The digital revolution has been a part of almost all sectors and industries worldwide. Characterized as a union of technologies that is blurring the lines between the physical, digital, and biological spheres, this technological innovation is boosting productivity, opening newer markets and driving economic growth. Thus, after sectors like education, agriculture, healthcare, automobile, etc. the latest domain to reap the benefits of this digital development is the trucking industry.
But, before dwelling into its advantages, let’s first understand what digitization means for this business and how it is changing the heavy duty commercial truck industry? Digitized trucking systems comprise a comprehensive system controlled by technology. This includes autonomous communication, remote diagnostics, and a similar virtual supply chain through GPS tracking, SMS, and real-time data analysis. Through this technology, companies can also live-track the vehicle as opposed to the conventional method of knowing the whereabouts at the starting and the finishing point of the journey. This continuous monitoring and collection of data have resulted in increased efficiency, safety and savings for the sector.
Owing to these impressive features, the trucking industry in India has readily accepted digitization. In fact, many companies providing medium duty trucks in Punjab and other parts of the country are investing in this form of intelligent monitoring that is enabling easy management of drivers, vehicles and their cargo. Further, digitization is not only helping in improving the last-mile delivery experience for customers but also facilitating businesses to streamline the process, right from the point of choosing the truck company until the end of delivery of shipment.
So, let’s determine the benefits that have led to the Indian truck industry accepting digital technology-
The continuous goal of all transportation companies is to reduce operating costs. Through digitization, the truck industry can reach this fundamental goal by simply staying connected to the driver through apps installed on a mobile or tablet. This communication allows the fleet managers to update the driver instantaneously on the traffic conditions and advising them to detour or reroute them around heavy traffic which thereby, saves unnecessary fuel consumption.
Hence, by implementing digital technology, corporations can now manage their fleet and drivers optimally. Moreover, they can also meet customer demand with existing assets and thus, can find opportunities to grow their business.
Digitized trucking enhances and boosts efficiency and productivity by streamlining daily operations. With easy to maintain electronic logs, drivers now have more control over their daily routines, which thereby helps them to plan their schedule better. This increased efficiency thus leads to job satisfaction for them. Another advantage of automated technology for this group is that companies can directly stay connected to the drivers, which consequently reduces the number of intermediaries in the system resulting in seamless collaboration.
One of the biggest pain points of the trucking industry has been the inability to track the vehicle during the journey. But, with digitization, this crucial gap can now be addressed. Through real-time integration, the companies are now able to monitor and control the various processes like vehicle operations, routing, scheduling, speed, the temperature of the cabin, etc. regularly, leading to an increase in overall productivity. This integration has further enabled the trucking companies to provide complete transparency and control of the freight to the external stakeholders, resulting in better service.
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For instance, if a truck is carrying perishable goods that need a regulated temperature, then during the course, the enterprise can remotely monitor the temperature maintained. They can manage, lower or increase it to ensure the food stays fresh and as per the required standard at the delivery point.
The real-time integration also provides companies with a report that is generated as per the set criteria. This information can further help commercial truck companies to analyze key performance indicators and metrics, and thereby, improve existing processes and protocols.
It is a human tendency to stay alert and perform better when being monitored. Thus, in the case of drivers too, when they know their behaviour is being watched, they will work according to company and regulatory standards. This vigilance thus helps in reducing accidents and damaging to vehicles and freight.
To conclude, the benefits of digitization in the trucking industry are many, and the Indian subcontinent is also witnessing its usefulness by readily adopting it. Also, with a few start-ups trying to make some dents in the landscape and create products that seamlessly cater to both segments- the moderately literate truck drivers and clients, this unorganized industry can look for better integration and smoothing of operations in times to come.