Stop Data Fatigue in Your Trucking Company
You stop data fatigue in your trucking company by consolidating, prioritising, and actioning the information that comes through. This can’t be done with fleet management software that simply feeds you tonnes of information. Use AI-powered systems that make sense of your data so you can actually do something about it.
Is it really helpful, or are we just being bombarded with information without the pragmatic tools to TAKE ACTION? Cartrack addresses this important question right here, so keep scrolling.
What is data fatigue in the trucking industry?
Data fatigue is when your trucking company receives a bunch of data about your drivers & vehicles without giving you context or the ability to take action. It also describes the problem of having disconnected data that isn’t coherent with other data. This leaves you without a “big picture” view of what’s going on or what to do about it.
In short: “Data fatigue is having information without insight.”
If you’re a fleet manager that uses a fleet management system, it’s probably an issue you deal with all the time. There are causes to this problem, and more often than not it’s the fleet management system you’re using.
Types of data that might be confusing you
When we talk about data, what are we referring to? Any information that’s fed from an IoT (Internet of Things) device to your fleet software platform is considered “data”, and it comes in different forms.:
- Video footage
- Location points on a map
- Alerts
- Vehicle diagnostics
- Fuel levels
- Vehicle speed, idling and sudden stops
- Routes and route deviations
- Fleet costs
- Delivery reports like invoices & PODs
- Vehicle access
- Points of interest and geofences
These are just SOME of the data points you’re probably dealing with. There are a lot more, and all of it can become too much—or hard to prioritise. This is known as “data fatigue”, and it can be prevented.
Is it time for an upgrade? You decide.
Are you ready to get more out of your FMS? Let’s see if it’s possible.
What causes data fatigue in logistics and what are pragmatic solutions?
Data fatigue can be caused by two things: a fleet management system that’s outdated or unable to interpret the data it collects, or the fleet manager’s inability to make sense of said data. AI has drastically changed the way data is interpreted, making it easier for fleet managers to make better organisational decisions—and provide justification for making them.
Which of the following data fatigue symptoms are you currently struggling with?
Lack of priority
One of the biggest challenges for fleet managers is organising their data so that small problems give way to more urgent ones. A truck driver that’s yawning isn’t as important as another driver that’s taking aggressive corners.
How can you know which one demands your attention more urgently?
The problem?
You’re sitting at your desk getting multiple real-time data feeds showing you where your truck drivers are, and what their respective trucks are doing. There are 36 trucks out at that moment, and 14 of them are sending you alerts.
You’re not sure which alerts are actually urgent and which can be addressed at a later stage. It’s too much, so you focus on a truck that’s idling for too long rather than the guy who’s about to fall asleep at the wheel!
The solution!
You just upgraded to Cartrack’s FMS, which allows you to set alerts according to priority. You’re immediately aware of the truck driver who’s just worked a long shift and needs to stop & rest before he causes a catastrophic accident. The driver that’s idling at a robot needs to be called and told to take a better route, but that can wait for now.
Data points that don’t talk to each other
Coherency is missing in many data-collecting FM systems. And it’s an underrated feature to say the least! Without coherency, all you have is information overload. The human brain can’t easily make connections between multiple data points quickly enough to make a real positive impact on their decision-making.
Do you have a big-picture view of your fleet right now?
The problem?
One screen shows you the location of all your drivers. Another is listing alerts that require your attention. Another is showing you different routes each driver is taking. You even have a dedicated screen showing you live driver footage.
All of this is valuable, but only if it’s connected. You begin to realise that your sole job as a fleet manager is wrecking your brain trying to connect the dots between locations, alerts, driver profiles, and camera footage. It’s all too much, and you end up wasting time.
Oops, you’re so distracted you completely forgot about that truck that needs a service! Guess that means logistical downtime… 3 deliveries will probably be late. Feeling overwhelmed yet?
The solution!
