Netradyne: Driving Safe and Sustainable Fleets

New research from video telematics leader Netradyne points to an accelerating trend: AI is revolutionising fleet safety for logistics and transportation.

As unveiled at the recent Gartner Supply Chain Planning Summit, Netradyne’s findings highlight how AI’s increasing role in fleet management is set to transform global logistics with increased safety, reduced costs and improved efficiency.

Right now, only 33% of professionals in fleet management have adopted AI to enhance safety measures.

However, in the next year, 81% plan to integrate AI-based solutions, a shift that reflects the high potential AI has for reducing road risks, improving driver behaviour and significantly cutting costs associated with incidents. With a mission to make roads safer and logistics operations smoother, Netradyne’s AI-powered Driver•i system has emerged as a key player in this transformation.

Driver•i uses AI to spot road hazards, helping drivers make safer choices and reducing risky behaviours by as much as 99%, positioning Netradyne at the forefront of a safer, more efficient logistics landscape.

The growing challenges in logistics and fleet safety

Fleet safety sits at the core of supply chain success. In an industry where 57% of professionals rank delivery accuracy as the highest priority, with cost-effectiveness a close second at 31%, the pressures are considerable.

For third-party logistics (3PL) providers, the stakes are even higher, as they contend with limited driver availability and outdated tracking systems that lack real-time insight into their fleets. This lack of visibility can lead to accidents, damaged goods and costly repairs, all of which can harm company reputations and add further stress to drivers’ well-being.

A survey of logistics professionals reveals that 46% still lack a clear understanding of the financial toll accidents take on their businesses, emphasising the need for better data to address these issues.

Although 52% of respondents currently share safety data with their logistics partners, the reliance on older technology limits the potential for meaningful improvement. Basic telematics and GPS systems offer only minimal insight into fleet safety and can’t match the nuanced visibility that AI provides.

By enhancing real-time insights and pinpointing exact driver behaviours that may pose risks, AI is equipping logistics teams to respond more effectively to safety challenges.

As Durgadutt Nedungadi, Senior Vice President of International Business, at Netradyne, says: “Transportation is an inherently tough business. With more people on the road and unpredictable conditions, there is more risk for logistics providers than ever.”

Durgadutt notes that growing customer expectations for fast, seamless delivery, increasing costs and heightened scrutiny from insurers are only adding to the pressures facing supply chain teams: “Visibility in fleet operations is crucial to managing these challenges and AI is proving to be a key tool for improving it.”

Why outdated systems are holding logistics back

As logistics networks expand, traditional fleet management systems struggle to meet new demands, typically relying on limited GPS and basic telematics functions.

These systems lack the capacity for in-depth tracking and real-time visibility, which prevents companies from fully understanding their fleet’s activity. AI solutions, however, have advanced far beyond simply tracking location and movement.

Now, AI-based systems can highlight dangerous driving patterns, monitor compliance with safety protocols and alert fleet managers to trends that indicate potential future risks.

The impact of AI adoption in fleet management goes beyond improving safety; it opens up a pathway for more efficient and cost-effective operations. AI can track violations, predict traffic risks and reward drivers for safe behaviour.

This data-driven approach not only supports accident prevention but also reduces costs associated with insurance premiums and repair expenses. In a sector as competitive as logistics, these financial advantages can directly contribute to a company’s bottom line, reinforcing AI’s role as an essential investment.

Netradyne’s Driver•i system, for instance, uses “vision-based AI technologies” to give fleet operators a precise, real-time view of potential hazards.

The road ahead: AI as a sustainability & safety essential

Incorporating AI into fleet management isn’t merely about enhancing data capabilities; it’s about paving the way for a safer, more sustainable future in logistics. 

The research on AI adoption in fleet safety is closely linked to Scope 3 emissions in several significant ways. By utilising AI to optimise routes, minimise idle time and enhance driving behaviours, companies can markedly reduce fuel consumption and the associated emissions from their transportation and logistics operations, directly impacting Scope 3 emissions related to transportation and distribution within the value chain. 

Furthermore, a reduction in accidents leads to less vehicle damage and fewer replacement parts required, which diminishes emissions linked to the manufacturing and transport of these replacements. 

AI also enhances visibility by providing real-time data on fleet operations, enabling more accurate tracking and reporting of Scope 3 emissions from transportation activities. Additionally, AI coaching tools can promote more fuel-efficient driving habits among drivers, further lowering emissions from fleet vehicles. 

Predictive maintenance capabilities allow for timely servicing of vehicles, ensuring they operate at peak efficiency and reducing excess emissions from poorly maintained vehicles. 

Plus, the improved visibility and efficiency facilitated by AI fleet management can optimise broader supply chain operations, potentially reducing emissions across various Scope 3 categories.

By providing better visibility into fleet activity and driver availability, AI has the power to substantially improve safety outcomes. Companies adopting these tools can minimise traffic violations, reduce accident rates and even encourage safer driver behaviour, leading to safer roads and more effective logistics operations.

These improvements also carry a considerable financial impact. Fewer accidents mean lower insurance premiums and a reduction in overhead costs, which are crucial for 3PL companies looking to improve profitability. Through better oversight, streamlined processes and enhanced operational control, AI represents a smart, long-term investment for any logistics provider aiming to cut costs and boost efficiency.

With supply chain complexities only set to rise, the value of precise, AI-driven data and decision-making tools will become increasingly critical.

As logistics professionals face mounting challenges, adopting AI is fast becoming a necessity, not an option, in the push for fleet safety and efficiency.

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