Regardless of the industry or type of transportation involved, fleet management is a complex process. Fleet managers must ensure their drivers get from point A to point B as quickly and safely as possible and without any hiccups along the way.
Many branches of the transportation and distribution industry have undergone massive transformation in recent years in regards to technology, especially with the recent government ruling on required EOBR’s. But the trucking industry has been slow to adopt new technologies. In fact, a lack of technological upgrades and resources has been a point of frustration for many truck drivers all over the world. Trucking companies have been slow to adopt new fleet tracking and applications that would streamline communication processes between fleet managers and drivers. Some of the more tech-oriented trucking companies are just now adopting wireless technologies.
Tech that will fuel the trucking industry
For the trucking industry, new technology is presenting itself in the form of mobile apps, which makes perfect sense because truck drivers and fleet managers already use smartphones. Mobile-app-based fleet management support is already proving to be a game changer for many transportation companies. Mobile fleet management apps allow managers to stay on top of their drivers to boost distribution strategy. Leading mobile tech innovators like Qualcomm and PeopleNet are exploring new territory in this regard.
New trucking tech solutions
- Driver management: Qualcomm’s European branch recently announced a fleet management app for Android called Driver Telematics. The company is widely known for their work in smartphone processors and a host of other B2B wireless solutions. The goal of the new app is to give fleet managers a cost-effective solution for managing large teams of drivers in real time. Managers can monitor and track all things related to fleet delivery, all from the Android interface. Fleet managers can track travel and load times among all subcontracted drivers. They can also validate invoice details and communicate with each driver through the platform.
- Safety management: Another side to fleet management is ensuring drivers arrive at their destinations safely. PeopleNet recently developed an iPad app geared towards safety managers. Essentially, the app lets safety managers track business-critical event data, as well as each driver’s location. The app also allows managers to view acceleration and deceleration data on GPS-powered maps. Additionally, managers can monitor a wide range of safety compliance issues in real time, including maintenance alerts, fuel levels, safety-related default codes and tire pressure alerts. The app is expected to make its way to iPhone and Android devices later in 2012.
It’s no secret the world’s economy relies on the effective distribution of goods and products, which is only accomplished if fleet management is working like clockwork. It’s high time the trucking industry equips their fleet management professionals with the right technological tools. While some fleet managers may be comfortable with old ways of managing large teams of truck drivers, adopting mobile tech will help them stay competitive.
Grady Winston is an avid internet entrepreneur and guest blogger from Indianapolis. He has worked in the fields of technology, business, marketing, and advertising implementing multiple creative projects and solutions for a range of clients.
