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Prevent Idle Time for Your Fleet with Feedback and Real-Time Alerts

Did you know some vehicles idle for almost 3 to 4 hours a day? Can you imagine how much that can cost your fleet? Vehicle idling is an issue every fleet manager has to face, but thanks to telematics data from Anstel’s Connected Fleet solutions, it is possible to regulate this issue and bring down those expenses.

Why is idle time so high?

Before you know how to reduce idle time, you need to know why it exists in the first place. Each fleet is different from the other. For instance, long haul fleet drivers usually have higher idle times than those running a local route. Typical reasons for high idle time are:

  • Loading and unloading
  • Traffic
  • Toll booths
  • Document processing
  • Stopped to use a phone
  • Warming up vehicle’s engine or cab
  • Rest stops

Of course, you have to keep in mind that there are times when avoiding idling isn’t possible, such as at stoplights or stop signs.

How much does it cost you?

As mentioned, a large number of fleet vehicles spend at least 3 hours idling each day. But the idle time could go up to 8 hours per day as well! Excessive idling costs fleet companies almost $12,000 per truck annually. You lose a percentage point of fuel economy for every 10% of idle time. Here are the costs:

Additional maintenance expenses

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, excessive idling means more maintenance costs. These expenses go up by approximately $2,000 per vehicle per year. Idling causes twice the damage to internal components as compared to turning the engine off and on. Moreover, idling reduces the time needed between oil changes. More frequent maintenance also increases vehicle downtime, which has its own impact.

Running costs

For a commercial truck, the estimated fuel cost is around $70,000 annually, but idling wastes around 8% of those funds. The more vehicles you have in your fleet, the more you waste.

Environmental & health costs

Carbon dioxide generated due to the transportation industry account for more than one-third of total emissions. Increased idling diminishes air quality for drivers and the community. While eliminating emissions altogether isn’t possible, idle time can surely be reduced.

How to reduce idle time?

There are numerous actions you can take to reduce vehicle idle time and associated costs via Anstel’s Connected Fleet solutions. Take a look:

Monitoring driver behavior

Connected Fleet solutions record a lot of data about your vehicle, including how it is being handled by drivers. This includes braking, speeding, cornering, aggressive maneuvers, idling, and much more. Reckless or aggressive driving causes wear and tear to components much faster, thus increasing costs. This type of behavior, especially speeding, can boost fleet risk. If that isn’t bad enough, they also raise fuel costs and impact insurance premiums. Telematics data provides a detailed insight into the driver’s behavior. This information can be used to develop training modules, so they follow road safety rules on the road. For general fleet idling, this information helps you gauge how long your fleet idles and where.

Tracking idle time

Connected Fleet solutions let you set real-time alerts for driver behavior. In most cases, fleet managers use it to warn drivers if they are speeding. But alerts can just as easily work to stop idling. Telematics devices monitor engine diagnostics and have the ability to track idling time. If a vehicle idles for too long, real-timealerts can be customized and sent to the driver and manager, for stopping the engine.

Idle time reports

Using telematics, you can see how long a vehicle has idled, along with its location. Use these reports to understand where you can cut down on idling. It could mean getting an auxiliary unit for your vehicles. Alternatively, you might consider enforcing rules such as having drivers turn off the engine after few minutes of idling. Afterwards, you can use telematics data to ensure that drivers are following these rules.

Optimizing routes

Heavy traffic and congested roads are a huge problem for fleets. Connected Fleet solutions use sophisticated algorithms to map out every possible route to a destination, and then optimize them to create the most cost-effective route. Variables such as traffic, accidents, construction, and other disruptions, are factored in during route optimization. The route can be adjusted before or even during the trip. Less traffic means less idling too!

Geofencing

Geofencing is when you create a perimeter within which vehicles operate – you get an alert if they move in or out. Set a geofence around particular idling hot spots, and set real-time alerts, so you know exactly when vehicles enter and how they stay there.

Using Anstel’s Connected Fleet solutions, it is possible to prevent and reduce idle time, by providing feedback and real-time alerts. Thus, you save quite a bit of money in the long run, while profitability isn’t impacted.

How Real-Time Tracking and Tracing Can Improve Last-Mile Delivery Management?

Last-mile delivery is the last leg of the supply management chain that transports the package from the warehouse or sorting facility to the destination. Due to the pandemic, an increased number of people have begun to shop online even more than usual, which has put enormous strain on the last mile delivery system. To keep up with the competition, and maintain the speed and efficacy of deliveries, most companies have adopted certain methods like tracking and tracing.

Why is last-mile tracking and tracing important?

Customer expectations are rising, and so are their demands. Most of them want same-day deliveries or deliveries within an hour and two. Telling a customer “no” is the last option for businesses, which means they need to improve last-mile management, so deliveries are completed accurately and on time. This is where real-time tracking and tracing play an integral role. Using various tools and techniques, businesses can get access to real-time insights regarding the location of vehicles and the status of delivery. It provides precise information about delayed and on-time deliveries, so delivery stakeholders can boost KPI benchmarking and improve productivity. 

What are the benefits of last-mile tracking and tracing?

An advanced last mile software includes features like real-time tracking and tracing, which improves the whole process. Take a look:

Make the process more secure

Losing a shipment or misplacing it happens quite often, but customers will always blame the carrier. That is why implementing real-time tracking is a must – it ensures the safety of the package and lets the company trace it, in case it gets lost. Telling a customer that their package is “lost in transit” is simply not good enough. But if companies are able to track a misplaced shipment, then customers will understand the reason for the delay.

Companies should also offer a warranty for safe delivery. Having a local warehouse at every delivery point is essential to ensure the safety of the products while they are in storage. While logistics companies usually have their own warehouses in major cities, but not in local regions, it is advisable to rent a warehouse based on their necessity.

Track last mile carriers properly

Businesses have to achieve a perfect order index, which means improving the tracking of last-mile carriers is vital. Last-mile delivery software can help to boost carrier management by enabling end-to-end tracking of shipments. It provides critical data regarding core carrier KPIs such as time taken to complete a task, the number of successful deliveries, failed and delayed deliveries, route taken and diversions from the planned route (if any), driver productivity, material handling, and much more.

