For years, commercial vehicles have been outfitted with data-generating technology. Tracking fleet assets and equipment is a necessity for an efficient and functional operation. The heavy vehicle industry began adopting software and hardware systems as soon as it made sense.
Remember when we integrated GPS? That was revolutionary for cutting down transport times. Once the back-of-house was able to follow a vehicle’s GPS at the same time as the fleet, they entered a new era for efficiency, logistics and service scheduling.
But GPS was just the start.
Since fleet operations embraced this type of technology, it has been the fastest-growing area of commercial vehicle products—and is only increasing. Bolt-on GPS lead to integrated GPS, satellite radio, telematics and now fully-connected fleet operations. There are more than 100 sensors transmitting data out on just about every metric you could imagine. These sensors are sending data whether that truck is operating or not. You might be surprised to know that the modems on your fleet vehicles are live even when the truck is off.
Your fleet vehicles are constantly transmitting data, but has your fleet asked itself these four key questions?
1. Do we know what data the vehicles are generating?
2. What is being done with our data?
3. Is our data secure?
4. What aren’t we seeing?
Many fleets continue to believe that they do have access to their vehicle data. However, given the proliferation of data points from a modern connected commercial vehicle, there really is only one party that can confidently know it has that access for sure: the vehicle manufacturer. These technologies grew from the need for convenience, efficiency and safety. They also grew with new additions to purchase contracts—the vehicle manufacturer collects your data and decides what you get, how you get it, and how much you are going to pay to see it.
That business model has been a contributing factor in the shift of power within the trucking industry. In the past, the power the fleets held over original equipment manufacturers and suppliers was undeniable, but for many fleets today, the sense that the OEMs hold the cards is true and real. The OEMs do hold all the cards because they are the only party that has full access and full control over your fleet vehicle data. OEMs say you own your fleet’s data, but some haven’t set up the system to make that a reality.
Many fleets continue to believe that they do have access to their vehicle data … there really is only one party that can confidently know it has that access for sure: the vehicle manufacturer.
Because the current system is based on how the data flows, it means the OEM sees everything and hold it on their servers. Then they sell you systems and tools to help you use your data, ensuring you never see the whole picture—and paying for it every step of the way.
The aftermarket has been working to put vehicle owners and fleets back in control. The Auto Care Association and HDDA: Heavy Duty started with the Right to Repair initiative, but now we’re moving forward and we need the fleets to join us.
The aftermarket is working to help the fleets in two specific ways
1. Demanding access to your fleet data by expanding Right to Repair to include telematics and all mechanical data from your trucks.
2. Demanding control of your data by working with international standards-setting bodies to create secure data communication standards for all vehicle systems.
Your fleet can join the effort by getting involved in the effort on Right to Repair now. The work to revise the Right to Repair law in Massachusetts is about to be underway. Any fleet that is located or operates in Massachusetts can contact the state’s legislators and urge them to provide you access to your fleet data. You can also contact HDDA: Heavy Duty to join the Massachusetts Right to Repair Coalition. Gaining full access and control to your fleet data really is a business imperative.
The future of fleet operations, maintenance and service is in technology. Securing access and control to your full fleet data picture now can project your fleet efficiency future.
Join the aftermarket in demanding access and control to your fleet’s data. It is your fleet. It is your data. ª
Sheila Andrews is the director of heavy-duty programs for the Auto Care Association. If you click here, you can read more of Sheila’s columns. It’s time well spent.
