IN recent months when purchasing vehicles many fleets are starting to focus more on features such as technology to improve safety and driving better fuel economy as opposed to previous key drivers like driver performance, comfort and design. As technology becomes more affordable even the smaller fleets are starting to benefit from investment in this area.

But which of these technological advances can help to transform your fleet for safety and efficiency?

Connectivity

The internet has become a major communication tool as well as a source for data capture and reporting for fleets. As fleets continue to update their technology from 2G to 3G and 4G networks the benefits of faster data downloads and greater bandwidth become evident. From the integration of systems to manage their fleet purchases to monitoring driver behaviour and recording overall fleet vehicle information, connectivity and smartphone integration are set to increase in importance over the coming years.

Smartphone integration is of course always going to come hand in hand with the issue of safety when it comes to fleet management. However, if utilised correctly with a strict enforcement of policy on usage, then they do actually provide an almost complete office technology solution on the go.

Smartphone apps can also be utilised to provide quick information to drivers, such as locating the next available fuel station, finding the lowest cost fuel, locating hybrid charging stations, checking the weather conditions, or allowing fleet managers to communicate to the driver. Smartphone Apps have also transformed the taxi industry, with the likes of Uber, Hailo, Kabbee and Allocab enabling quick and easy booking of a taxi with online payments, which have quickly become a necessity amongst users.