Effective route optimization

Using the route optimization feature, the last mile software maps out the most cost-efficient route(s) between two destinations. When drivers follow this route, it reduces delivery time and cost, as tasks are completed on time and failed deliveries are minimized. Deliveries are automatically assigned to specific drivers on certain routes to ensure faster processing.

Using the route optimization feature, the last mile software maps out the most cost-efficient route(s) between two destinations. When drivers follow this route, it reduces delivery time and cost, as tasks are completed on time and failed deliveries are minimized. Deliveries are automatically assigned to specific drivers on certain routes to ensure faster processing.

Allow auto-dispatch

Manually assigning deliveries is a near-impossible task if you are working on multiple deliveries along complex routes. Last-mile software helps to assign deliveries automatically, as mentioned above, and matches them to the right driver, depending upon the route. The efficiency of the algorithm has proved to be perfect, and they require minimal to no manual intervention. To maintain speed delivery, everything is regulated by these algorithms right from the dispatch process till the package reaches its destination. Customers get a message about the Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) of the shipment. They are also updated on any delays if any. It reduces failed deliveries, as the customer is present to receive the package

Get customer feedback

Customers can give their inputs regarding delivery and service – it is an important feature of real-time tracking. Thus companies can analyze their progress, find out where they went wrong, what they can do to improve, etc.

Real-time tracking and tracing of shipments can not only pinpoint the exact location of vehicles and shipments but improve the last mile delivery management as well. Customers will receive packages on time and give positive feedback, which not only means preventing revenue leakage but building upon credibility as well.

Last Mile Delivery Statistics

The future is now. At least when it comes to delivery, that is. With the evolution of e-commerce and the boom in online shopping, there has been a corresponding spike in last-mile delivery services like Postmates, Uber Eats, Grubhub, DoorDash, and others. This blog post will explore how these new companies are affecting traditional carriers like FedEx and UPS.

In the US alone, over $1 trillion of e-commerce purchases happen each year. That's a lot of people that are waiting on their deliveries! And with the rise in popularity of online shopping and an increase in demand for convenience (e.g. order now and get it delivered later), businesses are scrambling to find solutions for this problem before it becomes an epidemic. It's clear that something needs to change, but what? Here at Anstel Global, we've got you covered - our fleet drivers can deliver your package right up to your doorstep or even inside your home if you're not home!

The global Last-Mile Delivery Market was valued at USD 18.7 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach USD 62.7 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 18.9% (Globe News Wire)

The last-mile delivery sector in India is growing steadily and is expected to reach a market size of $6 billion by 2024 (Indian Express)

Over nine billion US dollars will have been invested in last-mile delivery startups in North America by 2020. In the same year, the region's last-mile delivery market was estimated to be worth 39.9 billion US dollars (Statistica)

Domestic parcel traffic increased to more than 24.8 billion units in 2020, up from 21 billion parcels the previous year (Statistica)

Global parcel and express volume growth rates have accelerated in recent years, reaching 5.6% in 2019. This is up from 4.3% in 2014 (Statistica)

The average last-mile cost incurred by organizations worldwide during 2018 was approximately 10.1 US dollars (Statistica)

In 2018, 19% of businesses preferred to deliver online orders directly to the retail storefront for same-day delivery (Statistica)

In 2018, last-mile delivery costs accounted for 41% of total supply chain costs compared to 13% for warehousing (Statistica)

Delivery costs are the biggest challenge for logistics providers in last-mile delivery in the US (Statistica)

The autonomous last-mile delivery market is expected to grow from $11.9 billion in 2021 to nearly $85 billion in 2030. The development of aerial delivery drones is driving the autonomous last-mile delivery market (Statistica)

The North American last-mile delivery market was valued at $31.25 billion in 2018. It is expected to hit $51 billion by 2022 (Statistica)

According to a 2020 global survey, parcel lockers and pick-up and drop-off (PUDO) services will grow the fastest. Aside from parcel lockers and PUDOs, other delivery options include in-car or home delivery (Statistica)

16% of retailers and logistics providers around the world believe that electric vehicles will become increasingly important in the coming years for last-mile delivery (Statistica)

In a 2017 global retail supply chain survey, retailers and manufacturers ranked cost reduction and margin improvement as their top last-mile priorities (Statistica)

Last-mile delivery revenue in Thailand increased 31.3% in 2020. It was also expected to rise by 19% in 2021 (Statistica)

The last-mile delivery logistics market is expected to reach 2.54 trillion Japanese yen in 2020. The COVID-19 situation drove demand for deliveries in 2020. The last-mile delivery market is expected to triple by 2023 (Statistica)

According to a 2017 retail supply chain survey, 66% of retailers expect next-day delivery from last-mile partners (Statistica)

In a 2018 survey, only 1% of respondents thought DHL had the best package tracking features among the major US last-mile delivery companies. UPS received the most votes (36%) (Statistica)

That concludes our roundup of last-mile delivery statistics.

Now I'd like to hear your thoughts on this list of stats.

Which statistic, in particular, surprised you the most? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.

What is the Role of Connected Logistics in the Pharmaceutical Industry?


Internet of Things (IoT) is slowly emerging to be a great disruptor because tracking sensors and smart devices have gained prominence in supply chains. These devices don’t have to be scanned like barcodes – they can transmit real-time data to other servers or devices within milliseconds. Real-time data is vital for pharmaceutical companies, as the manufacturing process is complex and sensitive, while product quality has to be perfect. Moreover, transportation has to be handled efficiently, with proper temperature range to be maintained in case of certain drugs and medicines. There is no room for error when it comes to production and delivery standards. This is where Connected Logistics plays an important role.

Why is Connected Logistics important in the pharmaceutical industry?


Drug production, which includes R&D, makes up a significant chunk of sales revenue for pharmaceutical companies. Manufacturing new drugs is a very complex process, and with a Connected Logistics solution, relevant data can be made available. It is to ensure that issues with formulations are proactively managed and batches are produced as per required standards.  Patterns or trends that can cause delays or slowdowns during delivery and inefficient processes can be identified beforehand, so corrective action can be taken. For instance, preventive maintenance cycles can be analyzed, set, and adjusted using smart devices. 

