As 2021 starts to get underway, it’s the ideal time to take a step back and consider what the coming year will bring to the fleet management sector. So, sit back and relax as we highlight the top 8 fleet technology trends for the coming year.
1. Growth of telematics and GPS tracking
While our first trend isn’t new for 2021, the ways the technology has evolved and is being used is definitely new with fleet managers continuing to see the benefits of using telematics, GPS tracking and other related technology to monitor driver behaviour in real time. The data from this system can lead to large improvements in safety, health, and performance, as well as providing insight into maintenance needs to combat vehicle downtime. There are customer service benefits too, as improved accuracy of ETAs and real-time status updates help to build customer trust and brand loyalty.
What’s new for 2021: integration of voice capabilities, robust data analytics, enhanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) and in-cab video.
.jpg)
2. Automation and digitalisation
Automating repetitive work – estimated to be 90% of a fleet manager’s job – would free the fleet manager for more productive, useful tasks. However, to do this correctly, there needs to be seamless processes between a connected vehicle and driver (via the onboard hardware and/or app) to the fleet manager (and suppliers and/or customers).
Digitalisation will also help improve your data visibility, making it easier to collect data together and generate configurable reports that monitor performance and deliver insights that improve your decision making.
Suivo installs asset management trackers and software to automate and digitalise our customers’ systems and process their data while protecting everything with advanced cybersecurity measures.
3. Edge Computing, IoT and Big Data
Edge Computing looks like it’ll be the next big IT trend. Compared to Cloud Computing, which operates on big data, Edge Computing operates on instant data, in other words real-time data generated by sensors or users which makes it perfect for IoT use cases.
At Suivo, we can see that Edge Computing, Cloud Computing, IoT and Big Data are all growing strongly in our Suivo Global Network. Our network grows everyday with millions of data points ranging from location-based data and temperature to liquid levels, pressure and g-forces, …. All this data is collected (along with data from mobile devices and API integrations with trusted third parties) and transmitted to the Suivo Cloud which provides strong insights via meaningful reports and tailored dashboards. In addition to its powerful and extremely scalable Cloud resources, Suivo anticipates using more Edge Computing due to the amount of data that is available in vehicles and to provide even more real time insights.
.jpg)
4. Expansion of 5G network
The 5G network significantly increases the network speed and bandwidth, allowing more smart connected devices to be online simultaneously, enabling us to experience the full potential of IoT.
What does this mean for fleet managers? Faster connections with drivers and vehicles. Increased data coverage for instantaneous notifications. Maximised efficiency and productivity. Reduced latency. Better communication. In other words, it’s time to connect to 5G.
Suivo uses the LTE-M connectivity protocol within the 5G network in our newest autonomous trackers. Contact us to discover more or read about the differences between LTE-M and NB-IoT in one of our previous blogs.
5. Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS)
Fleets need to be more agile than ever before, requiring fleet managers to shift their approach and find new ways to be flexible and environmentally friendly. MaaS can help companies stay competitive, control budgets, and reduce their carbon footprint.
Suivo offers a range of products and services that help fleet managers to optimise their transport and mobility, as well as identifying blind spots where they might be losing time and/or money.
6. Autonomous vehicles (AV)
AV technology is quickly moving out of science fiction and onto our roads. While we are not at the stage of seeing commercially available self-driving cars yet (nor do we have the legislation for future regulation), we can already see the benefits that AV will bring with increased data and functionalities which are sure to grow in 2021.
.jpg)
7. Electric vehicles (EV) and other alternatives
The ease of integrating EVs in your fleet improves every year with faster charging options, more charging stations, and longer ranges. Plus, they have a smaller carbon footprint than traditional cars with combustion engines. This means integrating EV cars can help your organisation work towards its environmental and sustainability goals.
8. Covid-19
We can’t look at future trends without considering the huge impact that Covid-19 continues to have on our industry. Fleets now have to pivot to ensure more individual transport options are available, but often for fewer journeys. There are frequently more deliveries to make which puts more pressure on trucks and vans. Plus, all vehicles need to be sanitised regularly (especially those used by multiple people) to prioritise the safety of all drivers.
Talk to Suivo
Would you like to know more about how Suivo can help your fleet prepare for the coming year? Contact us now!
