The Future of Mobility: 8 Remarkable Ways a Fleet System Helps You Stay Ahead

What is fleet mobility?

Fleet mobility is a new approach to how companies organise the movement of their fleet staff. Unlike traditional fleet management, fleet mobility is focused on flexibility in movement and accessibility, by making use of emerging and innovative transportation technologies to provide flexible, on-demand transportation solutions.

What is the future of fleet mobility?

Fleet mobility is all about technological advancements. So what does the future of fleet mobility look like?

Let’s take a look at the advancements we can expect.

1. Electric vehicles

Electric vehicles are vehicles powered by an electric source as opposed to petrol or diesel. Automotive technology is constantly evolving, which has led to a surge in the production of electric vehicles, and welcomed fleet electrification.

Fleet electrification represents the future of fleet mobility, especially with electrical vehicles (EVs) being seen as the future of fleet mobility due to their potential to reduce fleet costs and a fleet’s environmental impact. EVs offer several benefits for fleet mobility, ranging from lowering fuel and maintenance costs to higher driver satisfaction.

While EV adoption in South Africa is still in its early stages, the growth of charging infrastructure is a clear indicator that we are set to ride the wave of this technological advancement. 

Mercedes–Benz South Africa and Chargify are currently building 127 new local EV charging stations across South Africa valued at R40 million. Global companies are also joining in on the movement, with FedEx committing to make their entire global pickup and delivery fleet zero-emission EVs by 2040. In 2021, FedEx conducted EV trials in South Africa to test the technology and assess its operational effectiveness on a standard route, with the vehicle fully loaded with packages.

2. Autonomous Driving

The future of fleet mobility includes the progressive evolution of automotive technology through the use of autonomous vehicles. Autonomous vehicles can operate without human involvement, and with specialised sensors, they can sense their environment and get from point A to point B completely on their own.

While these vehicles are being fully implemented in Singapore and other countries, South Africa may have to wait a bit longer, with them still undergoing extensive AI training.

3. IoT Sensors

Internet of Things (IoT) sensors give fleet managers access to a vast range of real-time data on their fleet by making use of sensors that have been embedded in vehicles and infrastructure. This means fleet managers can make informed business decisions on factors such as vehicle maintenance, driver training and vehicle activity. The insights that are derived from IoT data can help optimise route planning, reduce fuel consumption and enhance fleet efficiency.

4. Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS)

The future of fleet mobility is embracing shared fleet solutions, through a concept known as mobility-as-a-Service. Mobility-as-a-Service, also known as MaaS is a user-centric approach that integrates various modes of transportation into a unified, on-demand mobility solution. 

Simply put, it offers businesses the flexibility to access shared fleets of vehicles on demand. This model eliminates the need for individual ownership and maintenance, reducing fleet costs and providing a more adaptable transportation solution. For fleet operators, MaaS presents an opportunity to optimise vehicle utilisation, reduce fleet costs, and improve overall efficiency by closely managing vehicle usage.

5. Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a simulation of human intelligence processes conducted by a computer system. It makes use of a wide range of technologies that enable machines to perform tasks that typically need human intelligence. In the context of fleet mobility, AI can quickly analyse large amounts of data, with information on vehicle performance, traffic patterns and driver behaviour. This makes it crucial for predictive analysis, allowing fleet managers to identify issues that escalate into unplanned and costly breakdowns. This promotes timely maintenance, improves fuel efficiency, and minimises unplanned downtime delays, boosting productivity.

6. V2V and V2E Communication 

Vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-everything communication is a wireless technology that enables data exchange between vehicles and their surroundings. V2V enables vehicles to exchange data on speed, location, and direction both wirelessly and in real time. This makes it possible for vehicles to detect potential collisions, coordinate movements, and maintain safe distances from one another, which enhances situational awareness and helps to prevent accidents. 

V2E makes use of sensors, cameras, and wireless connectivity to create an end-to-end communication system that allows vehicles to share information about their drivers and their surroundings. This makes this technology useful for improving fleet safety, traffic efficiency, and energy savings.

What challenges are faced with advancements in fleet mobility?

As incredible as fleet mobility is, it does come with a fair share of challenges. These include:

1. Adequate charging stations:

   The adoption of electric vehicles presents both opportunities and challenges for fleet efficiency. One of the major challenges is the lack of charging stations. While EVs are praised for their ability to reduce emissions and lower operating costs, the limited availability of charging stations can negatively affect fleet mobility and productivity. This leads to downtime and disrupted schedules, as drivers must travel longer distances to find charging stations.
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2. Unpredictable technology:

   As incredible as technology is, it can be unpredictable. Autonomous vehicles are still undergoing development, which delays widespread adoption. Ensuring the safety and reliability of autonomous vehicles is a concern. AVs can face unexpected technical glitches, which can disrupt fleet operations and compromise efficiency. Furthermore, transitioning to AVs means drivers need to be retrained and adapt to new operational procedures, which is both costly and time-consuming.
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3. Integration of new technologies:

   The rapid evolution of mobility technologies, such as autonomous vehicles and advanced telematics requires fleet managers to adapt and integrate these technologies into their operations effectively in a way that won’t disrupt fleet functioning.
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4. Skilled personnel and training:

   The adoption of new technologies means that a fleet's workforce needs the skills to effectively operate and maintain these systems. Fleet managers need to invest in training and development to ensure that their team can effectively use these advancements and reap their benefits.
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5. Data management and decision-making:

   While advanced telematics gives you access to a wide range of data, managing and understanding this data can be a hassle. Fleet managers need software that helps them understand their fleet data, making it easier for them to leverage it for informed decision-making and optimise operations.

