Fleet Management Mobile Apps: The Best Way to Accelerate Fleet Operations

To app or not to app? Let’s face it: In today’s digitised fleet management business, this is not even a question fleet managers are asking anymore. 

In fact, the new question should be, “Which app?” If you’re keen to discover the magic of mobile apps and how to fast-forward your fleet management business by using the right one, join us as we take a deep dive into fleet management mobile apps in Singapore and which one is best for you.

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The power of mobile applications

Of course, the mobile app’s predecessor is the desktop site, and depending on where you are and what you’re doing, accessing the site you’re looking for on a desktop or even a laptop isn’t always possible. Many desktop sites have mobile versions, which makes them a bit more accessible. Still, a mobile app's functionality for your small screen completely overshadows the benefits of using a site optimised for mobile devices. 

Here are some of the most important benefits mobile applications bring to the table that make them a step above the trusty but old-fashioned desktop and mobile-optimised sites:

1. Receiving notifications is much more convenient with mobile apps, thanks to push and in-app notifications. While push notifications alert you of any new activity even while you’re busy with something else on your smart device, you’ll receive in-app notifications only if you’re busy on the app.
   
   So, instead of receiving alerts in your inbox, you can go directly to the app, and if you want or need to, you can switch them off depending on your preferences.
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2. Apps can integrate other smartphone features like your camera, GPS, and contact list, making the app version of a site even more functional than the site itself.
   
   For example, an app connected to your phone camera can make submitting an application requiring a photo of your face much easier than manually uploading it on the desktop site. Of course, with PDPA legislation firmly in place, apps need your permission before using other features like your camera.
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3. While desktop and mobile sites can provide a satisfying experience, a well-designed mobile app usually outperforms an online site simply by storing data locally on the device itself instead of using web servers, making data retrieval virtually seamless.
   
   Mobile apps also run five times faster than Javascript, which is the building block of mobile sites, ensuring a super-smooth experience.

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The components that make an app a great app

With so many apps available to users worldwide, how do you know you’re downloading and using a quality app? Take a moment with us and discover the telltale signs.

• A great app will always bring real value to the user. What real value means depends on you and what you’re planning on using the app for, but nothing beats an app that actually makes your life easier, whether it’s for business or personal purposes. Let’s say, for example, you need to receive notifications from your drivers, but your current fleet management app only allows you to do that from your computer. A fleet management app that gives you access to these messages in real time even when you’re not behind your desk will bring real value to your operations, as you’ll always be up to date with your fleet’s movements and ready for proactive problem-solving.
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• UX, or user experience, sets that crucial tone the moment you’ve finished downloading the app and are busy signing up or logging in. This is because, no matter what the app offers, UX has a direct impact on your engagement, user satisfaction, and likelihood of using the app again based on your experience. Ultimately, you want to find and do what you need quickly without experiencing any hiccups along the way while having an engaging experience. While that sounds like a mouthful, it’s exactly what every user expects from a quality mobile application.
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• Ah, the age-old debate about Android versus iOS—which is better? Both operating systems have their fair share of hardcore fans, but from a quality app perspective, you’d expect the provider to have a version available for your operating system of choice, no matter which one.
  
  With HUAWEI’s AppGallery, also now a popular option, app developers need to make sure they prioritise app operating system compatibility during the development process.
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• Offline functionality might be the last thing you’d think about when considering what makes an app great, but it's a lifesaver when it comes to fleet management and logistics-related apps. Offline functionality allows the app to store data locally when no internet connection is available. Then, when the connection is back up, the stored data is synchronised once the device reconnects to a remote server, meaning you didn’t lose any data during the interruption.
  
  Here’s an example of how offline functionality contributes to business productivity:
  
  - To ensure successful last-mile deliveries, offline functionality allows fleet drivers to communicate important delivery and location-related data through a fleet management app, even without an internet connection. This ensures that the manager knows when the vehicle reaches its destination, the number of orders already delivered, and if there is enough space in the car so the driver can arrange extra delivery
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• Mobile app personalisation is a multifaceted process of creating an app experience based on the user's behaviour, interests, and preferences. Depending on the app, this can include personalising the interface itself, the content, notifications, and more.
  
