5 Emerging Technologies Improving Fleet Tracking

Improving logistics can happen through technology

Part of logistics in business involves knowing what all the moving parts are doing at any given moment. When a fleet of vehicles involved, it has become essential to track those vehicles and know where they are and how they’re performing at all times. Fleet tracking improves gas mileage and productivity which has a positive impact on the company’s bottom line.

Here are some emerging technologies that can improve fleet tracking.

1. Apps.

Fleet tracking apps can allow monitoring and service from any location, making it much more convenient to keep track of the fleet and make sure drivers have what they need as far as maintenance, repairs, and route planning. Apps can be used even managers are off-site and offer greater portability than cumbersome desktop or on-site systems. Most apps are cloud-based with encryption to protect against hacking or cyber attacks.

2. Big data.

Big data may not be used directly to track fleets, but performance data can be analyzed to show areas where greater productivity can be achieved. Some fleet operators are using big data to eliminate driver shortages by making the existing drivers more productive and efficient. New insights can also improve functioning in order to save money, fuel, time, and other resources.

3. Distracted driver monitoring.

Distracted driving puts fleet resources including drivers, vehicles, and products at risk, as well as exposing a business to liability. New technologies can detect distracted driving and alert drivers before an adverse event occurs, protecting the company’s interests as well as providing greater safety to drivers. Some monitoring technologies also incorporate rewards for good driving performance.

4. GPS driver alerts.

GPS has been used for years to track fleets, but newer technologies can alert drivers to road conditions, unexpected curves that could cause trucks to flip over, and other things they may need to know. This increased feedback can prevent accidents and keep drivers safer as they do their jobs.

5. Electric and autonomous vehicles.

New ways of driving are changing the way fleets can be used and tracked, as well as their needs when on the road. Electric vehicles need regular charging, and fleet tracking software can manage charging needs so that stations are not overtaxed or overcrowded. Autonomous vehicles may have built-in assessment capabilities for taking the shortest route or preserving fuel, but also need monitoring for both accuracy and road-worthiness as time goes on.

Florida Tech offers a degree in logistics that can help students learn about improving fleet management as well as other topics like the future of drones in logistics. Learn more about our logistics management program today!