Manufacturing


Even though batch manufacturing is in current practice in the pharmaceutical industry, automation, and controlled techniques can be deployed for regulating the movement of personnel and materials. It will maintain safety and efficacy by improving visibility in various manufacturing activities. 

Warehousing


Organizations must avoid shortages, excess inventories, and wastages, both at the parent company, as well as all the locations it is present at several places. Connected Logistics allows better visibility via connectivity of multiple locations and better management of stock availability, facility, optimization, precautionary actions, and more.

Transportation


When it comes to a supply chain process in the pharmaceutical industry, the timely availability of stocks at consumer points is a very challenging task. But these smart devices allow time-to-time monitoring of movements of stocks and vehicles through the GPS system.

Last Mile


Using IoT devices, pharmaceutical companies can easily keep tabs on the shipment from the warehouse to the final delivery location (last mile). It can track temperature and product condition along the way too. Detailed shipment tracking information can be accessed on a single platform, such as departure and arrival of the shipment, real-time location, expected delays, etc.

Tracking


Due to smart tracking, the status and real-time location of the shipment are always visible. In case an item gets lost or misplaced in transit, Connected Logistics helps supply chain managers find out where the loss occurred, analyze the issue better and also track if the product has been stolen.

Control cold chain conditions


Temperature sensing tags are one of the crucial benefits of Connected Logistics. These tags continually record temperatures and environmental conditions – data is consistently uploaded to the cloud. For pharmaceutical companies, it extends visibility in virtually every area – development, manufacturing, transport, distribution, dispensing, and consumption. Real;-time data when combined with advanced analytics engines becomes the basis for making quicker and more accurate decisions. It helps to identify bottlenecks, verify product quality, and assure regulatory compliance. 

What can Anstel’s Connected Logistics help?


Real-time visibility into warehouse operations is a must, or else it becomes tough to track products, apart from unviable wastage of space and temperature variations while handling sensitive products. 

Warehouse management


Using smart sensors and cameras, the quantity of goods in storage facilities is always monitored. The system checks the quality of stock present in the warehouse. Perishable goods, erosive products, and bio-degradable raw materials can be analyzed by incorporating machine learning and computer vision technologies in warehouse management systems. 

Handling supply shortage


Connected Logistics helps to manage optimum inventories based on business rules defined by companies so planned decisions can be taken about manufacturing and sending out relevant products to the market. Thus, a stable supply of drugs is maintained, so needy patients can get them on time.

Improving security


Bidirectional communication is essential between the information seeker and IoT device – Connected Logistics makes supply chain security more robust by facilitating this. Tracking of the inventory, in regards to the location and current status of the package in transit, is vital. It can be enhanced using bar codes, RFID tags, and smart labels for packaging. The movement of drug inventory can be tracked at every point, thus potentially saving millions of dollars, while ensuring genuine products are delivered and deterring drug counterfeiters.

Dealing with transportation issues


During shipping and transportation, organizations obtain large amounts of information via technologies such as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chips and IoT devices in the carriage trucks, shipments, and individual product units. It allows all stakeholders to know the exact location and condition of goods. It means an increase in overall visibility and transparency.  With the help of Connected Logistics, organizations can plan bulk orders and shipments well in advance. A lot of information is being generated, and combined with real-time updates; it ensures there are no delayed deliveries.  The exact nature of data ensures businesses don’t make errors about the capacity of containers or trucks while creating size-related plans for individual batches of goods to be shipped at a given point in time.

Temperature sensing


Product degradation in transit means recalls revenue leakage and loss of credibility. It is necessary to keep tabs on the temperature of stored drugs in transit to ensure they are stable and within acceptable ranges till they reach the destination. If the temperature deviates from a specific range, an alert is immediately sent to the fleet managers. Thus, major issues could be prevented.


For instance, the need for cold storage transportation has been highlighted even more during the Covid-19 pandemic. Most of the Covid-19 vaccines have to be stored at near sub-zero temperatures as they are transported all over the world. Managing cold chain storage and transport becomes a critical task that can be resolved using Anstel’s Connected Logistics solution. Sophisticated technology continually tracks environmental conditions in cold chains during transport, thus guaranteeing product quality and efficacy, via environmental sensors integrated into product packages or pallets in shipment containers.

Preventing theft in transit


Pharmaceutical companies have experienced massive losses due to the theft of drugs in transit. It has also resulted in patients being deprived of timely receipt of drugs. GPS tracking and condition monitoring ensure real-time visibility and security during transport. The logistics team can analyze and compare data regarding the progress of the shipment from anywhere. Connected Logistics solutions can reduce time to market, prevent product damage and waste, and decrease carrying costs.

Fine-tuning last-mile delivery


Connected Logistics solutions can detect potential issues in delivery routes, weather conditions, and other aspects. It helps to create an efficient last-mile delivery system without delays. Critical drugs often have to be delivered within a designated time frame, and Connected Logistics ensures the shipment reaches the end customer as quickly as possible. This delivery process is important as it often results in the retention of customers and builds credibility. 


The ultimate goal is to ensure each part of the pharmaceutical industry’s supply chain becomes a cornucopia of data, which can be analyzed to optimize operations, decrease costs, and improve customer satisfaction.

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    How Anstel’s Autonautics Platform Adds Value to Your Business

    Managing a fleet is a tough task, as there are so many variables, data, and parameters that you have to work with. A robust Autonautics platform helps to track and monitor vehicles and driver performance, at all times. This kind of supervision is much needed since the fleet is involved in various scenarios starting from driving habits and incidents on the road to vehicle wear and tear. The system stores fleet data that includes vehicle specifications, service schedules, and insurance documents. Thus, fleet management becomes easier and you can access information more conveniently. 

    What can Anstel’s Autonautics platform do for you?

    Anstel’s Autonautics platform lets you efficiently manage your business along with its assets, by providing customized solutions as per requirements. Powerful devices and sensors provide data in real-time, which helps to make smart and informed decisions. The best part is that this platform can be easily integrated with existing processes, rather than having to start from scratch – Anstel prides itself on flexibility. It is a one-size-fits-all solution that can be scaled up as needed, so be it small startups, medium-sized companies, or large organizations, we have it covered.

    Why is Anstel more cost-effective as compared to other players in the market?

