How to Prevent and Manage Driver Fatigue for Safer Roads

Driver fatigue is a major cause of road accidents, especially for professionals who drive long hours. This guide explores how fatigue affects driving performance and the strategies and technology that can help manage it.

Understanding Driver Fatigue

What is Driver Fatigue?

Fatigue is a state of both physical and mental exhaustion that impairs focus and decision-making. Drivers are particularly vulnerable due to long hours and monotonous driving conditions.

Signs of Driver Fatigue

Recognizing the signs of fatigue is crucial in managing it. Symptoms of driver fatigue include:

  • Heavy eyelids or frequent blinking
  • Yawning or rubbing eyes often
  • Drifting out of lanes or tailgating
  • Difficulty remembering the last few miles driven
  • Reduced reaction time to hazards

Impact of Fatigue on Driving Performance

Fatigue greatly impairs a driver’s ability to perform safely. It slows reaction times, reduces awareness, and increases the likelihood of accidents. Fatigued drivers may experience microsleeps—short, involuntary moments of sleep that last a few seconds—causing them to miss crucial road signals or react too late to hazards. Research shows that fatigue triples the risk of road accidents.

Strategies for Managing Driver Fatigue

Managing driver fatigue effectively requires both individual and organizational efforts. Some key strategies include:

Taking Regular Breaks

Frequent rest breaks help drivers maintain alertness. Breaks every two hours of driving can significantly reduce fatigue.

Scheduling Driving Time Smartly

Drivers should aim to work during hours when they are naturally more alert and avoid driving during times when the body is programmed to sleep, such as late at night or early in the morning.

Maintaining a Healthy Sleep Schedule

Encouraging drivers to get at least 7–8 hours of sleep before long shifts is crucial. Proper sleep hygiene promotes better focus and reduced fatigue.

Training to Recognize Fatigue

Training drivers to recognize and report fatigue before it becomes a safety issue is key in preventing accidents.

Technology and Tools for Fatigue Management

Vision AI for Fatigue Detection

Vision AI is a powerful tool for detecting and managing driver fatigue. By using advanced video telematics, Vision AI can monitor drivers in real-time, identifying signs of drowsiness or inattention. This technology alerts fleet managers when a driver is at risk, allowing for immediate intervention and reducing the likelihood of fatigue-related incidents.

Vision AI: Key Features

  • Real-time fatigue detection: Identifies signs of fatigue, such as tired eyes or nodding heads.
  • Immediate alerts: Drivers receive instant notifications when they are at risk, giving them time to stop and rest.
  • Data integration with Unity: All data is synced with Powerfleet Unity, providing a centralized platform for managers to review and adjust driver schedules accordingly.

Powerfleet Unity for Centralized Monitoring

Powerfleet Unity plays a crucial role in integrating data from all business operations, including fatigue management. With Unity, fleet managers can monitor driver performance, analyse fatigue-related data, and ensure that the right preventative measures are taken. Unity’s unified platform also enables seamless reporting and compliance monitoring across all fleets, providing the oversight needed to mitigate fatigue risks effectively.

ELD Compliance

Another vital tool in fatigue management is ELDMiX Hours of Service (HOS), which helps enforce and automate driving, work, and rest- hour regulations. The correlation between the number of driving hours and fatigue-related accidents is strong. MiX HOSPowerfleet’s ELD monitors driver activity in real-time and provides detailed reports to ensure drivers stay within legal limits. This allows fleet managers to intervene if driving hours are exceeded, reducing the risk of fatigue-related violations.

Key Features of ELD

  • Reporting: Summarized, detailed reports that comply with regulatory standards, including driver logs and violations, can be viewed or sent via email.
  • Centralized Driver Management: Drivers receive performance scores with daily and weekly analysis, helping them understand their compliance within the organization.
  • Real-Time Alerts: Managers receive immediate alerts when drivers breach Hours of Service (HOS) limits, allowing for swift intervention.
  • Log Viewing and Editing: View and edit driver logs in real-time, ensuring full compliance with local regulations.
    Comprehensive Ruleset Support: Supports all regional HOS rules and allows for custom company-specific regulations.

Creating a Culture of Safety

Fatigue management isn’t just about technology—it’s also about fostering a safety-first culture within the organization. Encouraging drivers to prioritize rest and report when they feel tired without fear of repercussions is essential. Regular safety training and open communication about fatigue risks can reduce the pressure on drivers to push through exhaustion.

