It’s almost impossible to avoid discussions of Chat GPT at the moment. The system is described by its builder OpenAI as “conversational AI” – a system that can engage with a human user in dialogue, listening, processing, and learning.

At Holman, we’ve been helping fleet managers to optimise operations for over 100 years. AI technologies will inevitably make fleet operations (and fleet managers) more efficient. But when will that be, and what impact will it have?

Fleet Optimisation Opportunities for AI

Most of us will have engaged with rudimentary AI systems in the form of chatbots. Land on the Holman website and our automated assistant will help you find the content you are looking for or a contact that can help.

This technology can save you time, removing friction from the experience – but they can always speak to a human if they want to. So it’s increasing choice without compromising the experience.

Type a question into a search engine about the quickest route between two locations, and you’ll receive a basic route map. It’s helpful but still requires significant planning and resource from the fleet manager.

Imagine asking an automated assistant to optimise a route between multiple locations. Then imagine a system that can calculate the resource you need and even suggest refuelling (or recharging stops).

Search engines provide answers; conversational AI delivers solutions. It doesn’t always get things right, as this recent article in Automotive Fleet recorded – but every day, the system is learning and improving. The more people use it, the better and more accurate the results.

Capturing Synergies

AI is all about synergies. Taking a single source of data will give a one-dimensional answer to a question posed. By taking multiple sources, some of which may be considered unrelated, AI can provide a more considered view – enabling you to act faster and achieve positive results.

Access to an ever-growing repository of knowledge coupled with real-time data means AI could have an impact on all aspects of fleet operation, including:

• Route optimisation – what’s the fastest route for multiple drivers to make deliveries?
• Demand prediction – when will our services experience the most demand, and do we have enough capacity?
• Preventative maintenance – are we on top of the vehicle lifecycle, maintenance, and repairs?
• Environmental impact – how can we reduce the environmental impact of our fleet?
• Cost calculations and comparisons – Is using ICE or EV for these deliveries cheaper? What will the total cost be per-delivery?

Conversational AI systems can also process vast amounts of data and provide information and guidance built around your business. The suggestions will become more relevant as the system becomes more sophisticated and learns more about you and how you work.

All of this is exciting, and it’s clear that AI systems can help support decision-making, but they will never replace the advice, guidance, expertise and insights of fleet operators, managers, and partners. As a result, fleet managers must understand the opportunities AI offers but establish its barriers.

Problem-solving Partner

The best way to consider conversational AI is as a problem-solving partner. The system can only partially support fleet managers, but it can enable better decision-making and improve their customers experience.

For almost 100 years, Holman has been turning multiple data points into information allowing for informed and positive change. The fleets we serve benefit from the latest developments and safe in the knowledge their fleet is futureproof. Where AI is still learning, we have the answers – today.

Learn more about our Insights platform and our fleet management solutions today!