How Cloud Computing Can be a Smart Tool for Fleet Managers

The “cloud” is one of the most popular – and often heard – technological concepts out there. While you may know the basics behind the term, you might still be a little bit unsure about how it can positively impact the management of your fleet.

As a refresher, cloud computing can include a number of types of software and services that rely on the Internet to operate. Using the cloud, it is possible to upload data, such as movies, images, audio and documents, and then access that information from another device or location entirely.

For example, you can turn to the cloud to store fleet driver reports. Then, you can pull up that data while visiting with a vendor or colleague outside of your office. Naturally, cloud computing has a myriad of possibilities for all industries, including those that depend on fleets of vehicles.

What can the cloud do for a fleet?
Even with all this potential, you could still be asking: “What can the cloud do for my fleet?”

To help answer that question, John Edmunds, managing director of cloud solutions for Verizon Enterprise Solutions, offered several tips to Automotive Fleet. He explained that through the cloud, fleets can access a wide range of valuable data, not to mention share that information with others in the company.

Edmunds noted that the cloud can help streamline operations as well. For example, a fleet manager could see the need for infrastructure management disappear, as the cloud may be able to fill those roles. This means that there could be more time and resources for other important duties in the fleet. The company could become more flexible, profitable and productive moving forward with effective cloud solutions in place.

You may be concerned about additional costs associated with cloud implementation. According to Edmunds, the financial impact is minimal as the cloud requires no infrastructure outside of what is already present in the fleet. The cloud can be used to track vehicles and integrate telematics into the company. Fleet managers can access the most important data instantly from the road allowing them to make better business decisions.

Most important, remember that cloud solutions are secure. Many fleet managers may be concerned about data breaches and other problems, but using the right tools will mitigate that risk and keep your private information secure. Overall, the cloud can be a very valuable tool for any company.