Virtual Vehicle for Fleets: The Future of Fleet Management

For commercial fleets looking to optimize and future-proof their operations, flexibility and connectivity are key. Trucks are becoming increasingly “smart,” and a wealth of real-world data is waiting to be mined and used to make better business decisions. Fleets can also attract and retain the best drivers by employing emerging technologies that make a driver’s day more efficient, safer, and more enjoyable.

But how do you integrate the industry’s newest technologies into your system, while leaving room for company growth, economic fluctuations, and emerging needs? Fleets need an operational framework that can be customized to their particular goals, challenges, and future projections. Additionally, many fleets need a path to embracing OEM-native telematics, as new trucks are rolling off the assembly line with pre-installed technologies and equipment ready to provide real-time, rich and useful data insights.

Today, the barrier between operations and real-time insights into vehicle and driver performance has been lowered for fleets using Platform Science’s Virtual Vehicle technology.

What is Virtual Vehicle?

Virtual Vehicle is a software platform that offers North America’s leading fleets access to a marketplace of pre-integrated telematics, safety, and fleet management apps created by top developers in the industry. Virtual Vehicle is the backbone that supports streamlined operations and data management for fleets.

Since the platform is designed to grow with a fleet, it offers flexibility and scalability as operations and technology evolve. By leveraging factory-installed OEM systems when available, fleets eliminate the need to install aftermarket telematics hardware and can access real-time vehicle data straight from the source. This approach cuts down on redundant equipment, lowers the total cost of ownership, and ensures data is available in-cab—even in areas with spotty cellular coverage.

How Does Virtual Vehicle Work for Fleets?

Virtual Vehicle provides direct access to essential vehicle data using either OEM systems or aftermarket hardware. Pre-vetted and -approved add-on apps in the Virtual Vehicle marketplace integrate seamlessly with the platform’s open SDKs and APIs, giving fleets the freedom to mix and match a solution suite that meets their exact needs, without sacrificing the feel of an integrated system.

These specialized apps integrate seamlessly into the platform and can access real-time edge data streams without cloud dependencies. Data from various sources like the Vehicle CAN bus, ELDs, and component sensors are collected and used to give more insight into a range of fleet data, from fault monitoring to driver performance, HOS compliance to fuel planning, and more. 

Through our Managed Driver Experience, fleets can deploy apps that enhance safety and productivity across driver teams, all within interfaces designed for on-the-road use. Plus, the open development platform and rapidly growing integrated partner ecosystem mean you can create a toolkit of solutions that’s fine-tuned to your fleet’s specific demands.

Key Benefits of Virtual Vehicle for Fleets

1. Flexible Modular Solutions: From helping drivers stay productive and optimizing routes, to streamlining maintenance schedules, Virtual Vehicle helps fleets access the solutions they need to run smooth operations. The modular, “building block” approach means you can seamlessly integrate new tools as needs change, keeping your fleet’s operations future-ready.
2. Enhanced Safety and Compliance: With Virtual Vehicle’s Managed Driver Experience, fleets can ensure devices and tablets adhere to safety protocols and minimize distractions. Connected partners like Netradyne and Drivewyze are integrated into the driver’s display, helping boost driver performance and support safety compliance—all while reducing liability.
3. Improved Driver Experience: Virtual Vehicle delivers only the tools drivers need, when they need them, keeping distractions to a minimum. Apps adjust to the driver’s duty status, focusing them on critical tasks. Mobile Device Management (MDM) keeps devices secure and compliant, while Mobile App Management (MAM) lets you customize app access and layout across fleet divisions, to optimize the varied business needs of your fleet.
4. Reliable In-Cab Data Access: Thanks to edge computing technology, Virtual Vehicle keeps critical data flowing in real-time, even in poor cellular coverage areas. Unlike cloud-dependent systems, data is processed directly in the vehicle, ensuring drivers receive essential information without delays or downtime, which means smoother, more efficient operations no matter where they are.

Why Should Fleets Choose Virtual Vehicle?

Virtual Vehicle stands out as the only platform that offers both a driver app and a fleet management marketplace. Fleets get access to a growing catalog of fleet apps and, if so desired, can access development tools to create, deploy, and manage custom fleet apps tailored to their specific needs. This modular setup lets fleets add or replace solutions easily, without being locked into one configuration.

Virtual Vehicle also delivers cost-saving features that can make a big difference in fleet operating budgets. With usage-based billing, fleets only pay for the trucks actively using the platform each month, which keeps costs practical and manageable. Native integration with OEM systems also means you don’t need extra hardware installations, and that you can activate compatible vehicles instantly.

The Virtual Vehicle platform also includes dedicated support and streamlined billing for all solutions, simplifying management. The platform’s MDM and MAM tools ensure data security and compliance, supporting enterprise fleet needs with SSO integration and the scalability required for growth.

Getting Started with Virtual Vehicle

Virtual Vehicle already partners with major OEMs like Daimler Truck North America, International (formerly Navistar), and PACCAR. Both large fleets – such as Schneider, Werner Enterprises, and CR England – and smaller regional fleets use Virtual Vehicle to drive greater efficiency, connectivity, and productivity, making it the go-to choice for fleets looking to stay ahead.

Learn more about Virtual Vehicle now or contact Platform Science today to see how Virtual Vehicle can benefit your fleet.