LONDON--()--Delegate research conducted by Netradyne at the Gartner Supply Chain Planning Summit last week has revealed the untapped potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to boost fleet safety for greater precision and profitability in supply chain logistics and transportation. Currently, only 33% of respondents use AI to assess and monitor fleet safety performance. However, 81% plan to adopt AI platforms within the next year to mitigate risks and enhance safety for improved operational performance.

The challenges facing third party logistics providers

The survey highlights accuracy, timeliness and cost-effectiveness as the top priorities in goods delivery, named by 57% and 31% of supply chain professionals respectively. However, despite the importance of logistics and transportation precision, companies face persistent obstacles, with a lack of fleet visibility and limited driver availability cited as major factors hampering delivery accuracy.

Accidents are another critical issue, contributing to product damage in transit, damaging the brand image, impacting driver well-being and availability, and driving up costs. Alarmingly, 46% of respondents were uncertain of the total financial impact of accidents on their businesses.

Outdated technologies limit data accuracy

Data is critical for fleet management and safety, with 52% of respondents already sharing data with partners to improve safety standards. However, many current systems rely on outdated technologies, such as telematics and GPS, which have limited functionality. As shown by the significant leap in those planning to adopt AI in fleet safety management, supply chain teams increasingly recognise the value of AI-driven data for its precision and ability to provide more meaningful insights into fleet operations.

AI-driven data: The key to safer, more efficient fleet operations

Integrating AI tools into goods delivery processes offers significant benefits. AI-driven solutions can enhance delivery precision and timeliness by improving fleet visibility and driver availability. They can analyse data to predict and prevent accidents, reduce traffic violations and enhance driver behaviour. By enabling data-driven fleet engagement, AI contributes to a safer and more efficient fleet, providing third-party logistics (3PL) providers with better oversight and control over their operations and significantly reducing costs. These cost savings directly impact profitability, making AI an invaluable asset.

“Transportation is an inherently tough business. With more people on the road and unpredictable conditions, there is more risk for logistics providers than ever. Challenges like growing end-customer expectations for quick and hassle-free delivery, rising costs, shrinking markets and increasingly selective insurers add to the pressures faced by 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,” commented Durgadutt Nedungadi, Sr. Vice-President for International Business at Netradyne.

“Vision-based AI technologies can help alleviate many of these challenges by delivering real-time insights that boost safety, predict potential issues, and ensure timely interventions. As the industry grows more complex, supply chain leaders are increasingly turning to AI-driven data analysis to boost operational efficiency, improve safety, and maintain a competitive edge​,” concluded Durgadutt.

Notes to editor:

The research, conducted by Liberty Comms Ltd on behalf of Netradyne, surveyed 101 Supply Chain professionals at the Gartner Supply Chain Planning event in London on October 14th & 15th 2024.

About Netradyne:

Netradyne Technology is a global provider of video telematics and an industry leader in fleet safety solutions. Driver•i, Netradyne’s AI fleet camera system, detects potential hazards, helping drivers make safer decisions and reducing risky behavior by up to 99%. Netradyne’s relentless pursuit of technological advancements and its unwavering dedication to improving road safety have positioned the company as a leader in the field. With its innovative AI and ML-based IoT solution, the company continues to empower organizations worldwide to create safer road environments, protect lives, and build a sustainable future. Stay up to date with Netradyne on LinkedIn, Facebook, our blog, and in our newsroom.