IoT, or the “Internet of Things” is an important concept when it comes to fleet management for your vehicles and trailers. We’ve done plenty of research and have experience in the field, and we will explain in simple terms how the Internet of Things will help your business in the short and long run.

The Internet of Things helps fleet management by introducing the ability to collect and use data in real-time using devices and sensors. Fleet managers can use this data to make better decisions faster and more accurately. 

We’ll go into more detail about how the Internet of Things works and how it can make your business more efficient.

Track In Real Time

You don’t have to wait for a driver to call you anymore or even wait for them to get to a spot with WiFi or data to upload a file. IoT enabled. Instead, Internet-based devices can send all the information you need while things are happening so you don’t miss anything. Having data on hand right away helps you make decisions earlier. 

Driver Behavior Coaching

Discover the benefits of fleet dash cameras & AI technology, and you’ll get lots of real-time information about your drivers and their habits and behaviors. Truck drivers need to follow serious safety protocols to keep you and your company from taking too many risks. Dash cams and live interior cameras help you track what your drivers are doing. You can see habits like rapid acceleration and harsh braking.

Distracted driving is also an important concern for fleet managers and drivers. Cameras can provide immediate alerts when drivers aren’t paying attention to the road and have their eyes on a phone or something else. Similar technologies can even tell you how much space your drivers give the vehicles in front of them.

Driver coaching can also help with fuel management by telling you which drivers are more aggressive and use more fuel if they can help under certain conditions. Data can be revealing!

Predictive Maintenance

Drivers like to keep moving so they can keep making money, and fleet managers want them to keep moving so deliveries get made. All of this can be readily interrupted by unexpected maintenance. The data collected from sensors within the Internet of Things devices can help you predict when issues will occur, allowing your drivers to get maintenance on their trucks when it’s convenient instead of during a critical shipment. Predictive maintenance really can save you time and money!

Security

Trucks and their cargo can get stolen. Internet enabled devices help you track issues in the event the items you are hauling get stolen, or if someone manages to steal your truck or trailer. Tracking down and preventing problems becomes much easier with the Internet of Things.

Compliance

One major issue for fleet managers is ensuring compliance. Keeping track of Hours of Service and other related data is less than fun, especially with an inefficient system. The Internet of Things with data collection in real time will help you gather compliance data much more easily and keep your business from taking risks. Required records are far more efficient when the data is already collected and connected!

Data Collection

Some shipments need specific data collection points, like the temperature of a truck of frozen food. Gathering this data from IoT helps you efficiently send the data to prove that your shipment was kept at the right temperature the entire time without you needing to ask for it. Overall, data collection can be exceptionally helpful in sending the right data at the right time without having to check on it.

Conclusion

The Internet of Things enables you to know a lot more about your fleet business. You’ll be able to know many data points about trucks, travel, and drivers, which turn into opportunities to save money, and time and lower the risks you and your drivers take. A telematics solution is a great start to making full use of the Internet of Things within your business.