IOT In Fleet Management – Transform Your Fleet – Expert Guide

This is your expert guide to the power of IoT use in fleet management. Explore the game-changing potential of IoT and discover how it will transform your business management practices. 

You are about to delve into the ever-progressing realm of IoT in fleet management, grabbing expert insights along the way, helping you navigate the IoT landscape and convert your fleet into a profit-producing machine.

In this article, you will:

• Gain expert insights into the dynamic fleet management market
• Explore the transformative impact of IoT on the fleet management landscape
• Uncover the top 8 benefits of using IoT in fleet management
• Discover how Cartrack Eswatini can transform your fleet operations
• Delve into a real-world IoT success story

The fleet management market: condition and challenges

Over the years, we’ve seen the revolutionisation fleet management solutions have brought to fleet operations, allowing them to achieve maximum efficiency while minimising costs.

In South Africa alone, the fleet industry has experienced remarkable growth, with five prominent players dominating the market. These companies offer comprehensive fleet management solutions and currently, all boast at least 15,000 fleet management units in active use – impressive. This demonstrates the widespread adoption of fleet management practices in the country.

Among the key players in the South African fleet management market, Cartrack Eswatini stands out as a leading provider of fleet management solutions, not only within South Africa but on a global scale as well. With over 1.75 million active subscribers, Cartrack has established itself as a dominant force in the software as a service (SaaS) industry.

According to the 5th Edition of Fleet Management in South Africa, the telematics market in the country has reached a pretty mature stage. More and more businesses are equipping their fleet vehicles with telematics technology, increasing the telematics usage rate by almost 10% from 34.6% in 2018 to 41.5% in 2021. That’s not all, projections suggest that this rate is expected to rise to an impressive 63.1% in the current year, 2023 and a whopping 68% by 2026. This means we can expect the number of actively utilised fleet telematics systems to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.6%, surging from 2.0 million units in 2021 to 3.6 million units by 2026.

While we clearly have exciting times ahead, it is worth noting that the South African fleet management landscape faces its share of challenges. Not all players in the fleet market offer comprehensive fleet management solutions. In fact, a large percentage of installed fleet telematics are low-end tracking systems, such as light fleet management solutions and stolen vehicle recovery systems with basic fleet management capabilities. So, there’s still some ground to cover.

As a result, the South African market is open to more advanced fleet management solutions that empower companies to tackle challenges head-on. From vehicle hijackings and low driver productivity rates to driver shortages, and concerns surrounding asset and cargo safety, there’s a lot to address. By providing real-time visibility into fleet operations, enhancing safety and security measures, and optimising resource utilisation, fleet management solutions can enable businesses to make informed decisions and improve overall fleet performance.

The best part is that these solutions have the potential to reduce costs and enhance customer service. Take it from me, it’s the dream of any fleet manager out there.

Introduction to IoT: How technology is changing fleet management

The fleet management process involves a variety of aspects, from vehicle maintenance and fuel monitoring on the one hand, to driver and task management on the other. As a fleet manager, manually overseeing and managing one to one hundred or more vehicles can be an extremely tedious task, if not impossible.

Fortunately, today’s comprehensive and automated fleet management solutions, driven by IoT (and data capture, telematics, and cloud technology), have revolutionised the fleet industry worldwide.

The term IoT, or Internet of Things, refers to the connection of everyday objects (referred to as ‘things’) to the internet. This concept of IoT goes beyond merely granting internet access to desktops and smartphones and extends to a wide range of everyday things such as home appliances, watches and even buildings that are embedded with sensors, processors, and network connectivity that allow them to ‘communicate’ with each other and with us.

To illustrate IoT in practical terms, let’s consider your vehicles. They are physical everyday objects or ‘things’ that can be equipped with tracking devices, allowing them to connect to the internet and share vehicle data such as location. This capability allows you to remotely monitor and control your fleet, providing convenience, efficiency, and improved decision-making.

It is safe to say that IoT has paved the way for transformative fleet management changes such as:

• Advanced computer performance, wireless tech and cloud storage: A combination of advancements in wireless communication technologies, cloud storage, and the augmentation of computing capabilities has revolutionised fleet management allowing fleet managers to access and gather data about the fleet. As a result, fleet managers are now able to access real-time or stored data and make decisions more quickly and accurately, which has drastically improved the efficiency of fleet management.
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• Accessible AI and ML technology: Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) have brought about significant advancements in fleet management software development. This progress empowers fleet managers to continuously monitor data from the entire vehicle fleet. Through this real-time feedback and deviation or alterations detection, fleet managers gain actionable insights such as real-time alerts of potential issues (such as maintenance reminders) enabling them to make informed decisions to enhance fleet performance.
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• Extensive and comprehensive data: IoT has made business data readily available and applicable to fleet management. By using sensors, telematics, and other IoT technologies, fleet insights have become more extensive and actionable. This valuable information allows businesses to gain a better understanding of fleet operations, leading to improved performance optimisation and informed strategic decision-making.

