AI or Artificial Intelligence has been snaking its way (almost) into every aspect of modern life. The most
significant changes can be seen in the logistics sector.
To put things into perspective, AI fleet management solutions made life easy for small, medium and
large scale business owners. Their in-house fleet managers can quickly take necessary steps to make their
logistics system resilient, agile, efficient and scalable.
However, just like any other technology, AI fleet tracking systems come with their fair share of
benefits and disadvantages. This blog, in the following sections will shine a light on some of them.
But before that, let us take a look at the history of GPS-based company vehicle tracking, in brief.
A brief history of fleet management
A prototype Global Positioning System was first conceived back in the 1960s. The first Global Positioning
System became a reality after the Block – I GPS satellite was sent to space. After promising results, ten
more similar satellites were sent to space by 1985.
The use of GPS in fleet vehicles began in the US military sector. It was impossible for the technology to be
used by the civilians. The reason was simple - there weren’t enough satellites in space to track vehicles. 9
more years were required to complete the GPS space network. This development took place on the January 17,
1994 when the USAF launched two dozen Block – II satellites to space. Even after this development, GPS was
used only by the US military to track important vehicles during missions.
It is not that the general population was unaware of GPS. The technology was simply not available to the
average Janes and Joes! However GPS became available to the masses when US President Bill Clinton, in 1996,
made necessary policy changes. The changes made GPS technology public. The primary users of this technology
were fleet managers. GPS for company vehicles allowed small, medium and large scale corporations to
track their vehicles.
Since solutions like GPS tracker for company vehicles was in their early day, the technology was not
cheap. End users had to pay hefty fees to service providers to access the GPS satellite system. Furthermore,
the internet and the computer technology were also in their early stages. In a nutshell, GPS tracker for
company vehicles was available to those who could afford it.
Fast forward to 2024, fleet management solutions like Vyncs
fleet management are affordable. Businesses can easily install GPS systems in their fleet vehicles
and integrate tracking solutions to their daily operations.
Why GPS fleet management has become so popular in recent years?
Doorstep deliveries and eCommerce are amenities that one cannot ignore in their modern life. These two
services were made possible with state-of-the-art warehouses and efficient company vehicle tracking.
In the US, the growth rate of the domestic eCommerce sector is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.8%. Market
researchers also point out that by 2027, the US eCommerce market volume is expected to surpass
US$1,327,412.9 million! This data also points out that the demand for solutions like GPS for company
vehicles is also increasing.
The reason is simple. You see, whether a business uses fleet vehicles for first, middle or last mile
deliveries, using fleet trackers is crucial.
Why?
Well, GPS tracking solutions allow a business to access information about their vehicles. These devices also
allow users to track route information, driver road behavior, and more.
What’s the outcome?
Well, keeping tabs on fleet vehicles come with a lot of benefits. For instance, fleet vehicle batteries will
be in their top
operational condition. On top of this, fleet managers will be able to weed out unruly drivers to protect brand image. Furthermore,
fleet tracking also helps small, medium and large scale corporations keep the fuel expenses of their fleets under control. Fleet managers
can also keep their drivers away from the competitor turfs using geo-fencing feature.
Implementation of AI in fleet management
In the last two decades, dramatic developments were made in the sector of Artificial Intelligence.
For instance, Artificial Neural Networks and Genetic Algorithms have helped businesses to crunch huge volumes
of business-critical data. Data analysis allows businesses to take decisions that would not only keep them
competitive but future-proof as well. It is no surprise that AI based fleet management is slowly but
surely
becoming a standard practice in the US.
What are the benefits of implementing AI in fleet tracking solutions?
Fleet management AI solutions have many benefits in store for businesses. Some of them are as follows.
Tracking fleet vehicles in real time
The best fleet management solutions like a Vyncs fleet tracker come with real-time tracking feature. Consignment and asset tracking becomes easy for fleet managers. Furthermore, using this feature, fleet managers can alter routes in case the original route could delay pick-ups or deliveries.
Reduction in fuel costs
Fleet management solutions like Vyncs fleet trackers have tried and tested Vyncs fuel management feature. This feature can help one to track how much fuel is consumed per trip. One can also track how much fuel is wasted due to idling, traffic or a distracted driver!
Reduction of operational costs
Operating an in-house fleet is not as easy as it sounds. Fleet managers must ensure that fleet vehicle maintenance and preventative maintenance costs don’t add to the budget of a business.Vyncs fleet telematics can help businesses keep their operational costs manageable with on time service reminders and real-time vehicle analysis.
How cool is that!?
Increased profits
Businesses thrive when their operations bring in profits. Companies that have entered a point of stagnation in terms of their profits are not future-proof. Equip your in-house fleet vehicles with the latest Vyncs GPS fleet trackers and witness you profits soar!
Better driver/vehicle safety
Keep your drivers safe by monitoring their on-road behavior as they navigate the planned routes. In case of vehicle breakdowns, fleet drivers can use the RSA feature offered in most modern trackers. In this way, stranded drivers, stuck fleet vehicles and delayed deliveries will be things of the past.
What are the disadvantages of implementing AI in fleet tracking solutions?
AI fleet solutions are not free from drawbacks, to be honest. Some momentary disadvantages of fleet AI solutions are as follows.
There is a learning Curve
Just like any other new technology, there is a learning curve associated with AI based fleet trackers. To make things easy, consult your fleet tracker provider and train your in-house team members today.
There is some upfront cost
Fleet trackers are relatively affordable. But fleet tracking packages could be a costly affair if you do not select the best brand for fleet tracking. To get more bang from your buck, choose Vyncs no monthly fee telematics system for fleets.
Infrastructure has to be updated
Your in-house infrastructure has to be compatible with modern fleet management solutions. If that is not the case, your business will be missing out necessary features like 'tracking’ and ‘driver monitoring’.
AI Fleet Management is the Future
AI based fleet management has changed the industry for the better. Features like geo-fence allow businesses to stay away from the turfs of competitors. Furthermore, intelligent preventative maintenance alerts and Road Side Assistance can help businesses keep their company vehicles operational at all times. In short, integrating modern fleet management solutions into a business should be considered as a necessity and not a luxury. However, the technology is not free from shortcomings. Hence, ensuring that the resources spent on a fleet management solution do not go to waste is crucial. To be on the safe side of things, selecting the right solution provider like Vyncs, can go a long way!