What is a Fleet Management System?
Fleet management refers to the facilitation of supply chain operations and maintenance through well-planned coordination between an organization and its key players’ fleet of vehicles. It is done to reduce costs through route and fuel optimization that transcends geographical limitations, mitigates risks and improves operational efficiency. Not only does it enhance productivity but also strengthens coherence in vehicle acquisition, fleet compliance, driver safety as well as vehicular emissions. With the help of AI in fleet management, all stakeholders like drivers, managers, fleet owners, investors, suppliers, regulatory bodies and customers can get access to fuel consumption, maintenance alerts, asset utilization, and regulatory compliance. AI development services render effective driver management through programs for boosting overall productivity and minimizing waste generation produced during maintenance such as change of oil, switch of filters or antifreeze, transmission, brake, windshield wiper fluid, tires and more. AI and Machine Learning (ML) enabled automotive IT solutions like vehicle telematics, fleet and big data management software have proven to be useful over the decades for streamlining operations, reducing costs and increasing efficiency and safety round-the-clock.
The global market size for AI/ML-powered fleet management was reported to be around ₹357.227 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach a value of ₹1.179 trillion by 2030, surging at a CAGR of 18.7% during this period. In India, this market was reported to be valued approximately at ₹88.329 billion as of 2023 and is forecasted to be around ₹245.833 billion by the end of 2029, increasing at a CAGR of 17.5%.
Growing market size of fleet management system (INR billion)
How is AI Transforming Fleet Management Systems?
Given below is a gist of technologies under the AI umbrella that empower fleet management software and automation, driver safety and operational efficiency –
1. Vehicle Telematics: These systems collect and analyze sensor-obtained data such as location through GPS, vehicle health through engine sensors (thermocouple, oxygen, throttle, absolute pressure, spark knock, engine oil level and pressure sensors), speed through accelerometers, data from telematics control unit, vehicle control unit etc. in real-time for effective fleet management. Due to its huge amount, AI algorithms can handle, analyze and derive insights on driver behavior and fleet performance from such data within seconds as compared to fleet managers and other employees. Fleet tracking systems can therefore assist in identifying and resolving potential problems such as accidents and excessive fuel consumption via proactive strategies.
2. Natural Language Processing: NLP aids AI in fleet management in interpreting voice commands from the driver and in analyzing to-and-fro communication between them and the organization or fleet managers with the help of custom application development services. Drivers can easily make calls and access information related to roadblocks, traffic, checkpoints, borders, construction works causing delays in the route for alternate route suggestion etc. through voice commands, thus enhancing overall efficiency. Real-time feedback on driving behavior from fleet managers through text-to-speech assistance can also avoid unnecessary penalties, fines and enhance safety via hands-free interaction.
Some of the features of AI-enabled fleet management system
3. Computer Vision: Apart from vehicle telematics for fleet management machine learning and computer vision are two other key components in automotive technology that drive innovations in this field. The latter powers features such as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) that enhance driving experience by receiving, processing and relaying necessary information through a combination of ultrasonic sensors, cameras, radars, LiDAR, image processing algorithms, computer vision object detection etc. Drivers are supported by lane departure correction, adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection system, automatic emergency braking, vehicle detection system, pedestrian and animal detection, timely warnings through 360-degree camera for car etc. to impart safety protocols in fleet management and avoid accidents.
4. Machine Learning: Historical telematics data can be used to train ML-based predictive models that can take in huge amounts of information in real-time, predict impending failures, financial losses, maintenance and learn through feedback, thus completing the platform flywheel. Given the usage patterns, feedback and incident management reports during fleet management machine learning-based operational cost checks amplify driving efficiency and employee safety, thus providing a competitive edge. It can also render high-end applications such as license plate recognition system, smart parking management etc. in fleet vehicles.
Benefits of AI-enabled Fleet Tracking System
Fleet management is a procedural necessity for businesses that depend on transportation for product delivery and other strategic vital operations. Let us explore some of its benefits and why it is important –
Resource Allocation
AI/ML can note instances and patterns in historical driving-related data and fleet information to derive all actionable insights on delivery route, ETA, costs involved, number of customers, their locations and demands, number of vehicles in the fleet, their carrying capacity, driver availability and more. With fleet tracking systems, managers can easily assess the types of vehicles that need to be put on the road for certain terrains and delivery items, rendering cost-effectiveness in terms of empty kilometers and fuel in an eco-friendly manner.