Regulatory Guidelines and Legal Responsibilities

Adhering to regulatory guidelines is another vital aspect of fatigue management. Compliance with Hours of Service (HOS) regulations, which limit the number of hours a driver can be on duty, helps ensure that drivers are rested and fit for the road. Using technology to track and monitor driving hours assists companies in staying compliant, reducing both fatigue-related risks and potential legal consequences.

Learn more about our safety solutions

The Powerfleet Driving Standard: Ensuring Safe and Optimal Fleet Operations

Driving safety and efficiency are critical for fleet success. The Powerfleet Driving Standard sets out the key practices to improve both, helping businesses reduce risk, enhance performance, and protect their drivers.

Key Safety Guidelines

  • Seatbelt Compliance
    Every driver must wear a seatbelt at all times. It’s a simple action that saves lives.
  • Distraction-Free Driving
    No mobile phones or other distractions while driving. Stay focused, stay safe.
  • Adhering to Speed Limits
    Follow posted speed limits, especially in high-risk areas such as school zones and construction sites.

Optimizing Driving Efficiency

  • Smooth Acceleration and Braking
    Avoid rapid acceleration or harsh braking. This reduces wear on vehicles and improves fuel efficiency.
  • Maintain Consistent Speed
    Cruise control is your friend. Keeping a steady pace reduces fuel consumption and prevents unnecessary strain on the engine.
  • Idle Reduction
    Limit idling to save fuel and reduce emissions. Turn off the engine during extended stops.

Fatigue Management

  • Take Regular Breaks
    Rest every two hours or 100 miles to stay alert. Fatigue is a major contributor to accidents.
  • Follow Work Hour Regulations
    Ensure driving hours comply with legal limits and company policies to avoid overworking.
  • Monitor Driver Fatigue
    Utilize Powerfleet’s Vision AI to monitor driver alertness and ensure timely intervention.

Vehicle Maintenance and Pre-Trip Inspections

  • Daily Vehicle Checks
    Inspect tyres, brakes, lights, and fluid levels before every trip to ensure the vehicle is roadworthy.
  • Report Issues Immediately
    Any vehicle defect, however small, should be reported and addressed before resuming operations.
  • Proactive Maintenance
    Adhere to scheduled maintenance to prevent breakdowns and ensure vehicle longevity.

Leveraging Technology

  • Powerfleet Unity Integration
    Powerfleet’s Unity platform provides real-time insights into vehicle performance, driver behavior, and route optimisation, helping ensure compliance with the Driving Standard.
  • AI-Led Monitoring
    Harness the power of Vision AI for in-cab monitoring and alerts on unsafe practices like distracted driving or fatigue.

Conclusion

By adopting The Powerfleet Driving Standard, businesses can enhance safety, reduce operational costs, and promote a culture of responsible driving. Let’s make every mile a safe one.

Driving into the Future: How AIoT is Transforming Fleet Management

The transportation and logistics industry is at a pivotal crossroads. As global demands increase and technological advancements accelerate, fleet managers face the pressing challenge of adapting to an ever-evolving landscape. Enter the convergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), collectively known as AIoT—a transformative force poised to revolutionise fleet management.

The Rise of AIoT in Fleet Operations

AIoT represents the fusion of AI technologies with interconnected IoT devices, enabling systems not only to collect and exchange data but also to analyse and act upon it autonomously. In the context of fleet management, this means vehicles, sensors, and operational systems working in harmony to improve performance without constant human intervention.

Enhancing Safety Through Intelligent Systems

Safety remains a paramount concern for fleet operators. AIoT technologies can significantly reduce risks by:

Predictive Maintenance: IoT sensors monitor vehicle health in real-time, while AI algorithms predict potential failures before they occur, preventing accidents and costly downtime.

Driver Behaviour Analysis: Advanced systems assess driving patterns, providing feedback and coaching to promote safer driving habits.

Real-Time Hazard Detection: AI-powered vision systems can identify road hazards or risky driver behaviour, issuing immediate alerts to prevent incidents.

“We believe that integrating AIoT into fleet operations isn’t just about technology—it’s about creating safer roads and more responsible businesses. Our upcoming Vision AI Risk Manager system, which we’ll be monitoring live through the Unity Operations Centre, is a testament to how intelligent solutions can make a tangible difference in daily operations. While it will be available to customers starting January 2025 and is currently compatible only with our latest camera models, we’re excited to showcase its potential to revolutionise fleet safety.” says Brendan Horan, Managing Director at Powerfleet Africa.

Optimising Efficiency with Data-Driven Insights

Efficiency is no longer just about reducing fuel consumption; it’s about holistic operational excellence. AIoT enables:

Dynamic Routing: AI algorithms process traffic data, weather conditions, and delivery schedules to determine the most efficient routes.

