What is Fleet management?
Fleet management is the process of managing a fleet of commercial vehicles that is owned by a company to make sure that the business runs smoothly. It can include five or more vehicles.
The main goal is to look for a company that comes within a budget and provides the utmost efficiency. It consists of commercial vehicles, drivers, and related assets including their operation, condition, and overall performance. It is used by both public and private industries their millions of vehicles are managed on some kind of software platform.
What Is a Dash Cam?
A dash cam is a video camera, also known as a car digital video recorder (car DVR), driving recorder, or event data recorder (EDR). It is fitted on the dashboard or windscreen of a motor vehicle and is used to record the traffic across the windscreen continuously.
They can also capture pictures and send them using 4G. A dash cam provides a carefree environment for the driver so that he can focus on driving without worrying about accidents. It can even work when the car surveillance system is off.
The Evolution of Dash cams:
The dash cam also known as a dashboard camera was invented in the early 1990’s. As it was flawed and expensive it didn’t gain popularity until the late 20th century with the revolution of technological advancement when it came with high-definition cameras providing footage of the exterior and interior of the vehicle, dual cameras, wider viewing angles, GPS, and impact sensors.
At first, it was known to very few nations but now dash cam has become crucial for every driver and insurance company as it provides various benefits to its consumers.
Is Buying a Dashcam Worth It?
When buying a dashcam for fleet management one may ponder over the cost as they are very expensive but it offers numerous benefits from providing details about the vehicle and road to the fleet manager to saving fuel and contributing to an eco-friendly environment which proves beneficial to the buyer.
How is a dash cam installed?
Before setting up a dash cam, you need to take care of these things:
LOCATION: Choosing the right location to mount a dash cam.
POWER SOURCE: Choosing a proper power source. A dash cam may vary as it comes in many models but, here is a quick and easy guide on how to install a dash cam:
1. Gather Tools: First of all, you need to gather all the tools that will help you in setting up a dash cam. That includes a screwdriver, cable clips, trim removal tools, and a power adapter that usually comes with the dash cam.
2. Find a Mounting Spot: Then you need to find a suitable mounting spot preferably near the windshield and under the rearview mirror.
3. Using Adhesive: Using a suction cup or an adhesive pad, mount the dash cam to the chosen location.
4. Connect the Cables: Connect the power cables to one end of the dash cam and another end to the car’s power outlet.
5. Adjust the Dash Cam: Adjust the angle of the camera.
6. Test the Test Cam: Start your car and make sure the dash cam starts recording automatically.
Benefits of Dashcam in Fleet Management:
Other than recording videos and taking pictures dash cams provide numerous benefits in fleet management to the fleet managers.
- Fraud Prevention and Insurance Claims:
Dash cam provides footage of accidents as a piece of evidence when claiming insurance after accidents.
- Safety:
As the dash cam comes with impact sensors it turns on the siren of the car when it detects unrecognized movements also the camera acts as a safety tool.
- Improved Driver Behaviour:
Dash cams are very helpful as they guide and train truck drivers. They help fleet managers identify where the driver needs more practice.
- Detects Fuel Efficiency:
As fuel costs a lot in fleet management dash cam monitors habits of the truck and driver that wastes fuel. By solving these problems fleet managers can save big on money and not only this but it can contribute to a better environment.
Dash Cam’s Role in Travelling:
Installing a dash cam in your vehicle provides peace of mind which acts as an extra layer of security by recording everything that happens on the road. It’s not only beneficial to the fleet management companies but also to the families as parents can easily monitor their children.
One of the perks of using dash cams is that they can record footage both inside and outside of the vehicle. Other than functioning as a cam recorder it also acts as a guide.
Choosing the Right Dashcam Solution:
A dashcam can cater to many needs of the fleet management company but one must keep in mind a few things when purchasing the dashcams for the fleet:
- Internet connectivity
- Resolution or image quality
- Artificial Intelligence
- A built-in gyroscope for harsh event detection
- Night vision
- Audio speakers and recorders
Environmental Impact and Sustainability:
As day-by-day environmental issues are rising and fuel is getting highly-priced, companies are seeking ways to engage in cheaper eco-friendly driving methods. As dash cam functions in monitoring fuel efficiency, it contributes to an eco-friendly and sustainable environment by reducing fuel consumption and decreasing CO2 emission. An eco-friendly environment can be achieved by following ways listed below:
- Training drivers.
- Using monitoring tools
- Planning efficient routes
- Maintaining vehicle
- Monitoring and reviewing
Cons of Dash Cams in Fleet Management:
Implementation Cost: Installing a dash cam in an entire fleet can be costly as it not only includes the camera but also its maintenance, installation, etc.
- Excess Data: Managing large amounts of data of the entire fleet can be overwhelming for fleet managers. Looking at hours and hours of footage can be time-consuming.
- Maintenance: Maintaining the entire slot of dash cams of the fleet can be expensive.
- Privacy Concerns: Some drivers may resist the installation of dash cams due to privacy invasion.
- Potential for Misuse: Sometimes dash cam may be misused by the drivers or the fleet managers.
- Dependent on Technology: As dashcams are software programs, the installer becomes highly dependent on technology.
Case Study and Success Stories:
Here are some of the popular success stories in the USA and Canada on how they benefited from using dashcams in fleets:
As the dash cams are now being used by a large number of companies and industries the sellers as well as the buyers have given a positive response and recommended this to their fellow beings.
One of the famous UK subsidiaries of the global doughnut enterprise saw an 80% drop in accidents and incidents frequency after the installation of dashcams.
A US and Canada-based trucking firm well-regarded for short and long-haul transport experienced an impressive 84.5% reduction in claims costs after installing dashcams.
The American concrete company reduces third-party claims by 75% after equipping its concrete mixer trucks with dashcams.
Future Trend and Innovation in Dashcam for Fleet Management:
Dashcams used to rely on map tracking and a lot of phone calls but with the revolution of cloud-based solutions dashcams for fleet management have become hassle-free and the future of dashcams in fleet management looks promising.
Telematics (i.e. communication in IT) has played a major role here by providing a source of communication in the fleet management businesses. It gathers data on everything from the device to every part of the vehicle such as the engine telling a fleet manager what needs maintenance and what does not.
The ongoing evolution of dashcam technology promises greater advancement in fleet management. From AI analytics to telematics dashcams have many features that can offer businesses vast amounts of perks. By staying up to date in this business fleet managers can make their business a great success in the coming future.
With the advancement of technology and innovative discoveries, the future of dashcams in fleet management is bright.
Conclusion:
A dash cam in vehicles works as a security system, fuel monitor, guide, and whatnot. Its role in fleet management is of utmost importance. It has transformed fleet management by providing fleet managers with numerous services and benefits.
Although this technology may have some demerits, in contrast to the number of merits it offers it far outweighs the obstacles.
Those businesses that invest in such equipment flourish in no time. They make their work hassle-free as they work smart and not hard.