    We charge a one-time license cost that includes features like customization, data analysis, prescriptive analytics, driver feedback platform, and much more. There are no hidden charges – it is a one-time investment. Competitors might ask for lower license costs, but they charge for every feature/benefit separately. In the end, you end up paying an exorbitant amount, only because you wanted to shell out a lower amount for the license. Therefore, think of long-term savings and choose wisely!

    What benefits can Anstel’s Autonautics platform offer?

    • Complete visibility with streamlined data – access information in one place, and get a full view of operations to make data-driven decisions more easily.
    • One central dashboard – collect and manage data from one platform, so you don’t have to switch programs.
    • Scalability – Whether your business is a startup or an established company, it always needs to expand, so having a single unified platform helps to scale properly.
    • Reduce expenses and boost revenue – save money in regards to fuel expenses, vehicle repairs, labor costs, etc. Track down lost assets or stolen vehicles with tracking technology, while improving productivity at the same time. Prevent revenue leakage by ensuring on-time delivery and customer satisfaction.

    Anstel’s Autonautics platform is flexible, user-friendly, and adapts to any business model – to know more, get in touch with us right now!

    Connected_logistics

    Role of Connected Logistics in the Food and Beverage Industry

    Consumer behavior has undergone a rapid change due to the Covid-19 pandemic. As consumers stayed home for the better part of 2020-21, and even beyond, their preferences, habits and expectations changed. Needless to say, like every industry, the food and beverage sector has been affected too. Nowadays, what customers expect from this industry is very different from pre-pandemic times, and these trends are here to stay.

    Present challenges faced by the food and beverage industry

    Health Concerns

    Nowadays, consumers are extremely conscious about what they should eat and what is to be avoided. They are aware of food related disorders too. It has led to the role of food in the day-to-day progressing from beyond taste, to nutrition and wellness. 

    Manufacturers have been known to add sugar or other sweeteners to products. The alarming incidence of diabetes, obesity, and allergies has led to dairy, gluten, and sugar consumption being vilified. That is why product managers are now focusing on products that don’t contain preservatives and additives.

    The real challenge is to create tasty and nutritious alternatives without compromising quality of taste. Cost-effectiveness is also a crucial factor. Another trend on the rise is the demand for organic food due to positive health impact.

    Meat Alternatives

    A rising percentage of the population is becoming plant-forward, by reducing meat consumption. That is why, the demand for vegetarian and vegan products have gone up. Giants like SainsburyNestleandAldi are now launching meat alternatives at retail outlets. Main checkpoints include taste, texture, and nutrition. Yet another hurdle here is the time frame. With evolving expectations and demand, consumers and retailers alike are looking for new options.

    Sustainability

    Did you know 108 billion pounds of food is wasted in the United States every year[1] , according to Feeding America? According to food and beverage market research, it shows that sustainability is one of the critical challenges faced by the industry. It is imperative to streamline the supply chain to reduce waste, while coming up with alternative methods for packaging and energy sources to minimize impact on environment.

    Need for Transparency

    There are several ethical concerns plaguing the food and beverage industry. That is why consumers wish to be associated with brands that maintain transparency and accountability. International and fragmented supply chains often cause gaps in traceability.  Transparency covers a wide range of aspects starting from the source of fresh produce, type of farms, employees, and working conditions, to the type of processing, packaging, and more. Large brands can cover the gaps, but tier two and three brands have a hard time. Thus, it leads to a lack of transparency across the global food supply chain.

    What is the role of Connected Logistics in the food and beverage industry?

    When it comes to maximizing revenue in the food and beverage industry, it is imperative to maintain a focus on transportation and logistics. Accessing real-time data round-the-clock is crucial, and IoT plays an integral role in optimizing vital logistics and transportation operations. Using Connected Logistics, it is possible to form a centralized network that gives better visibility across the supply chain, helps to capture and share important data, and much more.

    Stellar Visibility

    Due to end-to-end visibility, small problems can be detected immediately, which allows timely decision-making. It combines an organization’s online presence with the physical stores and enables it to collect and make data available at key points in the supply chain. Using sensor-enabled IoT solutions, the location and speed of vehicles can be monitored at all times. This technology can monitor temperatures and send warnings, thus preventing wastage of perishable/FMCG products.

    Asset Management

    When it comes to delivering food and beverages on time, Connected Logistics plays an integral role in managing maintenance schedules, daily vehicle usage, and service routes. It helps to minimize fleet downtime, which is possible via IoT-based devices and sensors. Real-time equipment and infrastructure monitoring can be useful for precautionary measures to avoid future risks and revenue leakage arising from perishable/FMCG spoilage. Fleet management becomes easier, safety is enhanced, insurance-related costs are reduced, and the possibilities of damaged inventory decrease.

    Smart Warehousing

    Storing goods and managing stock levels are very important for FMCG/perishable goods. Connected Logistics supports seamless inventory organization by ensuring clear-cut transparency in several operations. IoT-enabled sensors help to keep tabs on inventory items, along with status and position. It monitors optimum temperature so products don’t get spoiled. If a particular unit has experienced a temperature drop or rise, the sensor sends out a warning right away. Connected logistics helps in smart warehousing to ensure the safe storage of items, which prevents losses.

    Completion of Tasks on Time

    Connected Logistics helps to identify bottlenecks that could cause the breakdown of assets. Using predictive and condition-based maintenance, it is possible to measure and analyze parameters that define the performance of vehicles. Thus patterns related to breakdown can be predicted. Real-time alert systems can be used to trigger warnings about unexpected malfunctions, which can be avoided via condition-based maintenance. It ensures there are no unprecedented delays in delivery, so customer satisfaction isn’t compromised. Predictive applications help to execute timely delivery operations.

    How Anstel Connected Logistics can help?

    For any company in the food and beverage industry, timing and efficiency is a must. Managing a facility with products coming in and going out can be a tough task without proper solutions. To streamline processes and increase productivity, Anstel’s Connected Logistics can be of immense help. It provides real-time fleet data and simplifies day-to-day tasks while helping companies boost revenue and cut down costs.

