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M2M DATA AND ANALYTICS TRANSFORMING TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS

THROUGH ACTIONABLE INTELLIGENCE Real-time field intelligence is becoming a top priority for both government and private-sector enterprises. When decision makers have a constant flow of information, timely decisions can be made to improve process efficiency, reduce costs, introduce new streams of revenue, and gain a competitive edge. Machine to Machine (M2M) technology makes this possible by connecting fixed or mobile devices that collect data with little to no human interaction. By combining these mechanisms with a skilled back-office, raw data can be quickly turned into useful information.

IT IS NO SECRET THAT FLEET TRACKING AND AVL HAVE PROPELLED THE M2M MARKET FORWARD SINCE ITS INFANCY.1

Rising oil prices are a key driver for M2M adoption. While reducing fuel spend is vital to most businesses, this represents only one aspect of the return on investment. But there is a tendency amongst businesses seeking to lower fuel consumption to overlook other potential enhancements to their business operation. Take, for example, a fuel distributor of crude oil and natural gas liquids. It transports its products to retail operations in several states, and may be completely blind to driver behavior, vehicle diagnostics, and delivery times. By installing M2M-enabed devices in their vehicles, the distributor gains direct visibility into fleet location, vehicle activity and inventory conditions. If the tracking software is integrated with a front-end web application, this portal could be leveraged as a value added service for end customers interested in tracking their deliveries in real-time.

ACTIONABLE ANALYTICS, USING REAL-TIME APPLICATIONS, WILL BE A TOP TECHNOLOGY TREND FOR 2013 AND BEYOND.2

In the event of a transport-related accident, the M2M system can be configured to notify emergency services of the vehicle’s precise location, time of accident, driver speed, weather, road, and traffic conditions. Following the accident, business analytics can be used to process this vast amount real-time information and add value throughout the supply chain. This data insight will better enable businesses and emergency responders to mitigate risks on the road. Combined with other M2M-enabled devices (such as tablets or handheld scanners), a fleet tracking system can be effectively transitioned into a mobile workforce management solution. Delivery signatures, state tax calculation, bills of lading and driver logs can then be automated and immediately processed onsite to eliminate hours of manual data entry and reconciliation.

1 Field Technologies Online, The Real Skinny on M2M Growth

2 Gartner, Top 10 Strategic Technology Trends for 2013