How location technology can help navigate fleet in extreme weather
Extreme weather events are happening more frequently around the globe, and have cost the Australian Government millions in the past 12 months. In addition, these events take a toll on people and property, which is why many businesses need to manage the impact on their revenue streams.
Supply chain and long-haul trucking companies are among the most affected by unexpected weather events, resulting in delays in transportation of goods and products. Hazardous conditions make it difficult for all trucks to manoeuvre and stop. Yet, truck drivers often have to drive through dangerous conditions just to meet strict Estimated Time of Arrivals (ETAs).
Current challengers truck drivers face
Truck drivers aren’t generally required to follow planned routes in extreme weather. Fleet managers currently do not have the technology to calculate and compare alternative routes in anticipation of or in response to a weather event.
A number of drivers utilise free consumer apps, in the absence of a company provided driver application. These navigation apps calculate ETAs based on basic data, such as speed limits, real-time traffic and the distance to a destination.
Unfortunately, these apps do not give sufficient insight into route planning or offer information about the impact inclement weather is likely to have on their ETA.
How to solve these issues?
With better and more timely data, drivers would be able to make safer decisions and fleets can communicate delays and more accurate delivery times. Data-driven route planning saves fuel, prevents accidents and improves ETA’s.
Next Mile and its partner HERE can provide the latest mapping solution to improve business outcomes and improve driver safety with the HERE Platform. A location platform is key to develop the tools and applications that drivers and fleet managers need to reduce risks to fleet, personnel and cargo.
The HERE/Next Mile technology gives companies the flexibility needed to build contextually-aware apps that provide drivers with the right information at the right time.
With the HERE Platform, users can:
Access a comprehensive repository of weather information with sub-metre precision
Create customer datasets and increase geography coverage, density, quality and reliability
Build in-vehicle services and apps to recommend optimal routes using customer APIs that consider real-time weather and traffic conditions, vehicle height, speed limits, petrol stations and rest stops
Access alerts to drivers, dispatchers and fleet managers regarding road closures and hazard-related delays along the current path
For more information about how Next Mile can help you click here.