You Spoke, We’re Listening: Top LinkedIn Polls (Part 2)

We recently posted poll results from our Platform Science LinkedIn network, and below we continue on with three additional poll topics and answers. Fleets seem to be most focused on streamlining operations — in both the cab and the back office — by reducing busywork and leveraging technology to make it easier for all team members to enter high-quality, clean data.

1. What is the biggest challenge you believe AI can help fleets overcome?

47 percent said: “Streamline dispatch & planning."

Artificial Intelligence continues to be a hot topic for fleets. Our Insights 2025 report covers a closer look into topics like AI-powered cybersecurity, cameras, hazard detection, and more. Since AI greatly expands the amount and speed of data that can be processed, harnessing it for fleet operations promises to be a game-changer.

One of the best ways AI and telematics technology can assist with dispatch and planning are apps that predict and respond to unexpected events. For example, specialized apps enhance functionality in specific areas, such as weather prediction and response. These tools can send real-time weather alerts and optimize a route based on predicted risks, utilizing data from the National Weather Service and other models. 

Other tools process construction locations and current traffic conditions to help drivers effectively avoid slow-downs and potentially dangerous situations as much as possible.

AI tools can also optimize route planning based on fuel goals —  like incorporating fuel prices and preferred locations — as well as HOS requirements and safe rest locations. Other apps can register trucks for weigh station bypass or incorporate GPS-based toll auditing. 

Finally, navigation tools designed specifically for commercial rigs incorporate data on overpasses, narrow roads, and other unique hazards to ensure drivers are taking truck-safe routes to their destinations.

These add-on apps (and many more) are available for fleets to browse and choose from as Platform Science customers. Just like you can customize your smartphone with apps that you enjoy or help your specific daily needs, fleets can customize their fleet management system with pre-vetted apps in the Virtual Vehicle Marketplace guaranteed to integrate seamlessly into their Platform Science solution. 

2. Which pain point is your top priority for 2025?

43 percent said: “Manual data entry errors.”

When so much depends on accurate fleet data for important business decisions, it’s imperative that the data you are using are as clean as possible. Unfortunately, human error from manual data entry can wreak havoc on your information. How can fleets improve their data quality by reducing manual data entry?

One key way is by reducing overall busywork and redundant tasks for all team members. This can mean eliminating multiple log-ins, reducing the amount of times users have to switch back and forth between different apps or screens, and utilizing tools that automatically port data entered previously into other fields where it is needed. Drop-down fields, data filters, and customized forms can also streamline data entry and processing, and reduce user fatigue which increases the likelihood of errors.

Fleets can also reduce data errors by ensuring team members are well-trained and experts in using fleet tools. Whether it's more engaging onboarding for new tools or more accessible ongoing education, ensuring drivers and back office staff are fully comfortable with your system is imperative. Knowing the various helpful features and shortcuts can make a huge difference in job satisfaction and efficiency as well. Utilizing flexible training systems that can be completed remotely and during rest stops, fleets can improve the quality of training and proper use of tools.

Finally, ensuring that your system tools are well-integrated is key in reducing busywork and the potential for error. Platform Science puts extensive effort into ensuring that our tools work seamlessly with other leading fleet tools as well as with the 90+ add-on apps in the Virtual Vehicle marketplace. Seamless integration, eliminating multiple log-ins, and decreasing redundant data entry can not only make your teams happier in their jobs but can also improve the quality of data you’re collecting.

3. Which feature would improve your drivers’ day-to-day the most?

54 percent said: “Single Sign-On for all apps.”

Excessive navigating between apps in-cab not only wastes time and causes frustration, but it can also lead to distracted and dangerous driving. Having to remember multiple passwords and re-login repeatedly based on which app you’re using is a real pain for drivers.

Smart fleet management software providers —who have spent time in ride-alongs and experienced first-hand what a driver’s day is like —have seen exactly how annoying and wasteful multiple log-ins can be. Ensuring that the apps they offer integrate seamlessly, down to a single interface housing all needed driver apps thereby eliminating multiple logins, is one way to reduce this pain point. 

For example, by using Platform Science’s PS Workflow, all apps can be accessed from a single home screen; drivers can access these needed apps with a single click, then simply click once back to return to the main console.

Other tools can further reduce driver fatigue when it comes to busywork. Customizable forms with drop-down menus make it faster and easier to complete paperwork, while preset information that must be used often can be pre-completed in the appropriate fields. Additionally, image capture tools can make inspections faster and more accurate, while signature capture features can streamline communication between the maintenance team and the field.

Finally, a good telematics and fleet management software provider goes above and beyond to ensure integration between existing and most-used tools, as well as any add-on apps. Pre-vetting any third-party apps before offering them to customers as add-on options is key in ensuring the user experience stays smooth and efficient. Platform Science takes pride in the due diligence we put into ensuring seamless integration before adding any add-on apps to our Virtual Vehicle marketplace. 

Continuing the Conversation

It is encouraging to see that our vision at Platform Science closely mirrors the careabouts and goals of leaders in the commercial trucking industry. We continue to focus on improving efficiencies in the cab, while looking for new and emerging ways to leverage AI in the commercial trucking space. We look forward to our next round of LinkedIn polls and the insights they offer into the perspectives of our colleagues and customers. 

‍To learn more about how Platform Science tools can take your fleet operations to the next level, contact us today to schedule a demo. To view our full suite of solutions, case studies, our Virtual Vehicle marketplace, and more, visit our website today.