Load Optimisation: IoT devices track cargo conditions, ensuring optimal load distribution and reducing spoilage or damage.

Resource Management: Intelligent systems allocate resources where they’re needed most, from fuel usage to driver assignments.

Combating Fuel Theft and Enhancing Security

Fuel theft and unauthorised siphoning pose significant financial risks. AIoT solutions offer robust security measures:

Real-Time Monitoring: Sensors detect unusual fuel levels or unauthorised access, triggering immediate alerts.

Geofencing and Location Management: AI systems establish virtual boundaries, notifying managers when vehicles deviate from designated routes or areas.

Incident Analysis: Post-event analytics help identify patterns or vulnerabilities, informing future preventative strategies.

“Security is a critical concern for our clients. That’s why we’re launching the Unity Operations Centre, which exemplifies how AIoT is driving this change and setting new benchmarks for safety, efficiency, and real-time decision-making. The Vision AI Risk Manager, a core feature of the Centre, is an intelligent driver assistance system that uses AI-powered analytics to assess driver behaviour in real-time. It delivers proactive safety alerts and recommendations to mitigate risks such as driver fatigue and risky driving behaviour. Coupled with the TankSafe system to protect against fuel theft and intelligent tracking systems for in-warehouse operations, these technologies underscore the practical impact of AIoT on everyday business functions,” says Horan.

The Impact on Warehouse Operations

Fleet management extends beyond the road. In warehouses, AIoT technologies streamline operations by:

Automation: AI-powered robots and machinery handle repetitive tasks, increasing speed and accuracy.

Inventory Management: IoT sensors track inventory levels in real-time, while AI predicts demand, optimising stock levels.

Challenges and Considerations

While AIoT offers immense benefits, integration isn’t without challenges:

Data Security: Protecting sensitive data from cyber threats is crucial. Robust cybersecurity measures must be in place.

Infrastructure Investment: Upfront costs for implementing AIoT technologies can be significant, requiring strategic planning and investment.

Skill Gaps: Workforce training is essential to manage and maintain advanced systems effectively.

Looking Ahead: A Unified Approach

The future of fleet management lies in unifying operations through AIoT. By breaking down silos between on-the-road and in-warehouse activities while integrating data from third party data sources, businesses can achieve unprecedented levels of efficiency and insight. Collaboration with industry partners, embracing innovation, and committing to continuous improvement will be key drivers of success.

As we navigate this transformative era, embracing AIoT is not just an option, it’s imperative for staying competitive and setting new industry benchmarks. Fleet managers and industry leaders must proactively engage with these technologies to unlock their full potential.

Protecting Your Workforce: A Guide to Workplace Heat Standards

Enhancing Safety: Your First Priority

With the rise in global temperatures, understanding workplace heat standards is paramount. Heat-related illnesses are a significant risk, especially for new employees. In fact, OSHA reports that 70% of heat-related illnesses occur within an employee’s first week on the job. 

This staggering statistic underscores the need for robust heat safety protocols and vigilant monitoring during the acclimation period. But what steps can employers take to safeguard their teams against these risks?

The Importance of Acclimation

Acclimation, or the process of allowing the body to gradually adapt to hot conditions, is vital in preventing heat-related illnesses. New employees are particularly vulnerable as their bodies have not yet adjusted to the environmental and physical demands of their new roles. Employers should implement a structured acclimation period, gradually increasing workloads over a week or two to help new hires adjust safely.

Key Strategies for Heat Safety

  • Regular Monitoring: It’s essential to monitor new employees closely during their first week. This includes not only observing physical signs of heat stress, such as excessive sweating or dizzinesss, but also maintaining regular check-ins to ensure they are feeling well.
  • Training and Education: Equip your workforce with the knowledge they need to stay safe. Training sessions on recognising the symptoms of heat stress, the importance of hydration, and the need for regular rest breaks can empower employees to take proactive steps in maintaining their health.

Leveraging Technology for Heat Safety and Compliance

Running an operation is expensive, but monitoring machine usage can help you cut costs in key areas. By identifying inefficiencies and preventing unnecessary repairs, you can reduce energy consumption, lower maintenance expenses, and even save on insurance premiums. With these savings, you can reinvest in your operation and drive further growth.

In addition to these safety strategies, leveraging advanced technology can significantly enhance your workplace’s ability to manage heat risks effectively. For instance, Powerfleet’s cold chain solutions, designed for monitoring and managing temperature-sensitive cargo, also offer valuable applications for workplace safety. 