    Tracking Inventory

    When transporting food and beverage items, especially perishable goods, it is important that deliveries are made on schedule. Using sophisticated tracking technology, fleet managers view the location of vehicles in real-time and see where they have been throughout the day, week, or month. Automated alerts can be set up to send instant notifications when vehicles enter or exit specified locations, with the geofencing feature. Thus, fleet managers can ensure products are being picked up and dropped off without delays.

    Monitoring Temperatures

    There are several regulations in place when it comes to the safe transportation of perishable items. To ensure food and beverage safety, certain products must be kept in a refrigerated unit at specific temperatures.  Anstel’s Connected Logistics solutions can help to monitor temperatures using sensors. If temperatures move outside of a specified range, fleet managers receive an immediate alert.

    Remote monitoring is an added advantage during the pandemic, with distancing still being the need of the hour. Thanks to advanced sensors, fleet managers can keep tabs on inventory at all times. They can view a record of temperature readings for a particular time period as well. It helps to reduce product loss and improve shipment quality.

    Driver Safety

    Driver efficiency and optimized routes are a must to ensure flawless operation of the supply chain. Using real-time information, along with synchronized alerts, fleet managers can keep an eye on driving patterns. Be it harsh braking, rapid acceleration, or any other sign of reckless/aggressive driving, the system triggers a warning right away.

    Customer Satisfaction

    Supply chain management won’t work without on-time delivery, which negatively impacts customer satisfaction. Monitoring the performance of vehicles in their fleet allows food and beverage companies to identify problems such as common reasons for the breakdown of trucks during deliveries. They are able to predict patterns and make smart decisions regarding maintenance schedules, so customer satisfaction and on-time delivery are never affected.

    Food and logistics professionals can improve operational efficiency while boosting revenue and decreasing costs using Anstel’s Connected Logistics solutions. There will be plenty of future advancements when it comes to functionality and features, designed specifically for this industry, thanks to the rapid growth of the telematics industry.

    Connected-Fleet-Technology

    What is Connected Fleet in Logistics: A Brief Guide

    With the world becoming “connected” in every sense and digitization taking over all aspects of our lives, connected fleet technology is all set to take the automobile industry by storm. Effective implementation would totally revolutionize the way we drive!

    Read on to know more about

    What is connected fleet technology? 

    A connected vehicle utilizes wireless networks to connect to devices in its vicinity. Connected fleet technology is what creates connected vehicles that can predict each other’s movements and therefore avoid accidents by warning drivers about dangerous driving, slowing down, and overtaking. It delivers a variety of vehicle-related data that can be used to streamline fleet operations. Connected fleet technology can be used for the following purposes:

    • Vehicle tracking to pinpoint the precise location of vehicles, which includes geofencing and proximity search.
    • Route planning, scheduling, and dispatch.
    • Monitoring driver behavior – watching out for troubling driving patterns, mileage logging, expenses management, driver ID, working time, etc.
    • Promoting eco-driving.
    • Remote diagnostics and maintenance alerts. 
    • Order management, which includes, order entry, dispatch, order status information, electronic proof of delivery.
    • Reducing expenses related to fuel and idling.
    • Tracking and recovery of stolen vehicles.
    • Preventing unauthorized use of assets during and after work hours.

    How does connected fleet technology work?

    As of now, vehicles have to be linked up to the Internet, in order to be successfully connected. But in the future, cars could be connected by short-range radios for extra communication. This technology relies upon instant communication between vehicles in order to work effectively, but it needs to work universally too, regardless of vehicle brand, model, or location. 

    There are two kinds of systems being used in vehicles these days – embedded, which means the car is equipped with a chipset and built-in antenna, and tethered, where vehicles are integrated with hardware that connects to the driver’s smartphone. Connected fleet technology can be used to gain access to and send data, connect with other devices and vehicles via IoT, download software updates or patches, and provide Wi-Fi connectivity. Even telematics data can be accessed conveniently.

    Using connected fleet technology in fleet management

    Needless to say, connected vehicles will improve fleet management services by a great deal. Once vehicles are connected to the Internet, all information can be accessed swiftly by fleet managers. As mentioned, this technology can be used to access telematics data, so drivers get notified of vehicle health, along with potential problems. If a component needs to be replaced or a part isn’t working the way it should, proper maintenance procedures are a must, before they become the cause of accidents.

    It is highly likely that connected fleet technology will be seamlessly integrated into completely autonomous vehicle technology in the future. At first, drivers could still be required to fill a precautionary role in autonomous vehicles. This way, the transition from human-driven vehicles towards fully autonomous, driverless, technology, is smoother. When fewer drivers hit roads to carry cargo and more traffic is being supervised by autonomous programs, fleet management will become an even more important task within transport-oriented companies. The technology can effectively survey the status and health of its company vehicles via IoT. Even though route optimization does a great job, connected vehicle technology can be used to fine-tune the process, in order to find the perfect route to avoid traffic. 

    Take a look at how connected fleet can be beneficial

    Connected fleet is much more than just monitoring assets and drivers on a virtual map. It can be used for cost reduction, addressing maintenance problems, optimizing routes, and much more. Take a look:

    Cost reduction

    When drivers operate the vehicle recklessly or aggressively, it increases fuel consumption and results in premature wear and tear of components. But connected vehicles are equipped with vehicle tracking that alerts fleet managers whenever there is rapid acceleration, sharp turns, rough braking, and other troubling signs. The system also sends notifications about idling, so fleet managers can take preventive measures accordingly. Since you get regular updates about vehicle diagnostics, maintenance procedures can be scheduled. Predictive maintenance leads to great cost savings in the long run.

    Instant alerts about unauthorized use

    When vehicles are parked at work premises, parking lots, depots, or any other place, you will get instant notifications if they leave the area. This is where the geo-fencing feature plays an integral role. You can utilize it to ensure drivers don’t deviate from pre-determined routes while staying away from restricted areas. The moment a vehicle changes its route, you get a notification. Automatic alerts are also useful if someone is trying to steal the vehicle.

    Creating a safe work environment

    Since fleet managers are aware of the real-time location of assets at all times, a proactive approach can be developed to keep personnel and assets safe. If there is an emergency situation on the road, immediate help can be dispatched. To promote safe driving practices, you should constantly monitor speeding, hard braking, phone usage, and aggressive acceleration, and make good use of this data to target troubling driving behavior.

