How AI is becoming the Fleet Manager’s compass

Fleet management has moved well beyond basic vehicle tracking. What started as simple reporting has become more complex and sophisticated, with AI-driven operations delivering real insights and efficiency gains. For fleet professionals, artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming essential for remaining competitive.

Delivering real results in seconds

Fleet managers are already seeing tangible benefits from AI implementation. Whether it’s via internal chatbots, ChatGPT, or other AI-powered platforms, AI is making an operational impact, "especially when it comes to answering common mobility policy questions from +5,000 company car users", says one Fleet Manager we interviewed. "In all honesty, our internal chatbot is already replacing 2-3 full-time employees”

In addition to cutting costs, the solution helps freeing up skilled professionals for strategic work. When AI handles the routine queries, fleet teams can focus on optimisation, policy development, and long-term planning that creates genuine value.

A driving companion?

Whilst operational savings grab attention, industry experts see far greater potential in AI's analytical capabilities. Alix Truyens, Head of Mobility & Fleet at Deloitte, highlights automated quality control as being particularly promising. AI systems could verify BIK (Benefit-in-Kind) data, track charging anomalies, and flag unusual behaviours before they become expensive problems.

Alix continues: "I even see potential for a true driving companion that knows your preferences, budget, and routes, and offers real-time, helpful guidance, any time soon now." Could the industry be heading towards of personalised and intelligent fleet assistance?

Sufficient and large-scale data

AI's strength lies in processing vast amounts of fleet data in real time, spotting patterns humans would miss. This enables Fleet Managers to optimise routes dynamically, identify fuel and charging savings, anticipate maintenance needs like tyre changes, and detect anomalies such as unauthorised usage or irregular consumption patterns.

This shift from reactive to proactive management changes everything, switching from fixing problems too late, to preventing them entirely.

However, there's a catch. As Guy Dierckx from Proximus puts it: "The problem is that to use AI properly, you need data. That's the first thing."

But beware; it’s not just about collecting data, but more about collecting the right one in sufficient quality. Fleet operations involve complex variables that change constantly such as car safety and tyre usage that aren't "one size fits all" as they involve numerous calculations fluctuating based on vehicle type, usage patterns, conditions etc.

Currently, AI works best for administrative and financial processes where data is more structured. The breakthrough will come when fleets can capture and process complex operational data for advanced predictive analytics.

Getting started with AI

For fleet professionals looking to harness AI's full potential, start with your data foundation. Assess what you're collecting, identify gaps, and where you want to put the emphasis. Focus on standardising data collection and ensuring quality.

Begin with high-impact applications; administrative tasks and financial processes offer quick wins whilst you build capacity for more complex implementations. Plan for integration with existing systems and consider what training your team might need.

Most importantly, think beyond efficiency. Whilst operational savings matter, the strategic advantages of predictive analytics and automated quality control offer far greater long-term value.

The Competitive Reality

Fleet management is at a turning point. Organisations successfully integrating AI will gain significant advantages in cost management, efficiency, and decision-making. Those who delay risk falling behind competitors already leveraging these capabilities.

With the right data foundation and strategic approach, AI can transform fleet operations from cost centres into competitive advantages.

The future of fleet management is intelligent and proactive. The time to start building that future is now.

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