With real-time tracking, asset monitoring, and environmental sensors, these solutions can be adapted to monitor workplace conditions, detect dangerous temperature rises, and ensure compliance with safety standards. By integrating these technologies, businesses can proactively manage their environments, reducing the risk of heat-related illnesses and enhancing overall safety measures.

Additionally, taking these steps, businesses can reduce the risk of penalties and enhance their reputation for workplace safety:

  • Hydration and Rest Breaks: Access to water and shaded rest areas can significantly reduce the risk of heat stress. Encouraging regular breaks in cooler areas helps the body recover and reduces the overall impact of heat exposure.
  • Heat Risk Assessments: Regularly evaluate the workplace for heat hazards. Use heat index charts to assess risk levels and adjust work schedules accordingly. On days when temperatures soar, consider modifying tasks to reduce physical exertion or shift work hours to cooler parts of the day.
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): In some environments, PPE such as cooling vests or breathable clothing can help reduce heat retention. It’s crucial to select PPE that balances protection with the need to minimize heat stress.

Why Workplace Heat Standards Matter

Employers have a responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of their employees, and this includes protecting them from heat-related illnesses. With proper planning, training, and monitoring, businesses can create a safer, more comfortable working environment, even in extreme heat. By adhering to OSHA guidelines and prioritizing acclimation, employers can significantly reduce the risks associated with heat exposure, fostering a healthier, more productive workforce.

As temperatures continue to rise globally, the importance of workplace heat standards cannot be overstated. By implementing these best practices, employers can ensure their teams are not only safe but also prepared to handle the heat with confidence. Let’s commit to creating safer workplaces by understanding and addressing the risks associated with hot weather. After all, a healthy workforce is a productive one.

Stay ahead of the heat wave and learn more about our Cold Chain solutions: https://www.powerfleet.com/powerfleet-cold-chain/.

How Monitoring Machine Usage Can Transform Your Operations

Enhancing Safety: Your First Priority

In any operation, safety is paramount. When you’re not fully aware of how your machines are being used, you risk overlooking potential hazards that could put your team in danger. Monitoring machine usage allows you to proactively identify and address these risks, creating a safer environment for everyone involved. Imagine the peace of mind that comes with knowing your operation is not just efficient, but also safe.

Powerfleet Unity’s livestream data helps you improve driver coaching and performance, leading to fewer road and warehouse accidents

Reducing Downtime: Keep Your Machines Running

Unexpected downtime is one of the biggest disruptors to productivity and profitability. When machines break down unexpectedly, it can throw off your entire schedule, leading to missed deadlines and lost revenue. By monitoring your machines, you can detect early signs of wear and tear and schedule maintenance before a breakdown occurs. The result? Less downtime, more uptime, and a smoother operation that keeps you on track.

With our live engine diagnostics and planned maintenance alerts, you can reduce downtime and prevent breakdowns. With instant notifications about any potential vehicle health issues, you can prioritize repairs based on importance.

Boosting Efficiency: Optimize Your Operations

Efficiency is the backbone of a successful operation. When machines are underperforming or not being used to their full potential, it can create bottlenecks and slow down production.

With our Dormancy Analysis, you can obtain visibility over dormant resources, helping you optimize how and when machines are used. This data-driven approach enables you to streamline processes, reduce waste, and maximize productivity.

Cutting Costs: Save Where It Matters

Running an operation is expensive, but monitoring machine usage can help you cut costs in key areas. By identifying inefficiencies and preventing unnecessary repairs, you can reduce energy consumption, lower maintenance expenses, and even save on insurance premiums. With these savings, you can reinvest in your operation and drive further growth.

Staying Compliant: Avoid Costly Penalties

The insights gained from monitoring machine usage are not just useful in the short term—they provide a foundation for continuous improvement. By regularly reviewing the data, you can identify trends and areas for further optimisation, allowing you to refine your processes and stay ahead of the competition. Continuous improvement is the key to long-term success, and monitoring your machines is the first step on that journey.

Driving Continuous Improvement: Never Stop Evolving

Every safety event is meticulously documented, capturing breach location, time, and driver identification. This valuable data provides management with insights and analytics for coaching best practices and refining overall safety management strategies.

In conclusion, by leveraging AI-enabled vision technology, it provides real-time alerts and comprehensive detection capabilities, ensuring a safer and more efficient workplace. Implementing Powerfleet’s advanced safety solutions can significantly reduce pedestrian accidents, promote a culture of safety, and enhance overall operational efficiency. With Powerfleet, every step in your warehouse is a step towards a safer future.

