Integrating advanced technologies is a continuous trend gaining momentum and traction, bringing tremendous growth to this industry.
Let’s review some of the most powerful technologies that can contribute to the transportation industry by improving safety, productivity, and cost-efficiency:
- Artificial intelligence
- Machine learning
- Robotic process automation
- Strategic route optimization.
- Digital twin technology
- Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the imitation of human intelligence in machines programmed to think like humans and imitate their actions. The term can also be applied to any machine that exhibits features associated with human intelligence, such as learning and problem-solving.
Certain classes of artificial intelligence, such as rule-based expert systems and machine learning, are used to solve logistics and supply chain problems.
AI-based configuration optimization
Powerful route planning algorithms can significantly improve route performance and customer service.
However, because these algorithms are highly flexible, they can be complex and require a deep understanding of how they work and what parameters are used. In addition, the configuration is affected by data, business goals, and constraints.
You can run multiple business scenarios and easily apply the proposed configuration with the best performance in a production environment.
- Machine Learning
Machine learning (ML) is the study of computer algorithms that are automatically improved over time.
Artificial intelligence is seen as a subset of it. Machine learning algorithms create a mathematical model from sample data, referred to as “training data,” to generate predictions or judgments without being explicitly programmed. Machine learning algorithms are utilized in various applications, such as email filtering and computer vision, where developing traditional algorithms to do the essential tasks is difficult or impossible.
Machine Learning to Calculate Estimated Time of Arrival
Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) calculation is significant to help companies manage route fulfillment and inform customers about delivery status. A lot of information is used to calculate ETA, such as the road network, planned and actual delivery times, and traffic.
However, other factors such as driver capability, vehicle type, geography, customer location, and weather can significantly affect the ETA calculation.
- Robotic Process Automation
Robotic Process Automation (RPA) uses technology-driven business logic and structured inputs to automate business operations. A corporation can use RPA technologies to set up the software to record and understand applications to execute transactions, alter data, trigger replies, and interface with other digital systems.
RPA applications range from sending an automated email response to deploying hundreds of bots to automate operations in an ERP system.
Robotic Process Automation (RPA) – Route Based Planning
The route planning process is more than just “hitting the optimization button.” Good planners use several methods beyond optimization to achieve the best results, and it’s important to standardize the planning process for all planners to ensure consistency.
- Strategic Route Planning
Strategic route planning is a process of technology-enabled route planning that determines the optimal mix and placement of resources (e.g., distribution centers, fleet size, and drivers) to meet customer service and financial goals in light of service policies and operating practices.
Strategic route planning is necessary to understand the best approaches to entering new markets or consolidating acquisitions.
- Digital Twin Technology
A virtual process, product, or service model is referred to as a digital twin. This fusion of the virtual and physical worlds enables you to evaluate data and monitor systems to detect problems early on, save downtime, develop new capabilities, and even plan for the future using simulation.
The digital twin strategy, which involves constructing a virtual but dynamic picture of fleet operations, is a helpful tool for better understanding how it functions now and in the future. An organization can use a digital twin to track performance, predict the effects of changes, discover areas for better performance or customer service, and test different operating models.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, using advanced technologies for fleet maintenance can help improve fleet efficiency, simplify processes, and cut the costs of repairs.
Partnering with a trusted software development vendor with profound expertise in fleet management solutions can help you harness technology to streamline all parts of your organization.