  At first glance, app personalisation and stickiness seem more relevant to consumer platforms like online shopping or food delivery apps. However, even with fleet management apps, users have preferences like when and how they prefer getting notifications, which can be finetuned through personalisation to ensure a positive experience and user retention.
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• Controllability is a design structure for user-friendly interactive systems and a crucial component of a positive user experience. It refers to allowing the user to control interactions like starting, interrupting, and ending any actions on the application. Imagine not being able to control what you do on an app—you’d most likely think it’s bugged and never use it again—which is why controllability is such an integral part of a successful mobile application.
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• Mobile apps can store a lot of data, much of it personal information. When it comes to work-based apps like fleet management applications, there’s a lot of valuable data being collected that you want to keep safe and in the right hands. An app that provides regular updates helps ensure you’re protected against newly developing vulnerabilities and that the application stays compatible with the ever-evolving operating system you’re using, ensuring a seamless and safe experience each time you use it.
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• You’re more likely to use the online fleet management website when you're behind your desk. However, when you’re using the app, its designmust have a visual and functional likeness to the main site. For example, if the fleet management website has a blue and black design with a horizontal menu at the top and further options at the bottom right-hand side of the page, you’ll find it not only confusing but also frustrating when opening the app and the design is suddenly green and orange with nothing but a dropdown menu at the top-left corner.

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Discover the best ways to accelerate fleet operations with a mobile app

If an app has the right features to support your day-to-day fleet management processes, you may just start feeling like a wizard waving a digital wand every time you use it. Here’s some of the best ways a top fleet management app can help accelerate your operations:

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Real-time tracking capabilities

Working in the fleet industry most likely means you’re not always in the office or ready to open your laptop, even if you’re not a dedicated driver. However, having real-time visibility on all your fleet’s components helps keep you in control of your everyday fleet operations, which is why a fleet management mobile app with real-time GPS tracking is the ideal assistant. 

With GPS technology and a functional map interface, an app with tracking capabilities can provide live updates on fleet vehicle locations to ensure that drivers are using their vehicles efficiently, following expected routes, and staying in designated areas. Some fleet management apps offer advanced functions like geofencing and route optimisation that allow you to receive alerts when drivers exit or enter specific areas and ensure they follow the quickest, most efficient routes to their destinations. All of this in real time, in the palm of your hand, no matter where you are.

On-the-go task assignments

If you’re running a fleet-based business offering delivery or field services, you’re sure to know the value of being able to assign tasks on the go. Imagine you have a driver on their way to a delivery destination, and you suddenly receive a new order that this specific driver can both pick up and deliver en route. The amount of money and time you can save is massive, and the fact that you can assign these types of tasks virtually anywhere as long as you have your smartphone with you takes the concept of online task assignment to a whole new level.

Add comprehensive task overview, task acknowledgement, and proof of delivery or task completion notifications, and you have complete control of your business operations in the palm of your hand. 

Instant notifications

While receiving notifications are handy, they’re not very useful unless you get them in real time, especially urgent ones that can help you take immediate action to avoid issues like vehicle issues blowing up into a logistics nightmare. And because you don’t operate behind a desk or open every email or text message, a push notification is exactly what you need to ensure you know what you need to know when it’s most important.

A proper fleet management mobile app will allow you to manage your notifications so you receive the ones you want to and mute the ones that may be less important during certain shifts or hours, helping you customise and optimise the way you manage your fleet operations at the same time.

A key player in digitalisation

A smart environment is nothing without digitalisation, and allowing mobile app integration into daily fleet management activities helps you go paperless, increase sustainability, and streamline your workflow by automating administrative tasks, all at the touch of a button. Apart from your trusty desktop or laptop, mobile apps are now one of the most efficient alternatives for paper-based admin and documentation.

Think electronic signatures, digital forms, and the storage of important documents like insurance and registration documents and licences, all stored in a safe and encrypted digital environment and available at the push of a button.

Singapore: One of the most app-friendly societies worldwide

Singapore is well-known for being one of the most technologically advanced and innovative countries in the world, making digitalisation, the use of IoT devices, and the integration of mobile apps a given in both the personal and professional spheres.

