Security technology is gaining ground in the trucking industry, but simply having devices, cameras, and connectivity platforms doesn’t guarantee their full potential. Operator training and data utilization remain two of the main gaps in maximizing the benefits of these tools.
This was explained by Itzel Alpízar, Business Intelligence & Connectivity Strategy Manager at Daimler Truck Mexico , who pointed out that currently the carriers themselves are showing greater interest in incorporating security solutions into their units, a different scenario from previous years, when brands had to more strongly promote their adoption.
“Customers are usually the ones who seek out or want to ensure they have some of these devices or security features in their vehicles. However, I think the missing piece in the industry now is the full utilization of all the data and all the technology,” he commented.
In an interview with T21, Alpízar explained that the brand’s strategy is focused on strengthening its connectivity and security ecosystem, as well as using technology to contribute to the efficiency of its customers’ operations.
Among the available tools, he mentioned Detroit Assurance and Freightliner Link 3.0 , which work together to generate safety protocols with a preventative approach. Through artificial intelligence (AI), it is possible to process different stimuli from both the environment and the vehicle itself to detect alerts that require action.
The goal, he explained, is to act before an accident occurs or, when an incident has already happened, to activate protocols that help protect the vehicle, the cargo, and the driver. In terms of road safety, the tools also aim to anticipate risk factors such as fatigue.
Training, a gap to close
However, technology requires the participation of those behind the wheel. Alpízar identified the training and awareness of drivers as one of the main gaps in taking advantage of available solutions.
He explained that the company works with its clients on training to facilitate familiarization with these technologies, as there are still cases in which operators obstruct the cameras or show resistance to using them.
“When we show them these videos or best practices with other clients that have helped us prevent accidents or prevent theft, their thinking and adoption change quite a bit,” he said.
The second challenge lies in the data . The platforms generate large volumes of information that need to be translated into decisions and preventative actions.
As an example, he pointed out that if a road is identified where, on a certain incline, vehicles tend to exceed their speed excessively, parameters and other actions can be established to help prevent risks. Customizing platforms, devices, and alerts also allows solutions to be tailored to each client’s needs.
The relationship between carriers and these tools has also changed. According to Alpízar, initially it was the responsibility of the supplier companies to approach clients and demonstrate the need to incorporate technology; now, it is the carriers themselves who seek out security devices and solutions.
However, he considered that the next step for the industry will be to take full advantage of the information generated by these technologies , so that the data can be translated into specific measures for each operation.
More tracking capabilities
Looking ahead to the evolution of these solutions, the company is working on incorporating additional tracking sensors , with the intention of facilitating the monitoring of different components of the operation, even when there are changes in boxes or goods.
It also seeks to strengthen tools focused on operator performance. Alpízar explained that they already have Driver Coach , which provides operators with suggestions to improve their performance, while they work on strengthening a scoring system that allows clients to identify best practices and replicate them among their other operators.
Given what he described as a challenging macroeconomic environment, the strategy will be to stay close to customers and complement the units with solutions that allow them to make better use of their assets.
“What we are looking for is to be very close to our customers and be able to offer them these kinds of differentiators that help them to take full advantage not only of the unit, but also of the range of solutions we have to support them in this situation,” he pointed out.
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