Revolutionising Efficiency: How AI is Transforming Fleet Management

Once just a science-fiction pipedream, artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming part of the everyday for almost every industry on the planet. In healthcare, machine-learning algorithms are delivering everything from improved early-disease detection to customised treatment plans designed for each patient's unique physiology. In finance, AI is helping identify suspicious transactions and enable faster, more accurate trading and risk assessment. In agriculture, security, retail, education, energy and even entertainment, the technology is being used to unlock previously untapped possibilities.

The story is no different in the transport and logistics game. Thanks to AI, fleet managers now have access to tools that are transforming the management of vehicles and helping to deliver better outcomes across the board.

Telematics systems: enhancing fleet management

Fleet telematics systems – which track a vehicle via GPS while allowing the capturing and transmission of a range of data from the vehicle – have been giving fleet managers access to an ever more sophisticated array of information about their fleets since the 1990s, helping them make better-informed decisions about everything from routing and workflow scheduling to order management and maintenance.

Today, the best fleet-telematics systems harness AI-powered software to not only track and analyse more data than a human ever could – from engine diagnostics, run time and fuel usage to idle time, driver hours, dangerous-driving events and much, much more – but report on that data in a digestible, user-friendly way. They can recognise hidden patterns in data and provide insights, recommendations and predictions.

The potential efficiency gains of this technology should make any fleet manager sit up and take notice. Verizon, a leader in connected mobility platforms for industries that manage vehicles and equipment, predicts AI could add US$13 trillion to global economic output by 2030.

Adiona Tech's FlexOps platform

In the here and now, NSW-based start-up Adiona Tech is already transforming the profitability of local fleets with its AI-based 'FlexOps' route-optimisation platform. Originally developed to optimise delivery routes for Coca-Cola Europacific, the start-up's technology now helps a range of small and large fleets around the country set the best paths for their drivers.

One client, courier company Home Delivery Services, has improved its delivery-in-full, on-time (DIFOT) rate to 99.5%, cut planning time by 80% and saved more than 3000 litres of fuel since switching to the platform. While water-delivery firm Neverfail has reported a 48% reduction in average delivery-drive times, a 36% reduction in average distance travelled by drivers and an 11% reduction in the overall cost per unit delivered since making the change.

FlexOps includes specific algorithms for electric vehicles (EVs) to help companies already using EVs or wishing to make the most efficient transition to the technology. FlexOps can even help a company determine if e-bike delivery is viable for the business.

Enhanced driver performance with AI

Beyond allowing fleet managers to optimise the efficiency of their operation with its unprecedented data insights and recommendations, AI is being combined with video-based telematics systems to give drivers real-time feedback and predictive advice, further compounding the improvements.

Teletrac Navman's AI-enabled fleet-management platform leverages cameras to detect undesirable or risky driving behaviour while providing real-time alerts, not only helping drivers improve their efficiency but also reducing the likelihood of being involved in traffic incidents.

Queensland-based Jarratt Transport Solution now uses this system and even gives its top-performing driver each month a $500 bonus, saying the outlay pales alongside the 3000 litres of fuel it saves each month through better driving behaviour.

^Disclaimer

^{Viva Energy Australia Pty Ltd (“Viva Energy”) has compiled the above article for your general information and to use as a general reference. Whilst all reasonable care has been taken by Viva Energy in compiling this article, Viva Energy does not warrant or represent that the information in the article is free from errors or omissions or is suitable for your intended use.}