Fleet Management fuelled by data

The role of data in fleet management is undergoing a major transformation, and particularly with the rapid rise of AI in all sectors.

In a recent webinar hosted by Amaury Gérard (CEO of Mbrella), two fleet management professionals, Valentine Watrin (Facility Coordinator at HMS Networks) and Guy Dierckx (National Fleet Manager at Proximus), shared their insights into how data is reshaping both the operational and strategic aspects of fleet management.

An ecosystem still too fragmented

Today, some fleet managers juggle as many as 16 different platforms to manage mobility within their organisation. This fragmentation makes it difficult to harness data effectively, which is vital for improving cost-efficiency, sustainability, and safety.

“The data is there, but it’s not necessarily being collected [...] We use data in a very operational way, but not enough strategically.”
— Guy Dierckx, Proximus

From data to performance

When used in a targeted and structured way, data can drive measurable improvements. For instance, the average accident rate currently stands at 0.60 incidents per vehicle per year. However, by analysing data such as driving behaviour, fuel consumption, and journey types, and putting concrete measures in place (like eco-driving training and personalised support), this figure can be reduced to just 0.16 accidents per vehicle per year.

“If an employee uses considerably more fuel due to aggressive driving, we can offer them a course to encourage a smoother, more economical driving style.”
— Valentine Watrin, HMS Networks

Balancing innovation and privacy

This new era of data-led fleet management also brings sensitive questions around privacy and monitoring.

“We can very quickly create a perception of surveillance. That’s why it’s important to have clear governance, involve HR, trade unions, privacy officers… and, above all, communicate clearly.”
— Guy Dierckx

Ethical considerations must be integrated from the very beginning of any project. Strong governance, transparency, and thoughtful system design are essential to building long-term trust. Data should not be used as a tool for control, but as a lever for optimisation — benefitting both employees and managers.

From reactive to proactive

“We need to move from reactive to proactive. [...] Automating routine tasks is essential.”
— Guy Dierckx

Both speakers agreed on a shared ambition: to move from reactive fleet management to a proactive approach, enabled by data that is better collected, cross-referenced, and interpreted.

“The ideal would be a platform that flags: ‘Watch out, this driver’s fuel consumption is unusually high compared to their home-to-work distance.’”
— Valentine Watrin

Conclusion

Data is redefining fleet management. While still underused today, it holds the potential to deliver real, measurable benefits: lower costs, improved safety, better user experiences, and accurate tracking of CO₂ emissions.

The challenge for the years ahead? Centralising information, managing change, and adopting the right tools to make data a true engine of transformation.

🎥 Watch the full webinar, available on our website (in FR) here, or download our e-book ↘️

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