Believe it or not, something as small as a truck dash cam can significantly impact supply chain management. With dash cams and asset management software, trucking companies can monitor their trucks and drivers at all times while shipments are in transit.
This real-time information makes shipments more secure while minimizing delays. Learn more about truck dash cams, their impact on supply chain transportation and how you can improve your business with this technology.
How Are Truck Dash Cams Used in Transportation?
A truck dash cam is a small camera that mounts onto the windshield or dashboard of a vehicle with the goal of recording the road ahead. In the event of an accident, this footage is invaluable for proving who was at fault.
Since truck drivers operate much larger vehicles than most drivers, the blame for collisions usually falls on them. However, being able to show what really happened can help exonerate the innocent party, especially if that title belongs to truckers.
Most dash cams used by trucking companies have added features that can improve the safety of their drivers. The best dash cams have driver-facing cameras for a 360-degree perspective that monitors drivers with AI technology.
They can also provide assistance to drivers when it comes to seeing their blind spots. Fleet managers can also use dash cams for route optimization and maintenance monitoring.
Impact of Dash Cams on the Supply Chain
The supply chain refers to the series of steps that are involved when taking goods from the source and into the hands of consumers. Modern supply chains can be incredibly complex, with transportation and logistics companies at the heart of the process.
Efficient supply chain transportation is vital for the success of not only the companies involved and the customer experience but the economy as a whole as well. Trucking companies rely on supply chain technology known as telematics to avoid delays and errors in supply chain management.
Telematics combines telecommunication and informatics technology. From there, it can store and receive information that will monitor vehicles and equipment from afar. One such telematic innovation that trucking companies can use to improve supply chain logistics is dash cams.
With dash cams, trucking companies can keep tabs on their two most important assets, those being trucks and drivers. Dash cams can aid in commercial navigation and route optimization so that loads can reach their destination quickly and efficiently.
They can also inform companies about the maintenance needs of their trucks and drivers to ensure drivers’ safety and compliance on the road.
5 Ways the Supply Chain Benefits From Truck Dash Cams
There are several ways the trucking supply chain can benefit from using dash cams. Let’s take a closer look at these benefits.
Tracking Drivers and Shipments
Knowing exactly where shipments are while they are in transit is beneficial for trucking companies and the supply chain as a whole. For example, using telematics can save trucking companies money.
With GPS tracking, fleet managers can receive accurate ETAs and reduce over-the-road miles as well. That way, shipments will arrive as quickly as possible while minimizing time and costs.
Ensuring the Safety of Drivers and Creating Safety Culture
Fostering a culture of safety within the trucking industry is essential for a safe and efficient supply chain. AI-enabled dash cams can monitor driver fatigue and distracted driving with facial recognition. These tools can identify causes of incidents, such as texting and driving.
With over 3,000 preventable deaths every year stemming from distracted driving, this early warning system can even save lives. Furthermore, telematic dash cams can monitor a truck’s speed, location and movement patterns to prevent accidents, injuries and shipping delays.
Optimizing Workflows
Supply chains rely on many people and processes working together efficiently. A single misstep along the way can significantly delay shipments down the line, so workflows must be constantly optimized.
Dash cams use telematics to relay updated ETAs based on real-time weather and traffic conditions. Meanwhile, dash cam GPS technology gives turn-by-turn directions based on the best possible route available for that shipment as well.
Using Dash Cam Video Clips To Improve Training Methods
Fleet managers cannot ride along with all of their drivers and constantly supervise them. However, video clips recorded by an in-truck dash cam can provide proof of driver behavior for training and coaching purposes.
Addressing mistakes or unsafe practices is important when it comes to the improvement of the safety and efficiency of drivers. Plus, relying on actual footage eliminates hearsay. Good driving behavior identified by dash cam footage should also be praised and encouraged as it improves trucking supply chain operations.
Providing Better Connections Within the Company
Truck driving is a solitary profession. With supply chain technology like dash cams, trucking companies can see exactly what happens in the cab and on the road at any point in time.
With the information provided by dash cams, companies can better understand drivers’ challenges when delivering shipments safely and on time. With the help of real data transmitted by dash cams, companies can improve routing, safety and visibility for better supply chain management processes overall.
Dash Cams and Asset Management Software For Truckers
Truck dash cams are an exciting technology that provides drivers and trucking companies alike with peace of mind while shipments are in transit. Not only do dash cams protect drivers from liability after an accident that wasn’t their fault, but they can help with day-to-day logistics, too.
GPS technology allows companies to track where drivers are and optimize their routes along the way. Meanwhile, dash cam AI can identify unsafe driving behaviors. With these features and more, dash cams work to improve workflows for a stronger and safer trucking supply chain.
FAQ
Since dash cams are relatively new in the transportation industry, they are not legally required. However, electronic logging devices (ELDs) are required for all drivers who must comply with HOS regulations. Many of today’s best trucking dash cams are also ELDs, and they typically offer other benefits to truck drivers, such as security and route optimization.
Dash cams are an excellent security feature for drivers. In the event of an accident, the driver will have proof of what happened so that they can protect themselves legally. Also, many dash cams have a parking mode that can monitor your vehicle while you’re away.
In almost all cases, installing a dash cam will not void your vehicle’s warranty unless you make major modifications during the installation process.
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