Your Path to Better Operations

Monitoring the use of your machines is more than just a good practice—it’s a game-changer for your operations. By enhancing safety, reducing downtime, boosting efficiency, cutting costs, and ensuring compliance, you can transform your business into a well-oiled machine that’s ready for anything. Don’t wait for the next breakdown or safety incident to make a change—start monitoring today and watch your operation thrive.

Boost your equipment’s lifespan — explore our maintenance solutions.

Preventing Pedestrian Accidents

Why Pedestrian Proximity Detection is Crucial

Warehouses are bustling arenas where the interaction between pedestrians and industrial vehicles can lead to serious accidents. These incidents not only endanger lives but also disrupt operations and affect morale. The need for a robust safety solution has never been greater.

Powerfleet’s AI-enabled vision system rises to the challenge, proactively preventing accidents by identifying potential risks and alerting both operators and pedestrians to imminent danger.

Key Features of Pedestrian Proximity Detection

The Eyes and Ears of Safety

Equipped with up to three vehicle-powered cameras, each with a 120° field of view and advanced artificial intelligence, Powerfleet’s system acts as a vigilant guardian. These cameras continuously monitor for potential hazards, providing comprehensive detection and enhancing overall safety measures.

Sounding the Alarm

When danger is detected, the system’s front and rear indicator lights activate, emitting both visual and audible warnings. This dual-alert system ensures that operators and pedestrians are promptly informed of potential risks, allowing for immediate action and preventing accidents.

Seamless Integration with Fleet Safety Solutions

Powerfleet’s system seamlessly integrates with existing telematics solutions, offering detailed monitoring, mapping, and analysis of safety incidents. This integration enables management to identify high-risk areas, implement effective safety protocols, and make informed decisions to enhance safety.

Universal Protection Without Special Apparel

In our narrative, there’s no need for warehouse staff to wear special apparel or tags. Powerfleet’s system ensures universal and reliable safety, protecting everyone within the facility without additional gear.

Capturing the Story: Event Documentation and Analytics

Every safety event is meticulously documented, capturing breach location, time, and driver identification. This valuable data provides management with insights and analytics for coaching best practices and refining overall safety management strategies.

In conclusion, by leveraging AI-enabled vision technology, it provides real-time alerts and comprehensive detection capabilities, ensuring a safer and more efficient workplace. Implementing Powerfleet’s advanced safety solutions can significantly reduce pedestrian accidents, promote a culture of safety, and enhance overall operational efficiency. With Powerfleet, every step in your warehouse is a step towards a safer future.

Chassis, anyone? How one company made today’s supply chain and logistics complexity into a differentiator.

Are you in transportation and logistics?  Feeling pressure to do more…with less? Then let’s talk about transforming your fleet.  

Whether you’re the fleet manager or part of the executive team, we know you’re constantly seeking ways to optimize operations. Whether trucks, trailers, chassis, cargo, or a mix of all of it – your fleet has immense potential in this area – so much that it can make or break your business! 

Traditional approaches don’t cut it anymore. Without real-time visibility into vehicle and equipment locations and status, it’s a struggle to make informed decisions. Inefficient utilization leads to unplanned equipment rentals, wasted resources, and increased costs. But there’s a solution: real-time, decision-grade insights. 

What exactly does this mean? It’s advanced monitoring, visibility, maintenance, and performance data that unlocks new levels of productivity and cost-effectiveness.

The North American Chassis Pool Collective (NACPC), a chassis manufacturer and lessor, is an example of how to make your data work for you. They revolutionized how they track their fleet’s whereabouts and kept up with their customers’ growing demands for chassis. 

Navigating crowded sites and demanding supply chains isn’t easy. Especially for NACPC’s extensive fleet of chassis going to and from multiple sites every day. A clear understanding of the precise location and status of equipment is crucial. Gone are the days of uncertainty about whereabouts, availability, and utilization. NACPC has a bird’s-eye view of the fleet’s movements at the speed of business, enabling timely and informed decisions to keep operations running smoothly. 

It’s all about leveraging data to optimize fleet performance. 

No more guesswork. No more manual data collection. It’s just confidence from smooth, informed decisions! Real-time insights are a game-changer in the world of fleet management. By partnering with Powerfleet, NACPC unlocked a new level of efficiency and experienced numerous benefits.  