Vehicle Tracking
These algorithms are efficient in analyzing big data including traffic-related information, GPS, fuel consumption, driving and weather patterns etc. received from various sensors placed in the vehicles. Through continuous learning and training, AI in fleet management can improvise route predictions for a more efficient and faster delivery. With real-time decision-making capabilities derived from GPS and sensors, the fleet can avoid delays due to traffic blockades, congestion or unexpected road closures.
Predictive Maintenance
In fleet management machine learning can be used to make predictions and diagnoses related to vehicle breakdowns by analyzing sensor-enabled AI pattern recognition, number of kilometers driven, issue urgency, parts affected or replaced recently, different types of battery management system data etc. This helps in optimal scheduling to avoid sudden maintenance failure and delays in delivery. As the downtime is reduced, fleet operations keep running smoothly and result in customer satisfaction
Various benefits of AI-enabled fleet tracking system
Fuel Consumption
A significant advantage of AI/ML in managing fleets includes fuel savings and lowered carbon emissions. Basically, the algorithms note generated data such as vehicle speed, idle time with engines turned on, type of engines etc. This is further used to devise strategies of causing less pollution while saving fuel through route optimization and driving behavior enhancement. An advanced fleet management system also relays similar information to drivers during the course of delivery to save fuel and help the environment.
Supply Chain Management
Systems such as Catalyst AI seamlessly integrate with logistics inventory management software to estimate stock levels and customer demand. They also manage supply-related information for various geographical locations as per the database for smoother shipping and faster deliveries.
IoT Integration
AI/ML algorithms can be easily integrated with existing telematics and other systems running with the Internet of Things (IoT) to gather and analyze data related to vehicles, roads and terrains. Thus, AI in fleet management assists fleet managers and owners to interpret real-time driving conditions and make decisions accordingly. IoT devices such as GPS trackers by Geotab, telematic devices like Verizon Connect, dash cams like Lytx, tire pressure like TireMinder, fuel sensors like FleetGuard convey real-time vehicle performance, locations and driver behavior to fleet management applications.
Driver Behavior
As mentioned earlier, these are also useful in analyzing driver behavior in terms of stoppages, speed, idle engine running time to check if the operations are being conducted under safety protocols. This type of analytical data can be used for timely maintenance, training new drivers and improvising the reward system while avoiding accidents and reducing fuel and insurance costs against the uncertainties of the volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) world.
Others
AI in fleet management assists businesses in asset management, proactive service and inspection scheduling. It is very beneficial for managing costs encompassing maintenance, insurance, vehicle depreciation, license renewals, permit expirations, potential road violations, service discrepancies and strategic lifecycle management through new technologies for improved fuel efficiency. It is especially useful for trailer tracking, theft prevention, automated approvals and insurance forms, checklist notifications, coordinating emergencies and boosting profitability across industries like healthcare, transportation and e-commerce. Generative AI can be used to improvise Augmented Reality (AR) to guide service personnel during maintenance based on data and feedback. Moreover, adopting AI leads to job creation pertaining to model development, data analysis, cybersecurity and fleet management software that can propel economic growth and attract new generation employees.
Towards a Future Powered by AI-Driven Fleets
KritiKal Solutions can assist you in deploying AI in fleet management alongside telematics and machine learning for operational efficiency, cost-effectiveness and safety. With these technologies, businesses powered by transportation etc. can optimize vehicle routing, reduce downtime and reduce maintenance costs and emissions, thus transforming fleet management practices while improving performance. When combined with IoT, AI can provide real-time insights for enhanced efficiency and sustainability. NLP-based solutions can enhance communication to reduce distractions while driving and reduce accidental risks. Also, software development services, Generative AI-enabled consulting, model development and integration can prove to be beneficial for streamlined fuel operations, route optimization, reshaping businesses, maximizing ROI and leading to smarter and greener fleet management protocols. Please reach out to us at sales@kritikalsolutions.com to learn more about our fleet management solutions.
Pulkit Verma currently works as a Software Engineer at KritiKal Solutions. He is proficiently skilled in developing and integrating computer vision solutions and deep learning techniques demonstrating adeptness in addressing complex challenges. With his ability to work efficiently in teams and extensive contribution, he has assisted KritiKal in delivering various projects to some major clients.