With emerging technologies like cybersecurity and others, projections for the IoT fleet management market further highlight its growth potential. Research indicates that by 2024, there will be 80 billion IoT connections worldwide, demonstrating the widespread adoption and impact of IoT across various sectors. This opens up possibilities for automation, optimisation, and innovation in various industries, such as cold chain logistics, transportation, construction, rental and leasing.

Let’s look at what these changes bring to my and your table.

Top 8 benefits of IoT in fleet management

Having an IoT connection has made a significant impact on fleet management, basically giving fleet managers superpowers. Let’s uncover the top 8 incredible benefits that come with using IoT in fleet management:

1. Enhanced route planning and tracking:
   
   ‍Advanced route planning and tracking capabilities have undergone a remarkable transformation with GPS tracking. Fleet managers now possess round-the-clock vehicle monitoring, courtesy of the seamless integration of GPS technology and the IoT. This integration empowers you with precise, reliable, and real-time data, enabling you to drive productivity gains, cut down fuel expenditures, and swiftly respond to critical situations, such as unexpected breakdowns, therefore powering quick turnaround times.
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2. Automation of manual tasks and admin:
   
   Today, streamlining manual tasks and administrative processes is achieved through IoT-powered fleet management software. This sophisticated software facilitates data collection, storage, and analysis, leading to the automation of routine administrative tasks and manual data entries. By eliminating time-consuming and repetitive tasks, you can redirect the focus towards more strategic and value-added responsibilities.
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3. Preventative vehicle maintenance:
   
   ‍ The integration of IoT technology in vehicles has revolutionised the realm of preventative vehicle maintenance. Through digital mainframes, IoT enables comprehensive vehicle assessment, providing fleet managers with timely alerts regarding maintenance requirements. This proactive approach facilitates the establishment of preventative maintenance schedules, ensuring optimal upkeep of the fleet and prolonging the lifespan of vehicles.
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4. Fuel efficiency:
   
   ‍IoT solutions play a pivotal role in delivering crucial insights into engine performance and fuel efficiency through ongoing monitoring of vehicle engine operations. By harnessing real-time data on fuel consumption, fleet managers gain valuable visibility into driver behaviour, particularly idle time, helping you optimise fuel usage, reduce emissions, and improve overall efficiency. By leveraging IoT technology, you can further gain actionable insights facilitating data-driven decision-making for enhanced fleet performance and fuel efficiency.
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5. Perfected delivery management:
   
   ‍IoT fleet management solutions and GPS technology have transformed delivery management by offering end-to-end automation. Through the seamless integration of various functionalities, such as streamlined operations, route optimisation, coordinated vehicle dispatch, real-time vehicle location monitoring, delivery progress tracking, and seamless communication channels among managers, drivers, and customers, the entire delivery process is perfected. This holistic approach not only drives efficiency gains and cost reductions but also enhances customer satisfaction by guaranteeing punctual deliveries and handling any potential issues or delays that may arise.
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6. Driver safety control:
   
   ‍IoT sensors offer comprehensive visibility into critical driver behaviours, such as engine start and stop frequency, speeding, braking patterns, accelerator usage, and fatigue monitoring. With access to this valuable data, you can implement targeted driver coaching and safety training programs, fostering a culture of safer driving practices and effectively reducing the occurrence of accidents.
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7. Increased customer satisfaction:
   
   With the use of IoT in fleet management practices and delivery, you can offer customers convenience, efficiency and personalised experiences. IoT enables data gathering for tailored user experiences, monitoring and optimising service delivery, and addressing issues promptly, thus fostering long-term loyalty through meeting their specific needs.
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8. Compliance with regulations:
   
   ‍For fleet management businesses operating in regulated industries, partnering with IoT technology offers a strategic advantage in meeting strict government regulations. With specialised sensor capabilities in cold chain logistics for example, you can ensure reliable temperature control for sensitive products, closely monitor time-sensitive shipments, and guarantee adherence to delivery requirements. This advanced level of control and monitoring empowers you to navigate regulatory landscapes with confidence, maintaining fleet compliance and upholding the highest industry standards.

Overall, IoT-enabled fleet management systems offer numerous advantages, such as improved efficiency, cost savings, enhanced safety, and regulatory compliance. However, the question remains: Which system is the right one for your business?

How Cartrack’s IoT solutions can transform your fleet

Imagine a fleet where your drivers, vehicles, and cargo are safeguarded, operating at maximum productivity, and generating lucrative results. Sounds like a dream, right?