    Boost operational efficiency

    Using connected fleet technology, fleet managers can get crucial evidence when it comes to liability mitigation and root cause analysis. Important data like date, time, and location validation is important to prove or disprove a case, in case there is a dispute or accident that involves an employee. Basically, it helps managers with both backend and vehicular operational improvements to avoid potential breakdowns, repair costs, and coordination problems, which could affect customer delivery and result in damage to the bottom line and credibility. 

    Optimizing routes

    It isn’t possible to stick to fixed routes. Fleet managers should concentrate on scheduling routes that are not only fast but cost-effective as well. The tracking feature can predict where and when a truck will arrive at a location, meaning that coordinating the next load and keeping that truck moving efficiently is simple. Here too, geo-fencing is very useful as it helps to create a virtual map for vehicles to arrive and depart, so managers know when a certain vehicle enters and exits. 

    Offer better customer service

    At the end of the day, it is all about keeping the customer happy, which means shorter delivery times and premium quality service in one package. Since live tracking lets you know the precise location of fleets, you can provide updates accordingly. You don’t want to deal with angry customers asking when their shipment is due or why there is a delay. 

    How to integrate a connected fleet in your fleet management?

    A few years back, basic vehicle tracking was sufficient for businesses, but now there is a need for wider and clearer visibility across the entire fleet. A humongous amount of data is generated from vehicles, assets, and related systems, which are collated for making informed business decisions. Predictive analytics are also vital when it comes to maintenance issues, which helps to increase the lifespan of assets and keep them functioning for a longer period of time.

    When you integrate connected fleet technology in your fleet management strategy, it lets you view operations as a whole. Instead of focusing only on assets and vehicles, it enables you to visualize the entire workforce as a single entity, which means better fleet management and smooth business growth. 

    When it comes to managing drivers in the field, it can be quite challenging but mobile workforce management with the aid of connected fleet technology makes it simpler. For instance, you can create customized training plans for each driver to boost safety, as the technology lets you monitor their driving patterns consistently. You can even use a driver identification feature to find out which driver is behind the wheel of each vehicle and for how long. Integration of connected fleet means massive improvements in accountability, safety, maintenance, asset & vehicle management, cost savings, inventory management, payroll, and back-office operations. 

    Risk involved in connected fleet

    Connected vehicles can drastically lower the number of fatalities and serious injuries due to accidents on roads and highways. While the number of people surviving crashes has increased significantly thanks to airbags, anti-lock brakes, and other technology, it is imperative to implement solutions that prevent such crashes in the first place. 

    Connected fleet technology allows cars, trucks, buses, and other vehicles to "talk" to each other with in-vehicle or aftermarket devices that continuously share important safety and mobility information. This technology has more benefits than newer ones appearing in high-end vehicles such as radar, lidar, cameras, and other sensors. This technology has a greater range than onboard vehicle equipment that allows receiving alerts regarding dangerous situations. It gives more time to react and prevent accidents as it doesn’t rely on “line of sight” communications to be effective, unlike radar. So if a car ahead is braking hard on the other side of the hill due to an obstruction, you would still get notifications, even if you can’t see or aren’t aware of the hazardous situation. 

    Human intervention isn’t required to avoid collisions or detect failing engines. For instance, a truck hauling a load of perishables is cruising down the highway, but road conditions suddenly change, due to a patch of gravel up ahead. The car beside the truck bounces and swerves to the right, but the Connected Fleet technology in the truck senses it and automatically brakes, thus averting accidents. As smart cities build smart roads, those roads are being filled with smart vehicles. And those vehicles are becoming computers on wheels, using onboard monitors to track the location of the vehicle, its mechanical health, and the driver’s performance. Even though vehicles have transitioned from using basic GPS tracking, the GPS-enabled telemetrics still make up the crux of the connected fleet. 

    Did you know that nearly 40% of fleet managers consider “connected vehicles” as a must-have, as per a survey by Frost & Sullivan? The research firm predicts there will be 63.5 million trucks as part of the globally connected fleet by 2025. Safety benefits of the connected fleet are quite obvious, like collision mitigation systems that keep vehicles at a safe distance from each other, along with lane departure monitoring systems that can alert a driver operating on any road that a car is their blind spot. Apart from that, it helps to keep up with customer expectations, such as informing them when their package is due to arrive. 

    Apart from guaranteeing safety, a connected fleet also increases transportation options and reduces travel times. If traffic managers are able to control the flow of traffic better with the advanced communications data available and prevent or lessen developing congestion, it could significantly reduce fuel consumption and emissions. It has excellent potential to succeed and can be applied to conventional vehicles and self-driving cars. 

    The Future of Connected Fleet

    It is evident that the connected fleet will play an important role in the future. Here are the aspects to watch out for:

    • Capturing information – It allows fleet managers to access OEM-specific data that helps manage daily business decisions and long-term investments such as the total cost of ownership.
    • OEMs being embedded with telematics devices – Fleet managers don’t have to purchase and maintain extra hardware, no installation is required, and the system is easier to manage. Moreover, aspects like vehicle location, routing, fuel usage, and idle time can be monitored at all times.
    • Telematics service providers (TSPs) collaborating with OEMs – it is being done to improve data capture capabilities to benefit fleets by providing API connections for larger fleets, both directly and through telematics service providers.
    • Clear and actionable insights – With tremendous amounts of data being generated from fleets, the real value lies in turning that data into actionable insights that can help your business and make the process easier. It enhances productivity and allows better route optimization while helping to manage downtime and costs. 
    • Evolution of electric vehicles – This part is related to the total costs of ownership. While there could be fewer data to manage on some conventional fronts like maintenance and fuel costs, new data has to be factored in, around charging infrastructure, employee charging reimbursement, and management information.
    • The emergence of 5G – 5G networks continues to be deployed rapidly, so the Ericsson Mobility Report states that the automotive industry is expected to be among the Big Four for 5G enabled service provider opportunities by 2030. 5G, combined with 4G LTE services, greatly improves the potential for fleets as they become software-defined, network-aware, and ultra-connected

    Connected fleet technology helps to make timely and accurate decisions regarding fleet operations, utilization, driver behavior, cost reduction, and other crucial factors. It is convenient to integrate as well, so fleet managers can focus their attention on other important matters instead of tracking shipments or calling drivers to find out where they are.

