7 Fleet management trends for 2021
The fleet management industry is evolving with new digital shifts helping improve efficiency and control costs. According to the Fleet Technology Trends Report, the adoption of fleet management technology has increased by 8% from 2018–2020. Let’s look at the top fleet management trends that will take center stage in 2021.
Fleet management trends to look forward to in 2021
1) Focus on telematics tracking
Fleet managers will leverage telematics and GPS fleet tracking to determine real-time diagnostics levels. They can track their fleet drivers’ location via a customizable dashboard, know their vehicles’ status, and ensure drivers are following safety practices. In 2021, fleet management software will improve with new features like integration of voice capabilities, robust data analytics, and enhanced Artificial Intelligence (AI). In-cab video has also emerged as one of the most popular new technologies in fleet management.
2) Remote fleet management
Remote fleet management will take center stage owing to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Fleet managers are focusing on new ways to monitor the productivity of their fleet drivers and manage tasks in a remote environment. A good fleet management software will enable managers to improve communication with their executives and better track fleet data in real-time, and stay connected to their team.
3) Deeper data security
Fleet vehicles hold a significant amount of sensitive data that needs to be protected. In 2021, fleet managers will focus on increasing their cybersecurity measures. Several fleet managers are shifting their focus to strategic management from tactical management and are upskilling in IT to adopt newer roles. They will focus more on the collection and evaluation of data with the increase in data visibility.
4) Electric and autonomous vehicles
Electric fleet adoption might see an uptick this year as more and more companies are rolling out electric vehicles. These vehicles will eventually get better at communication via better data sharing and enhanced fleet software. Meanwhile, there has been a significant leap in autonomous vehicle (AV) technology’s growing capabilities. AV offers a significant opportunity to improve productivity by increasing driving hours. In 2021, one of the top challenges will be to find ways to manage automated vehicles at each stage as we move into the driverless era.
5) Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) to become prominent
Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) will become more popular as fleet managers can customize their services and shift their traditional approach. The global MaaS market size is said to reach USD 280.77 billion in 2027, up from USD 52.56 billion in 2019.
Fleet owners will experiment with company-owned vehicles and even lease them. MaaS will help fleet managers rethink their processes in fleet management. By embracing vehicle sharing, companies can make better use of idle vehicles, control budgets, and reduce carbon footprint. Key fleet metrics will also evolve, shifting from vehicle numbers and data to factors like timing, journey success rates, attendance rates, and annual cost.
6) Evolution of 5G network
5G fleet management will be one of the top trends this year. Fleets will be able to leverage the main features of 5G to reduce latency and increase productivity. Companies using a fleet management app will benefit from 5G with better communication due to increased coverage and increasing productivity. It is the perfect time to get a fleet management software to maximize efficiency and stay ahead of the competition with global availability of 5G.
7) Improved driver safety measures
In 2021, fleet owners and managers will focus on fleet and driver security due to the pandemic. They will prioritize driver safety by strengthening sanitization measures on vehicle inspections and ensure they are equipped with the necessary tools and products. This will help your drivers and staff and indicate that you are prepared to mitigate risks and exposure to the virus.
Final thoughts
The fleet industry will continue to expand in 2021 with deeper tech integrations and improved fleet management software features. It is essential to adopt fleet management software to boost operational efficiency and enhance the tracking and management of fleets.
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