Through data analytics, enhanced tracking and monitoring capabilities, increased efficiency, seamless integration, and exceptional customer service, NACPC maximized their operational effectiveness. Real-time insights empowered NACPC to make informed decisions, optimize their fleet utilization, and stay ahead of the competition. As technology continues to advance, harnessing real-time insights will remain key to unlocking efficiency and driving growth in the ever-evolving logistics industry. And while the technology is a game changer in itself, you need not take this journey alone.

According to NACPC’s COO, Jeffrey Dudenhefer, “[Powerfleet’s GPS portal] is probably one of the easier ones to manage. But, it’s the people who make the company, in addition to a quality product. Our goal is to keep trucks on the road with quality equipment and not on the side of the road getting repaired. Powerfleet helps us do that.” 

Want to start your own journey? Learn more about NACPC’s path here

Navigating the rise of Electrification

Electric vehicles (EV) adoption is growing. In fact, in the state of California, all new cars, trucks, and SUVs will eventually be required to run on electricity or hydrogen. Infrastructure to support EV growth and adoption is critical. It creates opportunities for businesses to navigate the adoption of EVs in their operations smoother and possibly create a competitive advantage if the right information, processes, and tools are in place.

Let’s take a closer look at how you can strategize your transformation to EV.

The increase of Electric Vehicles

The electrification of commercial midweight and heavyweight vehicles — UPS step vans, boxy linen trucks, port haulers, garbage trucks and tractor-trailers — is gaining momentum. Nearly every truck maker is getting in on the action. Regulators and advocates are seizing on them as an effective lever against climate change. In fact, electric vehicles made up 7.2% of global car sales in the first half of 2021, up from 4.3% in 2020 and 2.6% in 2019, according to data from research provider Bloomberg New Energy Finance.

Just last year, President Biden set a target to make half of all new vehicles sold in 2030 zero-emissions vehicles, introducing a $7.5 billion plan to build a network of 500,000 chargers to accommodate them. Then you have California, who will require all new cars, trucks and SUVs sold in the state to run on electricity or hydrogen by 2035 in an ambitious move away from gasoline-powered vehicles and the pollution they emit. If the policy works as hoped, California will cut out emissions from vehicles in half by 2040. Other states are expected to follow suit, further accelerating the production of zero-emissions vehicles.

These requirements will come in phases starting in 2026, and will take 13 years to become fully effective, but the challenges to meeting them will be great. The California Energy Commission expects EV to add only a small amount of power use in the next 10 years,  estimating that 3.7 million light-duty EV will be in use in the state in 2030, accounting for only about 2.6% of electricity use during peak hours.

David Reichmuth, a Senior Engineer for the Union of Concerned Scientists, believes EV charging can be timed to off-peak hours, especially during the day when wind and solar power are more available. “Utilities will be able to send messages to cars to start or stop charging depending on electricity demand,” he said.

As of now, 17 other states have adopted California’s greenhouse gas emissions requirements, most on the coasts. In total they account for about 40% of all U.S. new vehicle sales. The state of Washington has already started the process to follow the EV sales requirements, and others are expected to. It will take more time for other states to go through the process, and many don’t have the electric vehicle demand or charging infrastructure that California does.

PHOTO: ELECTRIFY AMERICA

The challenges from the growth of EV

So who is affected by the changes that EVs are creating? If you’re a trucking company, field service, utility, telecom, food delivery fleet, or a business that runs and operates class 1-8 vehicles, odds are you are going to need to make the switch to EV to help create a better environment.

The most common challenges from EV are:

  • California electrification legislation
  • Infrastructure challenges
  • EV is 6’ longer and heavier than gas powered vehicles
  • Brown outs
  • Limited charging stations

Another challenge the growth of EV presents is high-voltage interconnections. Grid connections will need to deliver huge amounts of power at one place, at one time.

The National Grid recently released a study about the future power needs on highways, estimating that by 2030, half of fuel stops would top 5MW peak demand, triggering upgrades that could take 4-8 years to build and cost tens of millions of dollars.

A few of the big charging challenges that will need to be addressed include:

  • Gas stations not including EV charging and future and grid connections are usually reserved for factories and stadiums
  • Utilities aren’t set up to be proactive
  • Grid infrastructures will have to upgrade multiple times over short time periods
  • What’s considered fast-charging for cars could be a trickle for semi-trucks

Executives need to be prepared to advance their own green agenda to align with government mandates and consumer pressure. Companies that invest in technology solutions that help them uncover key information about their fleet usage and about available power sources will be better prepared and gain a competitive advantage. By working in conjunction with your technology provider, your journey to electrification is achievable.

The opportunities for those adopting EV

You can get ahead of the curve with a trusted partner on your transformation to EV. With a SaaS fleet intelligence platform and data technology strategy, companies can not only gain insights around their fleet, but also EV infrastructures, and charging stations.