Well, we can make it a reality. Cartrack’s advanced solutions will help you reap all the benefits mentioned above and even more:

• AI-powered and live-stream camera technology: Utilise up to 8 internal or external AI-powered cameras to boost the safety of your drivers, fleet, and cargo. Our real-time alerts keep your drivers well-informed of potential safety violations and our live audible alerts enable them to make corrections in real-time. Additionally, record and access footage instantly, eliminating the need for tedious manual searches, helping train drivers where necessary and exonerating and expediting insurance claims.
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• Specialised sensors: Leverage Cartrack’s specialised sensors to gain valuable insights into key data for efficient fleet management. Our driver ID tags enable authorised vehicle utilisation and accurate driver tracking across different vehicles. Additionally, CANBus and OBD gateway provide real-time vehicle diagnostics, including engine health, brake pads, oil, and lights, and seat pressure sensors (that indicate whether a passenger is seated, used to monitor vehicle occupancy rates during trips or detect whether or not to activate an airbag in the event of an accident). These sensors allow you to enhance your fleet operation with tools that empower you to monitor vehicle and asset utilisation, perform preventative maintenance and ultimately improve fleet safety.
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• Temperature sensors: Safeguard the freshness and integrity of your refrigerated cargo with Cartrack’s advanced temperature monitoring solutions. Our sensors enable real-time temperature monitoring and immediate alerts for temperature fluctuations in refrigerated trucks or trailers to preserve perishable goods. Further gain peace of mind with comprehensive reports on cold chain temperature monitoring for each trip, which can be conveniently attached to electronic proof of delivery, providing valuable assurance to your customers.
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• Fuel sensors: Drive fuel efficiency and cost savings with Cartrack’s cutting-edge fuel monitoring solutions. Our advanced fuel sensors capture and analyse precise fuel consumption data, empowering you with valuable insights into fuel trends, vehicle utilisation, fuel card usage and other actionable areas for improvement – such as driver behaviour. By accurately monitoring and addressing fuel sensor data, you can effectively reduce fuel consumption and mitigate the risks of fuel-card fraud or theft through smart algorithms that match fuel receipts with vehicle location and status.
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• GPS tracking: Unlock the untapped potential of your fleet vehicles and assets with Cartrack’s GPS tracking solutions. Our accurate and reliable technology enables real-time vehicle and asset tracking, providing you with live alerts for tracking task completion rates, detecting potential faults, facilitating proactive maintenance, and monitoring changes in tasks. With this GPS tracking system, you gain unprecedented control and visibility over your vehicles and assets, empowering you to optimise resource allocation, streamline operations, and achieve peak productivity.
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• Trailer tracking: Take control of the security and protection of your trailers and valuable cargo with Cartrack’s GPS trailer tracking technology. Our advanced system enables real-time location tracking of trailers, providing you with comprehensive trip-history reports to monitor their whereabouts and ensure optimal security measures. With the integration of cargo door and temperature sensors, you can further safeguard your cargo from unauthorised access and maintain ideal environmental conditions. Meanwhile, our innovative smart-camera technology allows you to live-stream the interior of trailers, enhancing overall monitoring capabilities and providing an extra layer of protection for your assets.
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• Vehicle diagnostics: Elevate your maintenance planning and ensure optimal vehicle health with Cartrack’s real-time vehicle diagnostics. This advanced system provides fleet managers with instant alerts for engine faults, worn brake pads, oil and water fluctuations, and a comprehensive range of diagnostics, empowering you to take proactive measures to prevent breakdowns and mitigate the risk of accidents. With the ability to schedule maintenance and communicate directly with drivers through our intuitive app, you can effectively minimise downtime, streamline workflows, and ensure seamless operations throughout your fleet.

By leveraging the power of these solutions, you can transform your fleet operations and achieve remarkable results. Don’t just take it from us, here’s evidence of how our solutions helped solve challenges in another business.

A Cartrack success story: User case

Diag, a rapidly expanding laboratory company, achieved an astounding 1,200% business growth and significantly reduced their administration costs by half, thanks to Cartrack’s delivery app.

Challenges: In the past, Diag faced challenges related to task assignments, driver and vehicle tracking, and administration. This resulted in lower driver performance and slowed down job completion rates. Additionally, without effective tracking and reporting mechanisms in place, the admin team struggled to quickly identify delivery issues.

Solutions: To overcome these obstacles, Diag implemented Cartrack Delivery – a user-friendly system that simplifies task allocation, enhances organisational efficiency and boosts productivity to meet unique delivery needs and increase customer service and satisfaction. With this solution, Diag experienced remarkable transformations in its logistics operations, empowering drivers and propelling their business to new heights.

Results: With full visibility and accountability in their logistics chain, Diag achieved impressive results. The company successfully scaled their delivery team from a mere 5 to a massive 65, enabling them to expand its services from only 15 clinics to over 400 clinics across Vietnam. This expansion led to sky-high customer satisfaction and elevated levels of driver productivity. Their drivers are now handling almost 30 times more clinics than before. Their dispatchers also experienced a significant increase in productivity, effectively managing the workload of over 26 drivers from only 10 drivers previously. Now Diag has a unique selling point of 20-minute collection times, contributing to heightened sales.

Thanks to Cartrack Delivery’s optimised routing, Diag could minimise fuel costs, improve delivery turnaround times, boost productivity and increase customer satisfaction, further solidifying its position as an industry leader.

That’s how we helped them, what can we do for you?

‍Ready to transform your fleet? We have a state-of-the-art solution:

If you are ready to transform your fleet operations and unlock new levels of fleet efficiency and productivity with Cartrack Eswatini, our comprehensive suite of solutions are designed for you.

Contact Cartrack Eswatini and get started with a free demo.