Revolutionizing Transportation with IoT
IoT or the Internet of Things represents the network of physical objects or things that are embedded with sensors, software, and other technology to connect and exchange data.
The use of such IoT devices in the business world is no different and these devices record and transfer data which is used to monitor processes, give insights, boost efficiency, and assist businesses in making informed decisions by identifying patterns and analytics.
This technology is reshaping the transportation industry and changing the way the transportation industry operates which includes compliance, logistics, supply chains & customer experience.
Ways in which IoT is transforming the Transportation Industry
Enhancing safety — IoT can address transportation safety measures. vehicles have sensors that can alert the driver to any potential hazard, traffic delays, etc. The United States Department of Transportation is working with car manufacturers to implement IoT tech and subsequently try to reduce car crash occurrences by 80%.
The use of intelligent transport systems for video surveillance can protect customers’ well-being by observing driver performance. The use of navigation sensors can help avoid routes that can be risky and minimize or eliminate crashes or accidents.
Asset tracking — Integration of IoT in the transportation fleet makes it easy for companies to track their vehicular assets. The data from such IoT sensors gives companies access to real-time information like vehicle location, speed, etc. IoT is also used for geo-fencing. Geo-fencing is an expansion of geo-location and it captures the location of a vehicle using precise coordinates. This ensures that any deviation from the scheduled route or unscheduled stops is reported in real-time. Delivery schedules can be managed to avoid work disruption once vehicle allocation is completed. IoT along with Integrated fleet management and ERP systems helps track vehicles in real time.
Vehicle maintenance — Fleet management and logistics are operations-oriented businesses. Vehicle maintenance is very important for the transportation industry and it’s essential to keep vehicles in tip-top condition. Since 1996, companies started the process of installing onboard diagnostic ports which could help the manufacturers and mechanics to get information about the vehicle’s internal condition.
This type of technology plays a very important and useful role in the transportation industry. Companies having vehicle fleets spend a huge amount of money on unplanned maintenance and vehicle breakdowns. Maintenance of the fleet is costly and can be tracked and monitored using IoT. It helps reduce maintenance costs and in keeping vehicles running for a longer lifespan.
A heavy haul transportation service, United Road, implemented Uptake Radar across its fleet. This has helped the managers and the technicians of the company have benefitted from pre-built data science models with maintenance insights to conduct preventive maintenance, prevent unexpected breakdowns, and increase mileage. It can combat late or missed deliveries, reduce the backlog, and manage unscheduled downtime.
Traffic maintenance — IoT can be used to enable smarter route mapping to avoid traffic congestion. With increasing sensors and camera-enabled vehicles on the road, It’s a perfect opportunity for businesses and transportation authorities to create systems that can help optimize routes in real-time without human input.
Sensor-based improvements — Sensor installation allows communication with the digital systems which allows improvement in many areas like customer service and internal management. Virgin Atlantic is using IoT in its Boeing 787 fleet. This has helped it optimize climate control in the cabin by strategic placement of temperature sensors across the cabin.
Public transit — More and more IoT devices are getting integrated into the public transit system, allowing transportation managers and authorities to evaluate footfalls and plan an increase or decrease in public transportation as per need.
Compliance- Using IoT with an Integrated ERP and fleet management system can keep a record of mishaps or accidents which can be used for legal purposes and insurance claims. Safety protocols and regulations, checklists, and government paperwork come within the scope of compliance. An integrated system can keep, and update records helping the business run efficiently.
To conclude, IoT in transportation has gained popularity. From remote monitoring and fleet control to accessing vehicle condition and health, passenger safety, etc. companies are using IoT in a variety of ways. IoT is helping make the transportation industry more streamlined and efficient. It’s helping reduce fuel consumption and the emission of harmful gasses into the environment. An experienced IoT application development services firm can help transform IoT app ideas into a reality. With cutting-edge technology, such firms can build IoT software solutions helping the client elevate the quality of services and become more efficient.