Powerfleet is here to help customers who plan to make the transition to EV. Our solutions help:

  • Gain visibility into fleets location and status
  • Manage utilization and maintenance
  • Improve fuel or power management and sustainability initiatives
  • Increase operational efficiency and profitability
  • Connect all resources under one single pane of glass
  • Ingest livestream data and applies AI and ML to provide multi-dimensional KPIs to reduce costs
  • Increase visibility to spot inefficiencies before they lead to costly mistakes
  • Convert numbers and statistics to powerful decisions
  • Capture key data to extend battery life and improve sustainability within fleets

We recently launched our fleet intelligence platform, Powerfleet Unity, that unites people, assets, and IoT data together to transform the way you do business. The Powerfleet Unity platform enables rapid and deep integration with IoT devices and third-party business systems to a highly scalable data pipeline that powers artificial intelligence-driven insights to help companies save lives, time, and money. Powerfleet has brought in data from our own devices to move forward with other API integrations to provide the best insights to our customers. By combining information from vehicles and EV infrastructure with data from other sources such as weather, traffic, and road conditions, we help empower our customers to be more efficient and cut waste and costs. Powerfleet Unity was designed to support organizations’ transition to EV with hundreds of EV data elements to optimize fleet planning, battery range, EV safety, and maintenance.

The Bottom Line

Although there are obvious tactical challenges for companies considering electric vehicles, there are opportunities with the right partner by your side.

If you’re interested in learning how Powerfleet can assist you on your journey to EV, contact us to schedule a conversation today.

 

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Do You Have Indatagestion?

Indatagestion can be a severe condition that affects the overall health of an organization and its employees. Typically, it’s the result of too much data flooding into an organization with no ability to process and make sense of the data. Indatagestion can cause lower profitability, asset bloat, and executives who struggle with brain fog and anxiety when faced with decisions or opportunities.

According to Bernard Marr in his Forbes article, “A company’s ability to compete will increasingly be driven by how well it can leverage data, apply analytics and implement new technologies.”

Indatagestion is widespread and felt by 80% of global workers sapping team energy, reducing revenue and draining profitability. It is treatable.

“Eight out of 10 global workers are suffering from information overload due to siloed data in too many places, along with poor data access and governance.” 

  • Datanami article, August 2022

Symptoms

Symptoms of Indatagestion include:

  • Spreadsheet Shock Headache.  You stare at multiple spreadsheets with millions of rows and can’t make sense of it causing stress induced headaches.
  • Brain fog. Slow to process situations or make decisions because the amount of data is overwhelming.
  • Declining profitability. Inability to make data-based decisions causes loss of margin and revenue.
  • FOMO (Fear of Missing Opportunities) – Constant anxiety knowing there is opportunity in your data but you can’t access it.
  • Asset Bloat. You find yourself with too many assets because of poor allocation and a weak maintenance program.
  • Flat Feet. Often, organizations will find themselves flat-footed and unable to move in dynamic environments.
  • Nausea. You feel as if you want to vomit.

Causes

Indatagestion has many possible causes. Often, Indatagestion is related to weak or poor systems and lack of real time data but can be triggered by new competitors or unplanned events that force course corrections. 

  • No strategy or systems to handle massive amounts of data
  • Lack of integration capabilities to use multiple data streams
  • Improper hardware and software strategy deployment
  • Wrong or lack of a strategic data partner

Diagnoses and Treatments 

The  World Institute for Indatagestion (WII) reports that treatment is available from an advanced platform built by a long and strategic partnership between Israel and the United States – Powerfleet Unity. Indatagestion is serious and represents a mortal threat to organizations everywhere. The key is to treat Indatagestion early and not let it spread and consume the organization.

Important Safety Information 

Powerfleet’s Unity SaaS platform is a prescription medication that may cause serious side effects, including:

  • Data-driven decision making
  • Increased profitability
  • Improved visibility and productivity
  • Increased employee satisfaction and retention
  • Delighted customers

The Bottom Line

If you’re suffering from Indatagestion you are not alone! Powerfleet can help. Learn more about how you can cure Indatagestion here.

Where to Focus in an Uncertain Economy

Managing and pivoting during uncertain times is no stranger to business leaders. Leaders have been challenged with navigating through an unprecedented pandemic for more than two years now, but the year ahead looks a little bit different. Headlines are focused on global unrest, projected recessions, soaring inflation, volatile fuel costs, supply chain issues, and more. Where should business leaders focus their efforts for 2023 with all of these issues looming?