AI can see the connections between all your data points. It’s constantly running algorithms that provide calculated outcomes that are RELEVANT to what needs to be done. Take context, add prioritisation, and you have enough to make a quick decision that saves money, time, and reputation.
Oh and by the way… Don’t worry about that truck that needs a service. Your new FMS from Cartrack scheduled that for you automatically 2 weeks ago. It’s all taken care of.
Data that’s not actionable
Knowing and doing are two different things. Decisions need to be made, and it’s your job to make them. You might be aware of a collision 300 kms away in Lavumisa, but what can you realistically do about it from your office in Mbabane?
Do you have the tools to protect your drivers and your trucks if something bad happened right now?
How should fleet management software remedy data fatigue?
Effective fleet management software will remedy data fatigue by offering a system that’s comprehensible, coherent, and capable. These 3 Cs point to data that’s easy to understand, provides context, and is accompanied by tools that enable immediate action. Older systems that neglect these abilities will fall away as more advanced ones take their place.
Data that’s comprehensible
This has a lot to do with user interface (UI). This is where the data is presented on your screen. Does it make sense? Is it easy to interpret? If it is, you can make a quick decision. If it’s not, you’re actually wasting more time than you’re saving.
Cartrack offers a fleet management platform that’s compatible with your phone and PC. Information at your fingertips; 24/7. It’s not showing you irrelevant data—it’s showing you exactly what you need to know in real time, enabling you to make a call right there & then.
Data that’s coherent & connected
Your company spent good money for an FMS that provides different KINDS of data. This could be video footage, location data, driver information, vehicle diagnostics, and even delivery progress.
These points need to work together, or else it’s left to you to make sense of it all. Algorithms run by Cartrack’s AI fleet software will show you what’s URGENT, and what needs to be ACTIONED. Plus, it gives you the tools to take that action immediately.
Why?
Because it’s already made the necessary connections between all those complex data points. All you need to do is make a decision based on the simple-to-read information on your screen.
Data that’s capable of influence
While AI might make some of us apprehensive, it’s actually come a long way to make our lives a lot easier. This is especially true in the realm of fleet management, because AI tools are now automating much of the tasks you did before it arrived.
Not only are Cartrack’s vehicle camerasidentifying potential driving hazards, they’re also WARNING drivers of those hazards in real time!
Not only does our software predict your vehicle maintenance needs, it proactively SCHEDULES service appointments for you!
Get the picture? Cartrack is offering you software that TAKES ACTION—because let’s face it; you’re busy enough!
Which FMS in Eswatini provides INSIGHT over information?
If you’ve been paying attention, you already know that Cartrack is among the top fleet software management platforms that provide INSIGHT over information.
Is data important? YES! But not as important as context. Real life is happening all the time, and as a fleet manager, you’re responsible for so much.
Get fleet software that’s clear, simple, connected, and leads to action. Anything less is likely hurting your profits, placing your drivers at risk, and causing more problems than it’s solving.
FAQs
What can I realistically do if my truck driver is driving recklessly?
If your truck driver is far away and you notice they’re driving recklessly through your telematics system, you can either contact the driver immediately or rely on automated correction. For example: Cartrack offers cameras that speak to your drivers with alerts, telling them to correct their behaviour in real time.
How can truck drivers be held accountable for their driving actions?
Truck drivers can and should be held accountable for their driving actions with the help of telematics. This is a combination of vehicle diagnostics that’s coupled with vehicle cameras, giving you a full picture of what they’re doing. If a problem is highlighted, you can use irrefutable evidence in your training sessions to correct bad driving.
How do I protect my trucks from theft and GPS signal jamming?
Protect your trucks from theft and GPS signal jamming with the Cartrack Tag. This intuitive little device acts as a backup tracker for your vehicles because it’s easy to hide, and doesn’t rely on cellular signals to keep your assets visible. So if your tracking device is being jammed, we’ll still be able to track your vehicle.
