The digital transformation of fleet management

Picture two scenarios.

In the first, a truck is stolen.

The perpetrator goes on a joy ride, putting the public in harm’s way. In the second scenario, the same truck is stolen, but because it's equipped with sensors that provide real-time vehicle location data, the company is able to find the truck and remotely stop the engine, reducing risk and monetary losses.

This is how technology is changing fleet management and safety.

“The real value of telematics comes when you can use the information you receive from telematics devices to enhance your corporate strategy," said Jane Clark in a recent FleetOwner.com article. "If, for example, you have safety as one of your corporate values, analyzing things like fast accelerations and hard braking can help you bring driver behavior more in line with your goals.”

Both examples demonstrate the power of digital transformation in the IoT manufacturing world, when every  aspect of the supply chain is connected, customers are often happier and profits can soar, Just as important, safety can be improved. This fact is supported by research.

According to a recent IDG/AT&T study, 83 percent of respondents employed in the fleet/transportation sector reported that improved safety ratings are by far the biggest expected benefit of automation. That’s compared to 51 percent of the overall respondent population.

This requires the work of a solid CIO and a team to support him or her. That CIO must also work with the line of business to set goals and explain exactly what’s possible. Since this is changing daily, IT should be thinking ahead at all times and working with companies that can help the department take care of its drivers today and always.

For more information on how technology is changing fleet management for the better, visit our Transportation solutions page.