How app popularity has impacted Singapore’s economy

With all Singaporean sectors developing into digital sectors, mobile app use has had a significant impact on the economy, helping enhance and evolve several industries, including the transformation of the public sector. 

In 2022, Singapore's digital economy contributed $106 billion, or 17.3%, to its GDP, with the ICT sector specifically experiencing significant growth compared to other sectors.

In fact, the rise and development of mobile apps in S’pore have not only led to ease of use when it comes to technologies, whether it’s shopping or seeking medical help, but blossomed into a spirited app economy, mainly driven by factors like strong broadband infrastructure, high data availability, and an impressive 93.7% smartphone penetration share. With most Singaporeans being proud smartphone owners, it’s not surprising that mobile commerce has grown significantly among users from different age groups using their apps to purchase clothing and household supplies, make travel bookings, purchase electronics, and visit public health facilities. 

With mobile app technology so successfully integrated into Singaporean society, new revenue channels have been unlocked in traditional, long-standing industries, allowing further growth and development in line with digitalisation.

App-based government leading the way

With initiatives like Smart Nation, launched in 2014 by the government-owned IDA (Infocomm Development Authority), Singapore started its successful journey to becoming a technology-driven society. It aims to enhance every part of its citizens’ lives with the latest technological developments. 

With a digital government, economy, and society firmly entrenched as the three pillars supporting the Smart Nation initiative, it’s virtually impossible to imagine Singapore without basic tech tools like mobile apps. Technology is seamlessly integrated into all aspects of life, transforming how Singaporeans work and live, putting the need for mobile applications front and centre.

From this perspective, it’s hard to imagine any part of life without mobile app integration, which is why it’s become an integral part of the logistics and fleet management industries in S’pore. 

Cartrack recognises the importance of digitalisation in all sectors, and our app is carefully designed to be a smart, hand-holdable extension of our advanced fleet management system. 

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Top features that make Cartrack’s fleet management app your number-one choice

Things are no different in the logistics and fleet management industries; the more digitised, the better. In fact, the best decision for your business in Singapore is the most technologically-forward one. 

That’s why Cartrack’s advanced fleet management technology comes with an app that allows you to take all your data and digital fleet management capabilities with you, no matter where you go. Here are some of the top reasons why you should go mobile with Cartrack:

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Live tracking

Stay on top of your fleets’ everyday activities and whereabouts by tracking every vehicle’s location on your mobile. Our advanced GPS tracking device not only lets you know your fleet’s live location but also allows you to view detailed trip histories to help manage route planning and driver behaviour and ensure our dedicated cross-border recovery team keeps track of its location should there be an incident of theft.

Delivery/Field Service

Minimise costs and secure customers with app-based software tailor-made to support your delivery or field service business. Cartrack’s Delivery/ Field Service feature allows you to automate, streamline, and optimise your business with integrated smart tools like job allocation and optimisation, digitised proof of delivery, real-time connection with delivery or field work fleet drivers, and instant, app-based job cancellation, prioritisation, and updates, making sure you and your fleet are always on the same page, no matter where you are.

Geofencing alerts

Don’t miss a single detail just because you’re not using your laptop or desktop; Cartrack’s app still allows you to view all your geofences on your small screen and receive notifications so you know exactly when your fleet drivers enter or exit marked areas. This helps you enhance the security of your assets, clamp down on unauthorised vehicle use, and gives you the ability to estimate how much time drivers spend within certain zones, which can help you determine fleet productivity.

Offline mode

With Cartrack’s offline mode, you never have to worry about data gaps when your connection goes out the window. During offline mode, data is collected locally. Once your device is connected, the data is stored for seamless data storage that helps you create accurate reports, trip histories, and solid timelines.

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Discover simple fleet management software, APPtivised

There’s no better way to gauge whether you’ll find what you’re looking for in a product than by experiencing it, so dive into the world of the Cartrack app and learn how you can optimise your fleet operations.

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Start accelerating your profits and productivity today with the Cartrack app

We understand the importance of a smart, multifunctional, and adaptable application that you can customise to work for your business. 

‍Contact us today and discover how Cartrack can help make your business bigger, better, and faster.

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Get in touch with Cartrack Singapore today and let us help you optimise your business with the ultimate fleet management mobile app.