3 Ways an MDM Improves Driver Experience

While society and transportation become increasingly connected, the stakes get higher for commercial motor vehicle drivers. In fact, a study by the FMCSA noted that a driver dialing a cell phone takes his or her eyes off the road for an average of 3.8 seconds. If you’re driving 55 miles per hour, that equates to 306 feet – the approximate length of a football field – without looking at the roadway.

While CMV drivers today must use hands-free cell phones (and abide by any additional fleet rules), in-cab distractions can have similar impacts as handheld device use. However, smart trucks have the potential to make a driver’s day much more efficient and enjoyable, if the integrated technologies and notifications are handled properly. 

This is where mobile device management (MDM) and mobile application management (MAM) come into play. Some leading fleet management software providers offer special management tools that make it easier for drivers to navigate through all the technologies available to them, while streamlining notifications and other potential distractions based on duty status.

How MDM Optimizes a Driver’s Day

Most fleets today are looking for ways to improve their drivers’ days, leading to a happier team, reduced turnover, and better company morale. MDM technologies not only make a driver’s day more efficient, they can improve safety and compliance as well. Below are three ways that mobile device management and mobile app management can improve driver experience.

1. Prioritized notifications

Fleets can use MDM tools to prioritize which notifications are delivered while wheels are rolling, and can have the most important read aloud in the cab so a driver’s eyes never need to leave the road. Other notifications are silenced and securely stored until a change of duty status. Similarly, the most important alerts and messages from the back office are always delivered, ensuring drivers are aware of any emergency alerts or vital information.

2. Reduced in-cab distractions

Fleets can further reduce distractions on the job by choosing the specific apps they want to show on their in-cab screens, then locking down any non-vital apps based on duty status. Additionally, a streamlined user interface reduces the number of clicks drivers must tap between necessary apps, while any app updates are delivered in short, precise notifications that can be read in the blink of an eye. Less time with eyes off the road means improved safety for drivers and nearby passenger vehicles as well.

3. Improved connectivity with headquarters

MDM tools can deliver real-time updates and insights on a fleet’s device locations, health,
connectivity, and data tracking. This gives management and back office more of the info they need with fewer one-off communications with drivers. Additionally, fleet management can remotely receive alerts that help prevent dangerous or costly breakdowns, and better maintain overall vehicle health and preventative maintenance schedules. Leading providers operate both on the cloud and the edge, ensuring that fleets stay connected no matter where they are.

Platform Science and MDM/MAM Tools

Platform Science offers a wide range of MDM and MAM tools that keep a fleet’s devices, apps, and data connected at a distance as well as all trucks in sync while on the move. By better managing a fleet’s mobile technology, managers can improve their drivers’ days, extend vehicle health, and improve overall safety and performance. Through its fleet partners who are already leveraging these MDM tools, Platform Science has achieved 600 million miles of safer driving, with an expected 2 billion distraction-free miles annually to come.

Learn more about MDM for transportation now, or request a demo.