The widespread adoption of GPS tracking systems

To be able to ensure that your fleet runs smoothly, arrives on time, and effectively contributes to the growth of your company, you need to be able to monitor your drivers. Fortunately, GPS tracking devices can help you with that with its ability to take note of not just your vehicles' location but also the conduct and behavior of your drivers. Additionally, with a GPS tracking system, fleet managers are able to monitor and reduce speeding patterns, reduce fuel consumption, improve safety, send and receive real-time alerts, reduce personal use, and eliminate unwanted behaviors such as bad driving. GPS can also pave the way for autonomous-operation delivery, which shouldn’t be too far off in the future, considering the significant advancements in AI and automated vehicles that we've seen in recent years.

The rise of automated vehicles

In the future, the adoption of automated vehicles (AVs) in fleet systems could be a distinct possibility. To help AVs function, metal core PCBs are integrated into their components, enabling them to withstand changes in temperature, moisture, and weather extreme shocks. Coupled with AI-powered image recognition systems and object detection systems, these create AVs that could improve road safety through the reduction of accidents caused by human error, more efficient fuel use, and reduced carbon dioxide emissions. Of course like any other device able to connect to the internet, the biggest problem with automated vehicles is their susceptibility to hacking. After all, glitches and errors can easily lead to serious accidents.

The increasing focus on cybersecurity concerns

Following the adoption of automated driving systems, fleet management software and the digitization of payments and shipping documents, the volume of data fleet managers handle grows substantially by the day. While these data-collecting technologies allow fleet managers and owners to manage their business more efficiently, they are also pooling tons of information that are valuable to hackers. The challenge for businesses in the fleet industry then is to ensure that the data they collect and manage is secured and well-protected, so as to avoid negative publicity as well as the legal implications of data breaches.

The growing popularity of mobility-as-a-service (MaaS)

In recent years, we've witnessed the rise of ride-sharing services such as Lyft and Uber, which have highlighted transportation as a viable and on-demand fleet business. This new reality has resulted in a shift away from private-owned cars and towards mobility as a service (MaaS). Although it may seem like the growing popularity of MaaS has nothing to do with the fleet industry, given that the impression is that MaaS services people and fleets mainly transport goods. However, MaaS actually affects the way fleets are being managed. Although companies usually have their own fleet, they still rely on car-sharing because it helps them address and comply with strict transportation requirements.

The continuous development of 5G network

These days, automobiles are no longer just mere passenger compartments and engines on wheels. A lot of them now have exceptionally advanced computing powers that can match about 20 personal computers. These cars are also known as connected cars, which use wireless data sharing and internet technology and can, therefore, be even more improved by 5G. While 5G is still being further developed, this next-generation network’s promise of better bandwidth, capacity and reliability can lead to the development of different innovative technologies that can enhance connected cars. In addition to this, 5G can also make automated vehicles smarter, resulting in safer commutes.

Specially written for skypatrol.com

By: Zoe Sophie