions you see when you navigate here will be accessed through cloud connectivity with ease.
The other great thing with cloud connectivity is its utilization by authorities to upload traffic laws, fleet regulations, and share important information with the sector. Therefore, this is a solution not to miss.
Autonomous Vehicles
With Tesla and other big automakers testing autonomous vehicles, there is a hope to see driverless cars. Currently, platooning (having a convoy of vehicles guided by only one driver) is becoming a big success and this will save resources for the company. It will also reduce accidents that are highly attributed to human driving behavior. After all, change is inevitable, especially in areas related to technology.
The Use of Phones for Connectivity
Whether we are chatting on social media, making calls, accessing the web, or using connectivity apps, mobile phones have not disappointed humanity. Both drivers and fleet managers will continue to use mobile phones to stay connected, but not through phone calls or text messages.
The phones are installed with connectivity apps where drivers make their fleet operation reports, confirm hours worked, and do many other related things on a dashboard. On the other hand, fleet managers will work on the go because all of the fleet solutions will be accessed through mobile phones. These include surveillance, passenger counting, and real-time tracking, among others.
Final Word
As you can see, fleet management is about to get better with future connectivity technology. One thing to note is that every new advancement has added benefits and it is worth checking out.
