Telematics provider GreenRoad Technologies believes the rate at which fleet managers will sign up for mobile devices could outpace and replace hardwired technology by 2020.

Demand for mobile applications for driver behaviour based technology, services and expertise is already increasing with many workforces equipped with mobile devices, according to GreenRoad.

The mobile workforce market is set to grow by 33% over the next three to five years, leading to a surge in demand for apps. Apps are proving popular due to accessibility, the low costs associated with them and ease of use.

David Rodriguez, SVP marketing of GreenRoad Technologies, said: “Simply tracking vehicles with telematics and black boxes is no longer a key focus because tracking is so commoditised in today’s market.

“More advanced fleet and workforce managers are looking for more comprehensive solutions that can increase the overall efficiency of a fleet, doing so through more powerful and insightful tools outside of the basic tracking.”

Rodriguez added: “Mobile devices and solutions are going to continue to replace the traditional telematics and as more and more vehicles are renewed or replaced, the mobile workforce and their devices will become more commonplace.

“If you look at the trends globally, the mobile workforce market is large and it will continue to grow over the next three to five years and as fleet and technology modernises, mobile technology will quickly outpace and replace hardwired technology.

“The key point is that unlike traditional fleet management where driver safety has been a focus or a side focus, new data tell us that new mobile workforce managers will continue to add and focus on safety and overall fleet performance as a part of their progressive business monitoring.”

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