With fleet management trends rapidly evolving every day, it's more challenging than ever to keep up. A focus on using data to drive productivity and reduce cost makes 2019 a pivotal time for the industry.

Here are just a few trends and changes shaping fleet as we move into the new year:

1. Fleets are overwhelmed by data

Widespread adoption of fleet telematics means more data for fleets to manage, but data is only helpful if you can draw significant insights. And those insights are only useful if they help you make informed decisions for your fleet. Fleet managers feeling overwhelmed by data will need to decide what's most important to them. If fleet safety is critical, focus more on accident and maintenance data. For managing environmental impact, focus on miles per gallon and CO2 emissions. Every fleet is different. In 2019, efficiently analyzing data and using it to make key decisions will be a necessity for well-run fleets.

2. The role of a fleet manager is ever-changing

Fleet managers need to be more analytical and strategic than ever. Using the wealth of data from connected vehicles to predict and solve problems before they happen is becoming standard, especially when it comes to safety. Fleet managers are watching driver behavior data and looking to accident-preventing safety features to invest in their drivers’ safety and reduce cost over time.

3. Connectivity is the future

Every future fleet strategy starts with the connected vehicle. Connected devices are everywhere – changing the way companies track and manage inventory and how consumers make purchasing decisions – and connected vehicles are at the forefront of this trend. With a focus on reducing cost and driving productivity, fleet will continue to become more data-oriented, striving for overall optimized performance.

Fleet managers can prepare for the future of connectivity by embracing the data and benefits. The future of vehicle connectivity is exciting, but it's important to consider how different technologies will benefit your fleet and use that lens to evaluate adoption in the early stages.

4. Fleet ties in to your company's core mission

Performance metrics should be linked to your company’s strategic objectives and critical to its core mission. To develop meaningful Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for your fleet, be sure to engage stakeholders, consider internal and external factors, identify key and supporting measures and gather supporting data for each measure. Focus on your company's core mission and determine how fleet contributes to these end goals. Identify your KPIs and supporting measures accordingly. KPI development is not ‘one and done’. These measures should evolve with your company objectives and the connected solutions that simply weren't available in the past.

5. Integrations with Other Software Platforms (Through APIs)

A commercial fleet management trend that is expected to heavily improve software performance is using application programming interfaces (APIs) to integrate other software platforms with the fleet management software. The ability to use an API key to connect databases from outside sources not only expands the functionality of a fleet tracking device, but offers deeper data analysis capabilities in reviewing the performance of your fleet vehicle and driver.

The range of software platforms that can integrate with fleet management software greatly extends the involvement fleet managers have in daily fleet operations. A fleet manager can find themselves able to do a variety of tasks such as:

• Transmitting messages directly to a driver’s device

• Reviewing daily fuel expenditures through their fuel card

• Tracking a driver’s hours by punching in and out directly from their vehicle

New England Mobile offers the most advanced Fleet Tracking System in the Industry in the area of Integrating with other software platforms.

6. Dash Cam Monitoring for Distracted Driving

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that in 2016 alone, more than 3,400 car accident fatalities were due to distracted driving. These distractions cover more than just cell phone usage — they also include:

• Eating and drinking

• Personal grooming

• Watching videos

• Conversing with passengers

Commercial fleet management has an enormous responsibility to increase the safety and efficiency of drivers to avoid serious incidents. A distracted driver can put a business’ reputation on the line and cost them billions in insurance and legal costs.

One way that companies and government agencies are trying to fight distracted driving is through the use of dashboard cameras. Using dash cams are a valuable tool towards maintaining driver accountability so that fleet assets and other drivers are left safe on the roads. New England Mobile offers dash cams that track in-cab and out-of-cab activities in 2019.

These latest commercial fleet management trends are proving to be a huge step toward better fleet tracking capabilities. New England Mobile's fleet tracking devices can fit any of your fleet management needs. Our continued dedication to evolve and adapt with fleet technology is to ensure our customers have the most relevant commercial fleet software updates and upgrades. If you’re looking to invest in quality fleet management software, contact our representatives for more information!

email: Support@newenglandmobile.com