There are two ways to look at fleet and safety management today. On the one hand, operations are hampered by escalating costs and a dearth of brand-new, easily accessible cars. Leaders also struggle to draw in and retain the upcoming generation of drivers. On the other hand, advances in fleet and safety technologies are drastically changing the industry. Because with tools like AI and analytics, fleets of all sizes are becoming more productive and expanding more quickly. Opportunities and challenges are interacting in novel ways right now.
What strategic areas should fleet leaders focus on in light of the growing number of high-level issues? Your fleet organization may focus on the trends and opportunities that will have the biggest impact if you take a deliberate, planned approach. Vehicles and parts supply becomes even more crucial in 2023.
Security and Technology
In many various industries, such as gardening, construction, and utilities, fleets are crucial to success. Drivers and the vehicle’s components itself go above and beyond to satisfy customers. Nonetheless, they are dangerous by their very nature. Fleets and their goods are dependent on safe driving conditions. Hence, one accident could have an impact on both your business and other motorists who share the road with your employees. Safety concerns have actually gotten so terrible that it looks more and more possible that legislation will compel national fleets to outlaw any non-emergency smartphone use in commercial cars.
But, in 2023 there is a good likelihood that safety technologies will significantly increase productivity. Basic elements that might save lives and boost earnings are lacking in many fleets already in use. Many function sensors, for instance, have become commonplace in vehicles and have been shown to reduce accident rates. Today’s business fleets don’t all have the same standard of safety gear, though.
If fleet managers take the technical lead in improving commercial vehicle incident avoidance, they will be able to carry out their jobs more dependably. Companies who delay changing their safety plan will be the first to experience high-impact losses as a result of rising accident rates, insurance prices, and issues with driver retention. The number of vehicles required for fleet insurance should be reviewed by fleet managers to ensure the greatest coverage.
Strategic Use of AI
It has been demonstrated that implementing an AI solution in fleet management can have benefits, such as improving the traveling experience or intelligently anticipating customer needs to boost operational flexibility. Nonetheless, every company is unique. Given that AI is at the center of a complex ecosystem that also includes machine learning, predictive analytics, and a number of other technical breakthroughs, it might be challenging to know exactly what’s ideal for your fleet.
For instance, modern in-cab video solutions with an AI foundation may intelligently identify unsafe driving behaviors, correct the issue, and offer training for actual conduct. The average performance ratings of the driver community as a whole can be improved by applying to the entire fleet. Drivers are more likely to stay on the job if they are safe and happy. AI can also assist people who aren’t performing as well to improve. Also, this technology has the potential to attract new workers who see the sophisticated in-cab coaching help as an opportunity to better their driving game.
Managing Supply Chain Failure
Business fleets will face significant challenges in 2023 because of the ongoing supply chain disruption that has been a problem in recent years. Customers and fleets have observed how the auto industry is being shaken by microprocessor shortages and how material costs are rising as crucial transit channels are subject to Covid-related lockdowns. The effects are being felt by everyone in all industries. Fleet managers and executives can take action to decrease the effect of these issues, notwithstanding the likelihood that they will continue over the course of the upcoming year.
In other words, in the face of unpredictable external circumstances, you will boost operational efficiency by concentrating more on the aspects of the firm you can control. For instance, you might use technology to enhance route planning or perhaps fully replace some human tasks. In the latter case, by automating administrative tasks like time sheets, fleet managers may reduce human error for a healthier, more accurate view into their organization. Hence, when as little as possible is left to chance, leaders can adapt to changing conditions more quickly.
Motives for Hope
Despite ongoing challenges for both large and small fleets, the climate of today is rich with potential. The elements are in place for fleets to improve their operations and offer both customers and employees better experiences. This is mostly a result of developing technology and increasing demand. So, by taking use of the opportunity presented by intelligent operations, 2023 may prove to be a fruitful year for future fleets.