Three ways fleet managers can be more effective in 2022
Delivery fleets faced huge disruption as the COVID-19 pandemic hit - but how has it changed the face of fleet management ?
Since the pandemic, fleet management has faced the pressures of logistics, day to day operations, and financial strain. As a result, they had to make changes in their fleet management operations to stay flexible and buoyant during unpredictable times.
To better understand what the post COVID-19 world may look like for fleets in 2022, we have put together three fleet management trends for you to consider.
Micro-fulfilment centres
While the ‘shop-local’ movement has been building for years, the pandemic appears to have pushed the trend to new heights. Today, 56% of consumers are frequenting neighbourhood stores or buying locally sourced products, according to Accenture’s findings on post-COVID purchasing behaviours that are poised to stick.
This trend of hyper-localisation is continuing to impact the way that Fleet Managers approach shipping and delivery. For example, retailers are trying to save on the cost of the last mile by maintaining higher volumes of inventory at local supply hubs, shortening the distance of last-mile and delivery routes.
To help make deliveries from local supply hubs as fast and efficient as possible Fleet Managers can utilise the HERE Technologies last mile application. This complete turnkey solution can help you optimise and plan your urban deliveries across any size fleet with a digital dashboard for Fleet Managers and a mobile app for drivers.
Working remotely
During the pandemic, many of us found ourselves working from home indefinitely - and Fleet Managers were no exception. According to a survey from April of 2020, close to three-quarters of fleet decision-makers said they were working from home, and two-thirds said it will become their new normal. Source: Fleet News
Managing a fleet remotely may understandably raise concerns about operational efficiency, driver safety, data access, and more. However, remote fleets can flourish when they are properly connected. Aside from pivoting to video calls and collaborative apps, remote Fleet Managers can utilise location technology to better support their team and enhance the overall driving experience.
For example, with the HERE technologies fleet solution, Fleet Managers working from their living room can compare drivers’ behaviours against posted speed limits, hazardous road conditions and rest times. They can also provide real-time feedback and individual safety scores.
Whether or not your Fleet Managers return to the office or continue working from home, the need for agile and accurate location-powered solutions will ensure operations stay safe, efficient and competitive.
Environmentally sustainable delivery
When the world went into lockdown, we saw how much the environment benefited from us simply standing still. You might have seen satellite images of Venice’s clear canals or photos of Chinese cities without their usual thick layer of smog. The example below from the European Space Agency showed us how pollution levels over Europe decreased during the pandemic.
New research conducted by HERE Technologies and Atos revealed that 41% of people are now concerned about the impact of online delivery on the environment, and 31% said they would pay a premium to ensure more environmentally sustainable delivery. Hence, routing tools that can help reduce emissions have become important for Fleet Managers.
Data from HERE on road conditions, for example, can help your fleet to save money on tyres and vehicle maintenance while also reducing fuel. Having this data means it is easier to report on emissions, and the impact your fleet is having on the environment.
How can Next Mile Location Technology help prepare your fleet for the future?
Next Mile Location Technology is a distributor of HERE Technologies in Australia and New Zealand. The team is well-equipped to help Fleet Managers leverage location intelligence in existing or new fleet projects and can offer discounted access to the HERE Technologies product stack - such as the fleet telematics solution.
If you would like to learn more about how HERE Technologies can help with your fleet planning or operations, have a chat with our team today.