As the overall market for fleet management systems grows, it is becoming clear that no single solution meets the needs of all potential customers. While the basic functionality is shared, different vertical markets have specific requirements for maximizing return on investment.

“One major area of future growth is in real-time dispatch,” says ABI Research principal analyst David Alexander. “Long a focus for emergency services, the need for accurate routing is now seen as a source of competitive advantage for local service, delivery, and utility companies. And the emergency services themselves are beginning to see potential for improved performance in their processes from the development of new features driven by business needs.”

The latest telematics-based dispatch systems are incorporating new optimization software so that fleets can meet their schedules using a minimum number of vehicles traveling the fewest miles. Appointments can also be easily changed during the work day to allow for delays and additional last-minute requests. The availability of traffic data – both historical and real-time – will soon be incorporated so that fleet managers can choose to assign their vehicles to travel using routes that minimize distance, fuel used, or time taken. And different routes will be selected depending on the time of day and day of the week.

“Other vertical markets such as construction equipment and buses have their own special needs,” adds Alexander. “Construction, mining, and oil field exploration typically take place in very remote areas, and the data tracked is more focused on engine and environmental parameters than routing. Buses are usually not able to change their routes, but accurate information on the status and timing of an individual bus can be of great value in improving customer relationships.”

ABI Research’s “Fleet Management Systems” report examines the main applications and how they are relevant to the commercial fleet market. The latest business and market drivers and barriers are discussed, and the report provides forecasts of subscriber volume, market value, and market penetration for North America, Latin America, Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, and Africa/Middle East. This study is part of two ABI Research Services, Commercial Telematics and M2M.

ABI Research is a leading market research firm focused on the impact of emerging technologies on global consumer and business markets. Utilizing a unique blend of market intelligence, primary research, and expert assessment from its worldwide team of industry analysts, ABI Research assists hundreds of clients each year with their strategic growth initiatives.  For information, visit www.abiresearch.com, or call +1.516.624.2500.