It’s important to recognize that instability can lead to immense opportunity for businesses. History has shown this happens time and time again. So, how can businesses prepare to come out of 2023 on top? It’s all about focusing on the right places. According to Forbes, the three main areas companies should invest in include those that maximize revenue growth, profitability, and resilience. But, what does that look like in practice?

Let’s take a look at these key considerations to best plan for 2023.

Make The Right Investments

To maximize revenue growth, profitability, and resilience, companies that selectively reduce costs and invest in future growth significantly outperform those that ubiquitously cut costs.

Professor Pankaj Ghemawat, in his 2009 MIT Sloan Management Review article, “The risk of not investing in a Recession”, cautions that those firms who do not invest during a recession might incur far-reaching disadvantages that might eventually prove insurmountable.

Investment in digital transformation is the key to cost reduction during downturns. Selecting the right technology with the right technology partner can help usher in more visibility, agility, and efficiency. Companies that leverage analytics to get a better understanding of business operations will be best positioned to further examine areas for improvement and uncover long-lasting competitive advantages. 

During the 2007-2009 Recession, companies that prioritized early cost restructuring, starting with implementing emerging digital technologies, accelerated profitability during and after the recession. Bain published an article in 2019, encouraging companies to anticipate future downturns by adopting digital technologies. Its authors stated, “For companies anticipating the next recession, digital technologies will provide new ways to move faster and simplify their businesses with both step-change and continuous improvements.” 

Transform Operations from Manual to Automated 

Past recessions have put a positive spotlight on the Internet of Things (IoT) and big data powered by cloud technology that helps drive adoption of automation which ultimately sets up more efficient operations. Real-time IoT data provides the ability to assess situations faster and eliminate manual and oftentimes labor intensive practices. 

For example, a common scenario for Powerfleet customers is the need for visibility into the location and status of their mobile assets. They may conduct physical asset checks by employees that are time-consuming and prone to human error in the record keeping. Those valuable labor hours could have been better utilized elsewhere. By investing in a real-time visibility solution, day-to-day processes and tracking capabilities improved.

Technology with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are leading areas that can also help reduce costs, optimize expenses and give your company agility and adaptability to a changing economic environment. AI can remove manual operations to reduce human error and increase efficiency.

Without advanced modular solutions, data science, and AI-driven insights, companies will be forced to make decisions blind, which could have drastic negative operational and financial impacts. Those poorly informed decisions, in times of uncertainty, could be what makes or breaks those in 2023. 

Looking Ahead – 2023 and Beyond 

Investment in IoT can transform your business and provide near-term payback and longer-term return on investment to help your company succeed even in down-turn markets. It is crucial that the implementation and rollout of IoT technology solutions is successful to reap the benefits and promise of IoT. That’s why working with a partner with the experience and teams in place to act as an advisor to help with the implementation process should be part of the section process.

For companies that have already invested in IoT technology for digital transformation of their operations, workforce safety and management, and compliance, they should look to their providers for additional advancements that may be available. Areas where companies can examine to get more out of existing systems are in sensor data, third-party data integrations, microservices, and trend analytic or data science reporting. 

Powerfleet is a global leader of IoT software-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions that optimize the performance of mobile assets and resources to unify business operations. We help drive digital transformation through our customers’ and partners’ ecosystems to help save lives, time, and money. We recently launched our new fleet intelligence platform, Powerfleet Unity, that unites people, assets, and data together to transform the way you do business. Powerfleet Unity’s extensive integration library of data sensory device types coupled with Powerfleet’s modular, business performance improvement solutions allow customers to receive rapid speed to value and deliver dramatic positive change to their business. Powerfleet Unity will also offer customers data extensibility by exposing the platform using extensible microservices and open APIs to make integrating to external systems and leveraging their own data quick and easy.

The Bottom Line

Economic downturns are the most challenging phases for any organization. It’s during these times that it is vital for companies to invest in technologies that will help data informed decisions. Companies must leverage the uncertainty of the market to push forward with changes. They must invest in proven technologies to accommodate for the copious changes on the way and create space for long-lasting growth. IoT and telematics solutions can help increase efficiency through better fuel economy and asset utilization as well as improve safety and security. By enhancing your safety, productivity, cutting costs, and improving customer service, implementing IoT technology will better position your company to not only survive a downturn but thrive.

Contact us today to discuss your business objectives so we can help your organization thrive in the year ahead. Our tenured and talented team can help you and those at the heart of your organization focus on what matters most as you prepare for 2023. 

 

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