7 Best Digital Solutions to Keep Track of Maintenance

The transportation sector's future depends on innovation and technology. The issues facing the sector include congestion, shifting customer expectations, climate change, security, and personnel retention.

Having access to real-time digital solutions is crucial for keeping track of maintenance, whether it be through predictive maintenance, operations flow, or capacity analysis.

The advances in technology and digital solutions have meant that businesses and products have shifted their gears towards digital solutions to common problems. Transport companies have been stocking fridges and delivering goods for centuries, but now we are witnessing a huge shift towards integrating technology to increase efficiency, productivity and reduce overall costs.

One method to ensure steady fleet management is through regular maintenance. In this article, we take a look at the 7 best digital solutions for transport companies to keep track of maintenance.

Computerized maintenance management software

Possibly the most crucial central system for transport companies and fleet management is a CMMS. A CMMS is digitizing all maintenance operations, from raising and managing reactive tickets to scheduling preventative maintenance. Transport businesses that use maintenance management software or a CMMS can increase productivity, and asset lifetime value and reduce overall maintenance costs through regular upkeep of vehicle tools and equipment.

An example of the effective use of CMMS for transport businesses is scheduling recurring preventative maintenance for vehicles to increase asset lifetime value and avoid expensive faults. Regular inspections and maintenance upkeep helps to avoid any unnecessary downtime so that transport businesses can continue to operate. 

FaultFixers is a simple and effective maintenance software platform that can support your transport operations. Their CMMS is packed with features like their powerful PPM tool and a handy scheduler for workforce management to drive safe and be updated.

Sensors and predictive maintenance

Transport has come a long way with advances in technology and the introduction of sensors. Sensors allow transport companies to predict maintenance issues and faults before they happen which reduces costs and ensures transport companies can run smoothly. Not only can sensors help with maintenance issues but they can also be used to improve fuel efficiency leading to a greener and more cost-effective business.

Augmented reality

Augmented reality has evolved into a digital solution fit for all industries and AR companies are building solutions to common problems. Transport companies can use augmented reality for any part of their business from onboarding and training to field maintenance and emergency repairs. 

A great example of how augmented reality can be used in transport companies is through accessing quick and reliable maintenance and repairs. XMReality have designed and built AR software that allows technicians to view maintenance issues from any device and guide field workers to a fix.

3-D printing

3-D printing can now be seen in many businesses that are looking to reduce costs and increase the speed of production. It can also be used in transport businesses to produce parts and other items that can be used for the maintenance and upkeep of vehicles. A popular example of this is car brand, Tesla which used 3-D printing to print spare parts for their vehicles.

Assistant for real-time cargo visibility

Gaining supply chain transparency has many advantages for transport companies and their clients, such as knowing the location and condition of their cargo. Customers can save demurrage expenses, evaluate the effectiveness of the logistics provider, and keep an eye on the condition and quality of the goods as it is being transported through effective digital solutions. In order to better protect the cargo and improve the logistics operations and processes, the logistics company can gain more from overcoming the visibility challenge.

The real-time cargo visibility assistance can act as a comprehensive system that keeps track of and keeps tabs on the movement of goods, as well as its details, state, and position. For instance, if a supplier with a location in the Netherlands wants to export apples to a retailer with a location in London, England; then the cargo handling of apples needs to be done with the necessary care along the entire transport and logistics leg. Additionally, this cargo needs certain airflow, moisture, and refrigerated conditions. Otherwise, there is a chance of it spoiling too soon. The supplier can therefore use a cargo visibility app. The app offers details on the cargo, its location, and environmental factors like humidity and temperature.

Tracking and tracing with IoT

With the development of the Internet of Things (IoT), tracking and tracing are now possible in a variety of industries, including transportation. IoT tracking devices can be employed on containers, trucks, and even the actual freight itself along the logistics chain. Owners can monitor, record, and analyze data at each point in the supply chain thanks to this.

Owners are able to comprehend customer wants, identify supply chain weaknesses, and enhance operations owing to data collected via IoT.

Capacity sensing is one use of IoT systems that enables the detection and communication of empty areas in a warehouse for transportation systems. It can also be useful for autonomous planning, which helps identify unexpected occurrences like accidents and choose the next delivery route that will save time.

Tracking and tracing with IoT blockchain: Trustworthy, unchangeable, real-time data

A type of distributed ledger technology (DLT) called blockchain outlines the technical framework and procedures that permit data to be accessed and verified. Additionally, it let several users change the data record, or "ledger," simultaneously. The fact that entries made here cannot be amended once they have been approved sets them apart from other methods of data recording.

DLT became more widely known due to Bitcoin. These days, its application has extended beyond cryptocurrency and has turned into a technology industry buzzword. For a variety of industries, including the transportation and logistics sectors, its qualities have enormous potential.

The logistics sector can gain from blockchain by accelerating administrative tasks by automating contracts using "smart contracts." When specific requirements are completed, such as when two parties agree on a shipment's price, these contracts immediately go into effect. The contract cannot be amended after it has been signed. This decreases manual paperwork while giving all stakeholders the assurance that the information is trustworthy.

Additionally, it can assist in creating a safe, traceable trail of every shipment. Records are simpler to audit while still meeting compliance standards because they cannot be altered. Additionally, it increases stakeholder trust and lowers the danger of fraud.

Wrap up!

Knowing where the logistics industry can improve is crucial since it helps customer excellence, corporate innovation, and operations in many ways. The complicated problems that logistics organizations confront can be resolved using the digital solutions discussed above. In order to advance and consistently add value for its consumers and businesses, the logistics sector must use technology advancements and digital transformation.