Into the Clouds:
A dispatch team is the backbone of any successful transportation company. Responsible for keeping everyone and everything on track, dispatchers have to respond to routing changes, issues, and new information at a moment’s notice. When the dispatch team is able to do their jobs efficiently, the entire business will benefit from smoother operations, better customer service, and improved risk mitigation.
That is why a growing number of companies are implementing fleet tracking solutions into their operations. Fleet tracking solutions provide dispatchers with the real-time data they need to make better scheduling and planning decisions. Customizable alerts and notifications enable them to react quickly to things that come up and keep things on track through both the expected and unexpected.
Of course, implementing new technology in your operations would not be very useful if it was hard to deploy or time-consuming to use. Luckily, that’s not usually the case with fleet tracking solutions. Here are the three features of a fleet tracking solution that make it simple for dispatch to use and help to increase overall business efficiency:
1. API Integrations make data accessible in a centralized location
Dispatchers are often responsible for monitoring various portals and data sets, making it challenging to add a new platform to the mix. That’s why cloud-based fleet tracking solutions use Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). An API is essentially a bridge between programs, bringing you the data you need, from your dispatch or TMS, for instance, into one central location. With APIs amalgamating data from your fleet tracking solution with your existing systems, dispatchers can reduce the number of screens that they need to monitor and still get the data they need to be more efficient.
Keeping all of the data on customers and their individual demands in one central location is the first step in helping dispatchers stay organized. This in turn means that dispatchers can focus on areas of their job that need the most attention. Theft and emergencies are more easily preventable with the proper focus.
To learn more about APIs and how they can impact your fleet, be sure to check out our API blog!
2. 24/7 Cloud-based portal and mobile app improve visibility
A cloud-based portal is beneficial to any fleet owners or managers that feel pressured to work long and irregular hours to ensure that trailers reach their destination on time. Employees, dispatchers, drivers and managers alike can be granted access to an online portal, where they can have complete visibility in real-time from anywhere in the world via a computer or mobile device. This means that all of the information on trailer status, location, etc., can be at your fingertips any time of day, eliminating the stress of having to be on site.
As previously mentioned, it can be challenging for dispatchers to stay on top of all the information coming their way. Having the mobile app ensures that the right people are connected at the times they need to be connected. In recent times, having remote access is not only a game changer, but often a necessity for companies to be able to operate.
While the ease of 24/7 cloud-based portal and apps is a “nice to have” feature, be sure to consider how it might become a vital part of staying afloat in a post COVID world.
3. Customizable alerts offer peace of mind
With customizable alerts, your dispatch team can receive the information they need to make quick decisions in real-time, ensure that nothing is overlooked, and take fast action when there is a problem. For instance, if an unauthorized trailer leaves the yard, a notification can be sent to a manager or dispatcher immediately so that they can take the correct course of action.
Customized alerts work in tandem with technologies such as geo-fences and cutting-edge sensor hardware and software. Customized alerts offer peace of mind knowing that should an emergency arise; the correct person will be made aware within seconds.
These three features of a fleet tracking solution not only mitigate risk and reduce theft, but contribute to the improvement of business processes overall. All in all, a good trailer tracking solution will enable dispatchers to do their jobs more efficiently and effectively. Errors get noticed more quickly, and tedious tasks become more manageable.
Stay tuned for future blog posts on how you can revolutionize your transportation business!