Fleet managers today are facing some of the most challenging times in recent history with current supply chain issues, inflation, and a labor shortage affecting nearly every industry, including automotive. There are longer wait times for new vehicles, which puts more wear and tear on the existing fleet. In addition to managing rising maintenance and fuel costs, fleet managers must meet driver safety goals and compliance issues, including government regulations on reducing emissions.
Effective fleet management requires the ability to make well-informed decisions that improve operational efficiencies, cut costs, and position the company for growth. The best way for fleet managers to achieve this is with reliable vehicle data through connected vehicles.
The Increasing Drive for Electric Vehicles (EVs)
Every automaker is ramping up EV production, according to a recent consumer report, with Ford planning to produce over 2 million EV’s annually by 2026 and projecting EVs will account for half of their global sales by 2030. GM plans to offer 20 different EV models in the U.S. by 2025 and move to an all-electric lineup by 2035. Honda plans for all sales to be zero-emission electric vehicles by 2040.
Nearly every industrialized country has implemented vehicle emission restrictions, and some parts of the world, like areas in London, are restricting the use of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles with Low and Ultra Low Emission Zones based on vehicle class. Electric, connected cars are paving the way for huge changes and new segments of road transport.
Connected Vehicle Data: Big Benefits for Fleet Management
Connected fleet data provides fleet managers with the information they need to navigate the changing landscape and improve operating efficiencies. Connected cars and the use of vehicle data analytics continue to increase among fleet managers as they realize the host of benefits with quick, accurate, and reliable vehicle data.
Some of the most important benefits realized with connected fleet data include:
- Improved Preventive Maintenance Programs – Preventive maintenance is critical to get the best performance out of vehicles, such as reducing chances of a vehicle breakdown and ensuring the most efficient operation. With connected fleet data, managers can use vehicle data analytics to schedule maintenance based on current vehicle indicators as well as odometer readings. Warnings are captured and relayed to fleet management personnel regarding things like low brake fluid, wear of brakes, current tire pressure with warnings for low pressure, low window washer fluid, and more. The ability to quickly identify and respond to such issues with connected vehicle data prolongs vehicle health, safety, and operating life.
- Improved driver safety – Fleet management personnel can monitor driver behavior and identify unsafe driving practices such as hard braking, aggressive driving, taking turns too sharply, and speeding. Managers can coach drivers to safer driving which cuts down on accidents and vehicle wear.
- Increased fleet efficiency – Automobiles that are cared for with the proper maintenance and driven with safe practices provide better fuel efficiency.
- Better plan routes – Other benefits of vehicle data include the ability to better plan delivery or travel routes to maximize fuel efficiency and reduce any idling time. This also contributes towards the goal of reducing emissions.
- Monitor vehicle usage – Company managers can monitor vehicle locations and make sure they are where they are supposed to be and meet delivery schedules.
The Challenges of Using Connected Fleet Data
Most fleet managers agree that using connected fleet data provides valuable benefits, although it does not come without challenges. According to an independent survey sponsored by Otonomo, a pioneer of vehicle data service platforms that improve the overall transportation ecosystem, the greatest challenges facing fleet managers today include:
- Logistics of gathering vehicle data – if not all vehicles in a fleet are connected, after-market devices can be used but not without potential issues. These devices must be installed, maintained, and removed if the vehicle is removed from the fleet.
Selecting a telematics supplier with the capability to ingest both connected and hardware-based data can alleviate this problem with onboarding or removing as easy as a click.
- Integrating connected vehicle data with current software – just because the data is available does not mean managers will have the right access to timely and organized information. Integrating connected fleet data with current software systems can be challenging when using a mix of aftermarket systems and embedded telematics from various OEMs.[MOU1]
Integrating all of this data into one easy-to-use, simple API software platform, such as Otonomo’s connected fleet data services, provides an effective solution. Rapid data integration in near real-time from multiple OEMs and EV models allows proactive fleet management that improves efficiencies and saves money.
- Data security and privacy – having access to VIN-specific data requires secure storage that complies with privacy regulations. With great power comes responsibility. Make certain your fleet management solution handles this responsibility with a smart mobility data platform that was designed with security and privacy at the forefront.
Security measures include encryption, end-to-end security controls, and policies that support certification to ISO 27001, the most globally recognized information security standard[MOU2] . Privacy measures include compliance with key regulations like GDPR and CCPA.
Otonomo focuses on solving the challenges facing fleet management operations today while helping them to meet their top priorities, such as:
Making more use of fleet data
- Investing in predictive maintenance
- Increasing the usage of electric vehicles
- Leveraging autonomous driving technology
Connected Fleet Data Solutions
Otonomo is a leading global provider of connected vehicle data solutions, pioneering a new generation with mobility information, experiences, and services. Stakeholders in every aspect of the mobility ecosystem, including drivers, passengers, insurance providers, automotive OEMs, and fleet managers, can harness connected vehicle data with the insights needed to transform the possibilities in their market.
We provide connected vehicle data that harmonizes and enriches all users with reliable and accurate visibility to empower planning and decision-making. Learn how to realize greater value from your vehicle data, Fleet Data: Connected Vehicle Data for Efficient Fleet Management.
Otonomo is committed to delivering solutions with access to the most diverse and broadest range of connected electric vehicles. We provide fleet management solutions with an aspiration to make every driving experience rewarding, environmentally friendly, and efficient. Contact us to learn how to improve your fleet management operations with quick, reliable, and accurate connected fleet data
