The Internet of Things is propelling the carriers of tomorrow

When it comes to school transportation, the cloud-based mTransport management system, which uses the Videotron mobile network to offer the solution, makes life easier for all involved. Cameras, radars, GPS systems, and other connected gadgets are synched to a dashboard in real time, allowing managers to optimize itineraries. Parents can be reassured that their offspring are boarding the bus at the scheduled time, and the driver can work in the best possible conditions. Welcome to the era of connected transport!

The IoT allows connected objects to communicate and work together via a wireless network. The different sensors generate data in real time, and help organizations make decisions. A transport company that gives itself the means to transform raw data into useful information now has a competitive edge over other carriers.

Through its partnership with Québec company X-TELIA, Videotron Business can offer solutions on a network designed specifically for connected objects. The significant catalogue of solutions available shows the entire range of possibilities for businesses wanting to shift to the industry 4.0. And areas other than transport can go smart too: think cities, schools, and buildings. Inspiring, isn’t it?

Given the quality of the data collected by sensors in real time, users and managers can make better business decisions based on current indicators. Here are a few technological advances your organization can benefit from in terms of connected transport.

• Optimize the management of a fleet of vehicles

If you specialize in merchandise transport or package deliveries, a connected vehicle fleet is a testament to the best logistics. You can plan the optimal itineraries for each driver and adapt your planning to unforeseen situations that sometimes occur on the road. Your customers, for their part, will appreciate being able to track their orders.

• Remotely check fuel levels

The data provided by fuel level sensors and transmitted via the board computer allows you to monitor fuel levels in real time, remotely. This connected solution can also detect any theft or abusive consumption of fuel. If fuel represents a significant expense in your business model, the IoT can help you achieve better control of this energy resource.

• Take advantage of smart parking

Parking frustrations seem inevitable, but are they really? Technology can help maximize your parking capacity and make life easier for your customers, users, and staff. A smartphone app could provide information on vacant parking spaces in real time. Limiting traffic on your property helps improve productivity, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and ensure the safety of users.

Given the necessary investments, the deployment of a new technology in a business should be subject to a systemic process. And a needs analysis should be at the forefront of such an operation. Seek the support of your trusted telecommunications service provider. Take the time to speak with your dedicated representative: they have the expertise to take you from point A to point B!

There’s also the human factor to consider. Your employees can now focus on their higher performance tasks and bring more value to your organization. Your business therefore saves both time and money, two resources that can now be used in other areas. However, there’s always a possibility that some of your teams be resistant to change.

Show them that these new operating methods—the use of sensors and associated data—remain dependent on their own expertise. The information needs to be analyzed and aim to help employees make the best possible decisions. To show that the two go hand in hand, plan training sessions or deploy a communication plan to that effect.

Connected vehicles can also interact with existing infrastructures, such as traffic lights. One thing is certain: we can expect more and more devices to emerge and give your drivers a safer driving experience.

Imagine if your vehicles could emit an automated signal when they hit a pothole . . . The government authorities in charge would have accurate, real-time information on road conditions. The response time to resolve these situations would be improved as a result. We could also extrapolate on other smart transportation systems to come. What if air and maritime travel could also be revolutionized by the IoT? As they say, sky’s the limit!