After perusing some of the latest survey, studies and reports a few weeks back, I realised I’d found proof of what I’d observed for a while now: core business and services are more important than ever in fleet management. They are really back in town. Why? Two words: connectivity and digitalisation.
It’s no secret that our world is increasingly connected (there’s even a connected car!), and that the Internet of Things has transitioned from a futuristic concept to part of everyday life. Now we are really starting to feel the effects in Business Mobility. Connectivity and digitalisation are allowing us to maximise areas like fuel management, vehicle use and availability, and offer additional services. All this is rapidly taking our industry to a new level, benefiting us as drivers and our employers.
Data for better mobility
By translating big data into smart data, for instance, fleet managers gain valuable insight into when, where and for how long cars in their fleet are driven – information they can apply to optimise vehicle use and better manage their fleets. Moreover, smart data guides us as drivers to the best car for our journey in terms of fuel and cost efficiency as well as other factors.
The age of the apps – A synonym for digitalisation
Today we can’t imagine life without apps to relieve the headache of numerous daily tasks. The mobility industry is particularly profiting from these little digital powerhouses that play a key role in connecting us to our digital world. By linking hardware with software, apps empower companies and drivers to steer nearly the whole mobility experience from one place.
Today you can report damage, find a parking spot, book a carsharing vehicle or hail a taxi comfortably and conveniently on your smartphone – wherever you are. The days of the “I-was-stuck-in-traffic” excuse are limited: apps sync with our diaries and tell us when to leave and which means of transport to take to arrive at an appointment on time. Using real-time information about the traffic situation, of course. Apps will help you effortlessly navigate the streets to your next destination. Your computer, vehicle, smartphone and smartwatch will all communicate with each other, telling you precisely what turn to make and which detour to take.
By assisting drivers and providing a range of handy little tools, apps, like the AlphaGuide, will inevitably play a leading role in Business Mobility in the years to come. They not only greatly enhance our experience as drivers but, because they help save costs, are also good for our employers’ bottom line. What company wouldn’t welcome that?
For now, there’s only one thing for us in the fleet management industry to say: connectivity and digitalisation, here we come full speed ahead!
Tell us! What features would you like to have in the future?