   If not handled, these challenges can turn into significant issues for fleets. Luckily, there’s a secret weapon in your arsenal; fleet management.

What is fleet management?

Fleet management is the process of overseeing a group of vehicles that are either owned or operated by a company. This involves a wide variety of fleet-related tasks that are crucial to streamlining fleet operations, and ensuring that the fleet operates efficiently and effectively. While this can be a lot to do manually, the answer is a fleet management system.

What is a fleet management system?

Fleet management software is the key to bringing the benefits listed above to your fleet. A fleet management system aims to provide fleet managers with real-time data and visibility of their fleet. A fleet management system is a set of tools and processes that have been designed to help fleets effectively measure their fleet. By making use of both software and hardware, a fleet management system can provide fleet managers with an unparalleled view of their vehicle location in real-time, at all times, keep an eye on their fleet's total fuel consumption, prioritise route optimisation, and ensure their drivers aren’t exhibiting signs of dangerous or distracted driving.

Key components of a fleet management system

An effective fleet management system needs to have the following key components:

• Fuel management and cost control:

  Fuel monitoring is a key component of a fleet management system as it allows for the accurate tracking of a fleet’s fuel consumption, which is important for cost control and optimising fleet productivity. This component is important as it helps fleet managers quickly identify excessive or unusual fuel consumption, quickly address the causes and take action to minimise theft or waste.
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• Driver management and safety:

  Driver management is another key component of a fleet management system, as it includes the different aspects of overseeing and optimising driver behaviour, safety, and performance. Fleets can spot and address dangerous or distracted driving behaviours that negatively impact fleet productivity, which ultimately contributes to a safer and more efficient fleet.
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• Maintenance plans and diagnostics:

  Maintenance plans and diagnostics play a crucial role in helping fleet managers keep their vehicles in good condition, which subsequently reduces unplanned vehicle downtime and optimises fleet productivity. Diagnostics involve the use of onboard sensors and telematics to monitor vehicle health and detect potential issues before they become serious. This data can then be used to proactively schedule maintenance and repairs, helping fleet managers keep their vehicles in good condition and maximise their productivity.
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• GPS Tracking and telematics:

  GPS tracking makes use of satellite and cellular technology to monitor vehicle location and activity in real time. By providing accurate, real-time data on vehicle movements and usage rates, fleet managers can ensure compliance, and make informed decisions on delivery routes and job dispatching. By making use of GPS tracking, fleet managers can monitor routes, identify possible delays, and make informed decisions for route optimisation.

8 Benefits of a fleet management system for fleet mobility?

1. Data-driven decision making

   A fleet management system can collect and analyse large amounts of data on driver behaviour, vehicle performance, and fuel consumption. This data is crucial for data-driven decision-making, helping you:

   - Optimise routes: By spotting real-time traffic and weather conditions, you can plan more efficient routes, reducing fuel consumption and improving delivery times.
   - Prioritise predictive maintenance: By spotting potential maintenance issues at their earliest stage, you can minimise unplanned downtime and avoid unexpected repair costs.
   - Improve driver behaviour: By monitoring driver behaviour in real-time, you can provide your drivers with specific coaching and training. This encourages safe driving and fuel-efficient practices, which reduces the risk of costly accidents.
    

2. Embracing sustainable solution

   A fleet management system can help you make sustainability your fleet’s standard, by helping you embrace eco-friendly practices. This is done through:

   - Electric vehicle (EV) integration: This system helps you manage charging schedules, monitor battery health, and optimise routes, which ensures that you never run out of battery and that your carbon footprint is reduced. 
   - Improving fuel efficiency: By giving you real-time insights into fuel consumption and identifying inefficient driving patterns, you can encourage eco-conscious and fuel-saving driver behaviour.
   - Minimising mileage through route optimisation: Plan out the most fuel-efficient routes to ensure that overall mileage and emissions are reduced, making your fleet greener.
    

3. Enhanced customer experience

   Customer service is crucial for fleets, and a fleet management system is just what you need to ensure you’re giving your customers the best experience. This is done by:

   - Simplifying real-time vehicle tracking: By knowing where your vehicles containing goods to be delivered are at all times, you can give your customers accurate ETAs, which builds trust for your business.
   - Providing proof of delivery (POD): By helping you capture electronic signatures or images once goods have been delivered, you enhance customer satisfaction.
   - Optimising delivery routes: By helping you find the fastest and safest delivery routes, you can deliver goods faster and more efficiently, which exceeds customer expectations.
    