    What is Connected Vehicle Technology and How Does it Work?

    With the world becoming “connected” in every sense and digitization taking over all aspects of our lives, connected vehicle technology is all set to take the automobile industry by storm. Effective implementation would totally revolutionize the way we drive!

    What is connected vehicle technology?

    A connected vehicle utilizes wireless networks to connect to devices in its vicinity. Connected vehicle technology is what creates connected vehicles that can predict each other’s movements and therefore avoid accidents by warning drivers about dangerous driving, slowing down, and overtaking. It has a wide range of applications such as syncing entertainment systems with smartphones or vehicles connected via the Internet that can communicate with other vehicles, mobile devices, and city intersections, as well.

    How does connected vehicle technology work?

    As of now, vehicles have to be linked up to the Internet, in order to be successfully connected. But in the future, cars could be connected by short-range radios for extra communication. This technology relies upon instant communication between vehicles in order to work effectively, but it needs to work universally too, regardless of vehicle brand, model, or location.

    There are two kinds of systems being used in vehicles these days – embedded, which means the car is equipped with a chipset and built-in antenna, and tethered, where vehicles are integrated with hardware that connects to the driver’s smartphone. Connected vehicle technology can be used to gain access to and send data, connect with other devices and vehicles via IoT, download software updates or patches, and provide Wi-Fi connectivity to passengers too. Even telematics data can be accessed conveniently.

    Using connected fleet technology in fleet management

    Needless to say, connected vehicles will improve fleet management services by a great deal. Once vehicles are connected to the Internet, all information can be accessed swiftly by fleet managers. As mentioned, this technology can be used to access telematics data, so drivers get notified of vehicle health, along with potential problems. If a component needs to be replaced or a part isn’t working the way it should, proper maintenance procedures are a must, before they become the cause of accidents.

    It is highly likely that connected vehicle technology will be seamlessly integrated into completely autonomous vehicle technology in the future. At first, drivers could still be required to fill a precautionary role in autonomous vehicles. This way, the transition from human-driven vehicles towards fully autonomous, driverless, technology, is smoother. When fewer drivers hit roads to carry cargo and more traffic is being supervised by autonomous programs, fleet management will become an even more important task within transport-oriented companies. The technology can effectively survey the status and health of its company vehicles via IoT. Even though route optimization does a great job, connected vehicle technology can be used to fine-tune the process, in order to find the perfect route to avoid traffic.

    Connected vehicle technology could help improve road safety

    Connected vehicles can drastically lower the number of fatalities and serious injuries due to accidents on roads and highways. While the number of people surviving crashes has increased significantly thanks to airbags, anti-lock brakes, and other technology, it is imperative to implement solutions that prevent such crashes in the first place.

    Connected vehicle technology allows cars, trucks, buses, and other vehicles to “talk” to each other with in-vehicle or aftermarket devices that continuously share important safety and mobility information. This technology has more benefits than newer ones appearing in high-end vehicles such as radar, lidar, cameras, and other sensors. Connected vehicle technology has a greater range than onboard vehicle equipment that allows receiving alerts regarding dangerous situations. It gives more time to react and prevent accidents. This technology doesn’t rely on “line of sight” communications to be effective, unlike radar. So if a car ahead is braking hard on the other side of the hill due to an obstruction, you would still get notifications, even if you can’t see or aren’t aware of the hazardous situation.

    Apart from guaranteeing safety, connected vehicles also increase transportation options and reduce travel times. If traffic managers are able to control the flow of traffic better with the advanced communications data available and prevent or lessen developing congestion, it could significantly reduce fuel consumption and emissions. It has excellent potential to succeed and can be applied to conventional vehicles and self-driving cars.

    How does Telematics Help the Auto Insurance Industry?

    Over the past decade, the auto insurance industry has hardly utilized telematics data to their advantage and also pass on further discounts to users. However with Autonautics it is going to undergo a massive change now. 

    Telematics data from Connected Fleet along with user-based insurance policies is having an enormous impact on the insurance industry when it comes to claims processing and ensuring driver safety. Insurers can now get access to data, which helps them increase their frequency of interaction and proximity with customers to offer extra services, improve profit margins via specialization, and understand customer behavior and risks.

    How does it work?

    Telematics collects data using onboard diagnostics devices, smartphone apps, smart tags, and other devices. These devices are equipped with an advanced GPS tracking system, motion sensors that provide information regarding impact on the vehicle (like in the case of accidents), a SIM card for transmitting data, and software that controls how the data is transmitted and analyzed.

    Telematics data is used to measure different aspects of a customer’s driving – it is then sent to the insurer. The company can then determine how safely the customer drives and adjust their premium accordingly. Nowadays, they are developing programs where drivers who adhere to road rules and safety standards are given rewards. Once they decide to renew the policy, telematics is used to calculate new premiums after checking the individual data about the customer's driving.

    What are the benefits of telematics for the auto insurance industry?

    Consumer demands regarding specialization and personalization are at an all time high. Telematics helps to develop user-based insurance (UBI) programs that match the present trend. Insurance companies use this data for assessing risk and calculating renewal premium costs. Insurers also take advantage of telematics when it comes to processing and managing claims.

    Yet another area where telematics is set to play an integral role is claim triage, analytics, and loss control. In fact, few insurance companies have already invested in this technology to track down stolen vehicles, provide necessary assistance after accidents, and gain a clearer insight of accidents to recover money from the individual who is responsible for it.

    It can provide contextual information regarding car accidents, which is important for the following reasons:

    • It helps reconstruct what actually happened, so customers reporting a claim know all the details (even if they are unable to recall exact details after an accident, as is often the case).
    • Telematics helps insurance companies understand how much of the claims process can be predicted and prevented.

    To put it in a nutshell, telematics helps to bring down costs of vehicle insurance, while boosting road safety by increasing driver awareness.

    How are insurance companies using telematics to their advantage?

    OBDII Device

    Companies have developed UBI programs that utilize an OBDII device plugged into the onboard diagnostic port of the car to collect mileage information and driver behavior data. Based on the collated data, customers receive coaching and feedback about their driving. If they drive safely, they can earn sizeable discounts too. 

