Managing Data And Analytics To Navigate The Information Highway

By Henry Popplewell, President, SkyBitz

The data landscape for fleet managers and transportation companies has grown immensely in the last decade, and, as a result, mountains of data are more accessible. With so many new capabilities and a plethora of information available, carriers and shippers are demanding more types of data points as well as more dynamic reporting options. Many companies use reporting every 10 minutes – this means that every 10 minutes, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for a year, information will be updated. For fleet owners, the volume of data can get overwhelming. But there are effective ways for fleet managers to gain valuable insights about their cargo by analyzing the right data to improve efficiency.

Not too long ago, asset-tracking technology companies primarily focused on location-based information. Now there is an upward tick in customers who are eager for not just basic tracking, but “smart sensor data” that reveals a wide range of information about the status of a trailer or container. These “smart trailers” are intelligent enough to provide updates about loads, maintenance needs, travel routes and any required details about asset/cargo status. In addition, to mitigate one of the most expensive maintenance items on a trailer, fleets benefit from tire pressure sensors combined with real-time location data to avoid costly tire-related roadside service calls and premature replacements.