4. Proactive risk management

   A fleet management system allows fleet managers to mitigate risks and ensure compliance with regulations by:

   - Monitoring driver safety: By identifying and addressing dangerous behaviours such as harsh braking, cornering, and speeding, fleet managers can promote a safer working environment.
   - Monitoring vehicle health: By receiving real-time alerts for potential malfunctions, fleet managers can prevent costly breakdowns and guarantee vehicle safety.
   - Simplifying compliance management: By automating documentation and reporting for regulations, you can minimise fleet risks and fines.
    

5. The ability to adapt to new mobility solutions

   A fleet management system helps you stay prepared for the latest advancements in fleet mobility, including shared mobility options and autonomous vehicles. Here’s how:

   - Managing autonomous vehicles: By integrating EVs with this system, you can optimise autonomous fleet operations
   - Offering shared mobility: By leveraging your fleet for sharing vehicles, you can diversify your offerings and reach new customers
    

6. Increased fleet longevity

   Fleet management helps you keep your fleet healthy for a longer period, by giving you access to:

   - Preventative maintenance: By knowing exactly when a vehicle fault is detected, you’re able to fix the issues before they become more damaging and render the vehicles useless.
   - Driver monitoring: By keeping an eye on driver behaviour, you can spot behaviour that can leave your vehicles damaged and needing repairs sooner than anticipated
    

7.  Improved driver safety

   A fleet management system helps you improve your drivers' safety while they’re behind the wheel, through:

   - Driver behaviour monitoring: By giving you full insight into how your drivers behave while they’re behind the wheel, you can effectively monitor and address aggressive and dangerous driving behaviours, which can be used to create personalised driver safety training programs
    

8. Improved fleet mileage

   A fleet management system helps you improve the total distance your fleet vehicles travel within a specific period, by giving you access to:

   - GPS tracking: By monitoring and analysing vehicle metrics such as fuel consumption, idle time, and route efficiency, you’re able to receive insights into fuel usage among fleet vehicles and know exactly when and why your vehicle travelled further than usual or necessary

Boost your fleet mobility with Cartrack’s fleet management solutions

Cartrack has an advanced fleet management system designed to improve your fleet mobility through various solutions. These include:

• Real-time GPS tracking:

  Know exactly where your fleet vehicles are at all times with Cartrack’s live GPS tracking. With immediate visibility into the location and movement of fleet vehicles, you can provide accurate delivery ETAs to your customers, which improves customer satisfaction. However, this does more than just track your vehicles. This technology can be used to monitor and improve your fleet’s efficiency by pinpointing inefficiencies. Fleet mobility is thereby improved by boosting operational efficiency, enhancing vehicle safety and allowing for proactive monitoring and route optimisation.
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• Route optimisation:

  Ensure your drivers use the fastest, safest, and deviation-free routes with Cartrack’s route optimisation. Available through our Delivery app, this gives you real-time alerts of route delays and deviations, helping you boost customer service and provide faster delivery turnaround times.
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•  AI LiveVision cameras:

  Give your drivers access to real-time alerts on dangerous and distracted driving with our AI LiveVision cameras. This cloud-connected video management software integrates AI analysis and in-cabin cameras that work to detect dangerous driving behaviours such as smoking, cell phone use, speeding, and yawning. When these behaviours are detected, audible in-cabin alerts notify your drivers in real-time, allowing them to quickly correct their behaviours and prevent a collision.
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• Fuel monitoring:

  Make every litre of fuel count with our fuel monitoring system. Our fuel cost monitoring software reviews every fuel transaction and matches the receipts with a vehicle’s advanced telemetry. This gives you real-time visibility into fuel usage, and when integrated with a fuel sensor installed in your vehicle’s tank, you can closely monitor fuel consumption in real time. This makes it easier for you to identify fuel theft, reduce fuel wastage, and improve your fleet’s fuel efficiency.

• Preventative maintenance:

  Ensure your fleet vehicles are functioning at their optimum level with our preventative vehicle maintenance. This software, which is powered by AI and advanced analytics, provides you with alerts about maintenance issues such as damaged brake pads, low oil levels, and service interval reminders, making it easier for you to spot potential maintenance issues before they become costly. This can be helpful for EVs too, with our fleet management platform giving you access to predictive analytics. By using historical data and machine learning algorithms, our system can predict when your battery needs to be replaced. Helping you create an effective maintenance plan, helps you avoid costly damage to vehicle components, road accidents, and breakdowns that could hinder productivity.
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• MiFleet:

  Know exactly how much it costs for your fleet to run efficiently with Cartrack’s MiFleet software. Fleet mobility needs you to be aware of everything going on in your fleet, and this includes the financial aspect of it. This cost management solution helps you keep track of all your fleet expenses, whether fuel costs, taxes, or vehicle permits. The in-depth insights help you unlock ultimate fuel savings, which ultimately reduces admin time and fees.

Fleet success needs a wide range of interventions and strategies, and without an effective fleet management system, you may not be able to accomplish this. If you need a solution, then Cartrack is the answer and your companion in achieving fleet mobility.

Chat with us here today.