    Data Usage

    Data collected using telematics can be extremely useful if you know what to do with it. Insurance telematics can offer companies a lasting competitive edge. Companies have devised a telematics solution to use data at various points of their value chain. For instance, when it comes to interactions with clients, they can boost the claims management process and offer users extra services with the help of collected data, such as quick roadside assistance. Here too, there is ample scope for recording trip scores and providing behavior-specific coaching.

    Teen Driving

    Accidents caused by teens have been increasing at an alarming rate. That is why, insurance companies have offered teenage drivers and parents the opportunity to get email or text alerts for monitoring harsh braking or acceleration, speeding, unauthorized driving times, and unapproved driving locations (via geo-fencing). There is a teenage driver coaching functionality as well. Real-time information about driving habits is provided through a web portal. Drivers who participate get a discount on their premiums for a particular time period.

    Apart from helping insurance companies come up with personalized offers and nurture customer relationships, telematics supports claim management and payment. Insurance carriers that execute a unique UBI strategy with the help of this technology can create powerful assets and gain competitive advantage using the data.

    How to Improve Customer Satisfaction Using Connected Fleet?

    For any company, customer satisfaction is one of the most crucial considerations. Regardless of any industry, if you can’t keep customers happy, your competitors will scoop them up, thus causing damage in terms of both revenue and credibility. It is necessary to ensure your customers feel valued. When it comes to logistics and fleet management, retention of customers is vital to achieving long-term success.

    What impacts customer satisfaction for fleets?

    There are numerous factors involved here, such as delivery delays, wrong orders, etc. Some of these can be affected due to external issues such as adverse weather, traffic, and bad road conditions. But there are internal aspects that you can control such as proof of delivery and transparency, price points, planning process and safety. Controlling these to the best of your abilities ensures you get repeat business time and again.

    The following are some of the reasons, why customer satisfaction is affected:

    • Damaged goods
    • Delayed delivery
    • Uncooperative drivers
    • No truck availability
    • Accidents
    • Vehicle breakdowns

    A single bad experience can completely spoil your relationship with the customer, so it is imperative to minimize these wherever possible. The objective is to keep customers happy and deliver quality service that ensures value for money. If there is a delay, no matter the reason, it leads to a dissatisfied customer and consequent loss of business. That is why regular feedback from clients is a must, so you can implement the right solutions. Installing a fleet management system, can provide you with necessary data to help identify where you can make improvements or respond quickly to situations when they occur.

    Is it possible to measure customer satisfaction via feedback?

    If customers consistently choose your service, spend more money on your business, and recommend you to their affiliates, it means you are doing something right.  If they are not satisfied, they will usually look elsewhere or indicate that you could be doing better.

    But then again, when it comes to client satisfaction, it is much better to be proactive than reactive. If you are aware about the problems your clients are having, you are much better placed to rectify those before they escalate. This can be done through the use of surveys, digital services that enable feedback on the spot and questionnaires, in which you can ask for suggested improvements and take feedback on board. If the feedback is good, ask the customer if you can use it for the next batch of marketing materials to drive home how much your company values those working relationships. What to do if the feedback is negative? Don’t fret – on the contrary, use this as a base for change, by going out of the way to rectify problems with customers early on.

    How to improve customer satisfaction levels?

    A huge factor that influences customer satisfaction is communication levels. Customers should know that you are available, and can be contacted when needed for support. Their package also needs to be delivered safely, in a timely manner, and at a reasonable price. On the other hand, if they have made a service appointment, the technician should arrive on time.  To put it in a nutshell, it has to be a perfect balance of convenience and cost.

    Using Anstel’s Connected Fleet solutions, your fleet can ensure customer satisfaction isn’t compromised in any way. As mentioned, being proactive is a must. For instance, if fleet managers realize a vehicle is stuck in traffic or has suffered a breakdown, they have to take proper action. It involves sending the customer a modified ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival), along with an apology regarding the delay. Thus, customers won’t be left in the dark, and they will be content with the service.

    Customer service means the difference between a lifelong client and a negative review that turns away hundreds of prospective customers. It costs six to seven times more to attract a new customer than retain an existing customer, so when customers switch companies due to poor service it is a costly mistake indeed. Here are a few ways to improve customer service:

    Accurate arrival time estimates

    Service and delivery appointments can leave customers frustrated if they don’t go as planned. For example, customers may rearrange their schedules to be home for an appointment, making delays extremely frustrating. Similarly, calling drivers multiple times per day just to get location updates is tedious and time-consuming. Telematics data through Connected Fleet solutions automates the process by offering access to real-time driver locations. Fleet managers can quickly check and provide customers with precise ETAs. Some companies might even automatically send a notification to customers when a driver is, say 10 or 15 minutes away or if there is an unexpected delay.

    Offering incentives to drivers

    Offer rewards and incentives to drivers who stick to safe driving behavior by following road safety rules and refraining from aggressive/reckless driving. This practice helps encourage safer driving and timely deliveries or appointments. It is a great way to ensure everyone fulfills their targets while reducing risk of accidents, speeding tickets, and other adverse traffic conditions. Companies can collect data from Connected Fleet solutions, regarding speeding, harsh braking, sudden acceleration, or other driving events. They can also measure fuel efficiency per driver, and real-time GPS locations can corroborate whether deliveries were on time. Telematics provides data and analytics to understand driver behavior, predict troublesome patterns, and develop training modules to correct it.

    No more mistakes in billing

    Several businesses experience seasonal fluctuations in demand, which means contractors have to step in from time to time. When that happens, it is necessary to ensure contractors are paid properly, to maintain the same level of service to customers. But then again, it is a huge challenge to track their tasks when they work in the field. Telematics can help generate reports that measure the number of miles driven or hours worked on a particular day. Meanwhile, GPS tracking makes it easy to verify their arrival and departure times. Thus, you can ensure that customer service related tasks were completed on time. It also lets you take action if contractors or even full time employees show up late.

    The benefits of Anstel’s Connected Fleet solutions extend well beyond customer service. In fact, implementing these solutions enables a rapid return on investment.  They are one of the most cost-effective ways to improve safety, boost efficiency, and help companies keep their costs under control.

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