The application of the internet of things and artificial intelligence (AI) is driving the transport industry’s rapid innovation. While IoT focuses on creating remote sensor systems for data collection, AI connects those sensor systems to develop creative intelligence, making the system’s nodes smarter. Using IoT and AI for fleet management increases efficiency through driver and predictive weather analytics, fuel tracking, preventive maintenance, inventory care and tracking, improved visibility, and process automation. Fleet managers can also gain actionable information, reduce unauthorized use and theft.

The combination of IoT and AI helps fleet managers to manage time and routes, track traffic road conditions, and real-time fleet location tracking. Here’s how IoT and AI are transforming the fleet management industry.

1: Safety

Earlier, technology only monitored a vehicle’s location. However, technological advancements have made it possible for IoT sensors to gather much more detailed information that fleet managers can use to make informed decisions. For example, sensors can monitor coolant temperature and tire pressure and trigger an alert should a problem arise.

The introduction of AI dash cams into the transportation industry has taken road safety a notch higher. While a single-faced dashcam constantly analyzes road conditions ahead, a dual-facing one analyzes driver behavior, helping drivers eliminate distracted driving and collisions through driver alerts. Access to this information sends an alert to fleet managers whenever there’s a safety risk so they can intervene, eliminating downtime.

2: Predictive maintenance

Besides providing better insights and connectivity, IoT tracks fleet health with a real-time inspection to ensure optimal functionality. Fleet managers can monitor engine maintenance, battery level, and other factors to ensure smooth operations, while IoT sensors alert fleet managers and drivers about upcoming maintenance routines like tire rotations and oil changes.

AI’s connected sensors are installed in the engine to deliver insights about essential part functions. These parameters help fleet managers to focus on areas that require attention without affecting the whole operation. It also helps identify mechanical issues before they arise.

3: Solid driver behavior management

The performance of a fleet operation business highly depends on the drivers’ behavior. Fleet operators can monitor the engine’s on and off frequency, accelerator, braking, and sleep patterns with IoT sensors installed in the vehicles. Using IoT, you can remotely monitor any infringements, including whether the drivers are working according to the operating standards and if they’re sticking to the defined routes and schedules.

Through image processing tools that recognize eye movement when driving, drivers can receive real-time alerts to help them stay awake. With the help of smart fleet management tools, fleet managers can forecast future accidents and or events and develop ways to mitigate them. Additionally, installing electronic logging devices (ELDs) on your fleet helps keep a record of drivers’ driving hours, allowing you to comply with DOT guidelines.

4: Data-based decision-making with big data analytics

Thanks to IoT fleet management solutions, robust statistics, and data analysis can help drive business value. Running data through analytics helps fleet operators to gain actionable insights across the fleet to streamline business functions and optimize resources for maximum profits. Other technologies like telematics increase analytics value by providing prescriptive analytics benefits to transport and freight business owners. These analytics identify issues and suggest possible solutions for them.

5: Real-time fleet visibility and insights

Collecting and analyzing data is among the most challenging and crucial aspects of fleet management. IoT and AI provide data access like job information, GPS location, traffic data, device/ vehicle performance, and route planning. When the fleet management tracks each vehicle’s usage and produces reports for analysis of when and how the vehicles are utilized, making decisions regarding your fleet’s performance and health and tracking delivery status becomes easier. These job performance insights enable fleet managers to cut costs and optimize efficiency by making informed decisions based on past fleet operation analytics.

6: Route optimization

IoT route-based optimization systems set vehicle routes to meet transportation demands while minimizing costs and other unfavorable environmental and social impacts. Various factors impact the route optimization systems, including road constructions, dynamic traffic statuses, different restriction policies, familiarity with routes and locations, and road constructions.

Using IoT devices, you can get driver and vehicle real-time information and feedback to assess the planned route’s execution and modify the base data. In addition, IoT device driving records give insights into the drivers’ improved familiarity with destinations and routes.

7: Process automation

IoT fleet management solutions combine data streams into intelligent algorithms to automate time-consuming and labor-intensive complex processes. For example, an IoT system can gather the information required for compliance requirements and generate an automatic report. Integrating smart fleet management systems with automation capabilities automatically alerts connected devices.

This implies that if rerouting is required because of weather-related disruptions, traffic congestion, or other reasons, drivers can be notified in real-time. Thanks to automation, smart vehicles can also send notifications to nearby service stations and fleet operators should accidents or breakdowns occur.

8: Effective management of fleet operations

When IoT and AI combine with different technologies like big data and the cloud, a connected ecosystem that enables flawless data flow is created. Since the endpoints are appropriately connected, you can communicate in real-time from anywhere and anytime thanks to the cloud. Integrating existing ERP systems with smart fleet management solutions can help fleet operators manage and monitor centers to make informed decisions faster. Adding a dashboard to function as a key performance indicator can help fleet managers complete fleet data in a unified view to conducting operations and performance evaluation research.

9: Cost optimization

Unlike traditional operating ways, which are costly, time-consuming, and create a communication gap among stakeholders, IoT and AI technologies streamline tasks and processes. These technologies seamlessly integrate with existing systems to alleviate everyday fleet operations. In addition, AI and IoT enable fleet managers to successfully connect with non-management staff for real-time communication, feedback provision, and training.

This technology also avails communication devices and sensors at affordable prices. The streamlined processes and optimized operational costs boost the company’s bottom line, enhancing growth. 

Endnote

Thanks to technological advancements such as AI and IoT, the transport industry has gone through a revolution that benefits the industry. Consider investing in these technologies for efficient and effective fleet management.