Like most others, the fleet management industry is constantly changing and improving. Administrators must keep up with fleet management trends and technologies to ensure their organization is running as smoothly as possible. Here are a few of the fleet management technologies and trends that are at the forefront in 2020.
5 Fleet Management Technology & Trends in 2020
- Fleet Telematics Takes Center Stage
- The Internet of Things Is Mobile
- Upgrades in Data Security
- The Rise of Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS)
- Electric Fleet Vehicles
1. Fleet Telematics Takes Center Stage
Fleet telematics is nothing new. This combination of analytics and mobile technology allows fleet managers to learn increasingly more about their fleet and its daily operations. As technology advances, telematics and GPS tracking systems are becoming more intelligent and providing us with more valuable data. In 2020, expect telematics to be even more important for fleet management than in recent years.
Want to know how telematics can help you maximize safety and efficiency in your fleet? Contact Azuga today. We can customize reports for your business so that you get all the most important data in the best format for your use. Our GPS fleet vehicle trackers and advanced dashcam options are excellent solutions for fleet enterprise businesses and fleet small businesses alike.
2. The Internet of Things Is Mobile
The Internet of Things (IoT) is more than just smart speakers, wifi-enabled thermostats, and connected coffee makers. It’s becoming more and more a part of the way we do business, and fleet businesses are just as susceptible to its charms.
Internet-connected vehicles are more and more common, even in commercial applications. Connected cars, vans, and trucks can route their drivers around traffic, communicate with other vehicles, and boost a fleet’s overall efficiency. Expect to see further advances in this area in 2020 and beyond.
3. Upgrades in Data Security
Data is king in today’s economy, so the technology that collects and transmits it has to be secure. We’ve already seen data breaches at Uber; fleets should take note and ensure they’re working with a telematics provider that takes security seriously.
Too many fleets purchase the bare minimum needed to satisfy regulations like the ELD mandate without considering the security implications. But if you purchased your e-logs devices from some unknown company, do you really know who might be able to access that data? Many are now learning just how costly this could be. Protect your fleet and its analytics by ensuring you’re working with a reputable telematics service provider like Azuga.
4. The Rise of Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS)
Speaking of Uber, the ride-share company along with others have completely changed the way we get around today. This level of convenience and cost-efficiency is now beginning to find its way into the commercial fleet world with Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) companies.
Today, most fleets own and maintain their vehicles, and this is likely to continue in many industries. But for fleets that require a variety of different vehicles depending on the situation, or those who don’t spend as much time on the road, new options are beginning to emerge.
This is already a reality in some parts of Europe, where employers can choose the right truck for each individual job. When the scope of the job changes, they simply switch trucks. This trend will likely spread in 2020, perhaps even making its debut on this side of the Atlantic.
5. Electric Fleet Vehicles
More and more companies are adopting green initiatives to promote environmental responsibility. At the same time, electric vehicle technology is improving by leaps and bounds and becoming more affordable too. Fewer repairs and insulation from the fluctuation of gasoline and diesel prices are also excellent reasons to switch.
If you haven’t already, it might be time to assess the move to electric fleet vehicles. Be sure to realistically look at the costs and benefits, and to also consider the maximum range of various available vehicles. Use the telematics data gathered from your GPS tracking software to help determine your company’s needs. By understanding your fleet’s needs and the options available to you, you can make an informed decision on when to begin switching your fleet to electric vehicles.
Looking Ahead: Autonomous Vehicles
We’ve all heard about the development of self-driving cars and the like. For some, this sounds like an interesting novelty. For others, it’s a terrifying sign of the times. Either way, it’s soon to become a reality on the roads. We already have cars that are capable of parking themselves. How much longer before almost all vehicles on the road drive from one place to another with little to no human intervention?
We usually think of this in terms of our own personal cars and trucks, but this trend is spreading beyond the personal vehicle market. Autonomous fleet vehicles are coming as well, and they will likely revolutionize our industry in one way or another. Looking beyond 2020, it seems that this is one technology that will soon become a reality. It’s important for fleet managers to follow updates on autonomous vehicles and how they may eventually become part of our fleets.
