Top Opportunities and Threats in Fleet Management in 2022

The year 2022 might be an excellent year for fleets in the future if they take advantage of the opportunities presented by intelligent operations.

FREMONT, CA: There are two possible perspectives on the present condition of fleet and safety management. On the one hand, leaders struggle to recruit and retain the next generation of drivers, while growing expenses and a decrease in the number of new vehicles available disrupt operations. Conversely, advancements in fleet and safety technologies are fundamentally altering the sector. Tools such as artificial intelligence (AI) and analytics are evolving astoundingly, fostering growth and efficiency among fleets of all sizes. It's a fascinating, one-of-a-kind moment, with problems and opportunities combining in unprecedented ways.

How fleet managers and leaders steer the coming year will significantly impact their organization's long-term development—every decision matters, from enhancing customer experience and transparency to maximizing resource allocation. With the market for fleet management expected to reach $45 billion by 2027, standing out in a profession that is becoming increasingly competitive will be the difference between growth and stagnation.

As the number of high-level concerns increases, what strategic areas should fleet leaders prioritize? Rather than playing "whack-a-mole" with disruptions, a planned, deliberate approach helps guarantee that the fleet organization focuses on the trends and opportunities with the most impact. These are the regions that will stand out during the following year:

Protection And Technology

Fleets are essential to the success of a variety of industries, including construction, landscaping, and utilities, among others. Drivers and vehicle assets ensure client satisfaction is exceeded. However, they constitute an inherent risk. Whether a distracted driver or an unforeseen weather incident, fleets (and their productivity) depend on safe driving conditions. A single collision might have repercussions for the company and individuals who share the road with staff. Safety concerns have reached such a fever pitch that it is becoming highly likely that national fleets will be required to limit any non-emergency cellphone use in commercial cars.

Many fleets now in operation are not equipped with standard safety and profit-enhancing features. Nevertheless, safety technologies can present a significant potential to increase efficiency in 2022. For instance, rear cameras, numerous sensors for lane departure, and seat belt sensors have been standardized in consumer vehicles and have reduced the accident rate. However, this degree of built-in safety technology is not joint among fleets now. Fleet managers can perform their duties more dependably if they are at the forefront of advancing incident prevention in commercial vehicles. With all macroeconomic forces in play, firms that delay modernizing their safety strategy and processes will be the first to incur high-impact losses from increased accidents, insurance costs, and driver retention problems.

Strategic Deployment Of AI

It has become usual for fleet managers to inquire, "Is this the year for AI adoption?" Circumstantially, deploying an AI technology into fleets has proved benefits, such as enhancing the driver experience and intelligently anticipating client needs to improve operational flexibility. Nevertheless, each organization is unique. Moreover, when fleet organizations consider that AI is at the center of a complex ecosystem of predictive analytics, machine learning, and several other technical breakthroughs, it might be challenging to determine what is best for their fleet.

Consider 2022 the beginning of an AI journey that permits testing, iteration, and development. Small-scale deployments of AI-powered technologies can have a significant impact. For instance, modern in-cab video solutions with an AI backbone may intelligently identify and rectify dangerous driving habits in real-time. Implementing over an entire fleet can enhance the average performance scores of all drivers. Safer and happier drivers increase retention for top drivers, help improve weaker performers rather than trying to replace them, and attract new employees who perceive the sophisticated in-cab coaching support as a chance to improve their driving instantly. Consider this the foundation for exploring prospects for AI to influence success.

Supply Chain Disruption Management

The disruption of supply chains will continue to be a significant obstacle for fleets in 2022. Every industry is experiencing the effects. Consumers and fleets alike have witnessed microprocessor shortages wreak havoc on the auto industry, and the escalating cost of goods as critical shipping routes are shut down due to Covid. Although these difficulties will likely persist throughout the following year, fleet leaders and managers can mitigate their impact.

Specifically, fleet organizations will increase operational efficiency in the face of uncontrollable external events by doubling down on the aspects of the business they can influence and, for instance, utilizing technology to optimize route assignments or eliminate time-intensive human operations. Fleet managers can decrease human error by automating administrative activities such as time sheets, resulting in a healthier and more accurate business outlook. When as little as possible is left to chance, leaders have greater flexibility to adjust to changing conditions.