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Forbes
16 hours ago
- Automotive
- Forbes
From Tracking To Intelligence: The Next Leap In Fleet Digitalization
Aliaksandr Kuushynau is Head of Wialon at Gurtam, a fleet digitalization software company that connects 4 million fleet vehicles worldwide. Let me start with a cliché: Not long ago, we lived in a very different world. When shipping goods, we had no idea exactly which route the driver would take or how long the trip would last. If a delivery was delayed, the only way to get answers was a dispatcher's call to the driver—assuming, of course, there was network coverage in the area. And when it came to managing drivers, trust—simple, blind trust—was often the only system in place. But then came GPS tracking. Having worked in the fleet management industry for over 15 years, I can say that GPS tracking didn't just change how fleets operate—it redefined the very meaning of fleet management. It was the long-awaited breakthrough that made some operations visible, measurable and—perhaps for the first time—digital. Taxi businesses and food delivery services were among the first to adopt GPS tracking (and, in my view, they're still leading the way when it comes to embracing new telematics technologies). Then, other businesses followed—ones where knowing the location of assets also made a difference: logistics providers, security companies, construction firms, vehicle rental services, farms and many others. Soon enough, it became clear that nearly everything could be, and was, tracked. And surprisingly, we didn't mind. GPS trackers became increasingly accurate, while GPS monitoring systems grew more capable and multifunctional. Technology evolved in step with market demand, and the market wanted it all: reliable hardware, deeper visibility into fleets and drivers, flexible configuration and instant cost savings. One by one, fleet management system developers started providing a wide range of powerful solutions for businesses: driver behavior monitoring, fuel and maintenance management, video telematics and more. These tools enabled the digitization of key operations and began delivering real results—including improved driving behavior, reduced fuel consumption, theft prevention and, ultimately, optimized operating costs. As one of those software providers, we told businesses: 'We want you to cut costs and grow—just start using new technologies.' But not every business was ready to take that step. As the systems became more advanced, so did the cost and complexity of implementation. With that came something few businesses welcome: a delayed return on investment and more time required to integrate new tools. First of all, there's a natural reluctance to invest in technology when the return isn't immediate. Fuel sensors and dashcams obviously aren't free, and neither is the development of advanced software features. The fear that the investment might not pay off makes some fleet owners pause. The second reason is time. It does take time to understand and start using new features. Telematics and fleet management service providers aim to fill this gap, acting as both the head and hands of business transformation. But not all providers emphasize the true business value of advanced features—many still focus primarily on basic GPS tracking. And not all tailor their solutions to the specific needs of each business. To address the financial concern, proven, relatable case studies that clearly demonstrate the impact of new technologies tend to work well, especially when the example comes from a similar business in the same region. We hear that fleet managers are saying, 'I want the same,' which is a great sign. To help service providers become more targeted and relevant to different industry needs, the most effective approach includes ongoing education on advanced features, hands-on support during the first implementation and encouragement to think beyond standard offerings. It's a gradual process, but in many cases, it's already producing positive results. Despite the slow but steady adoption of new technologies across the industry, a significant—and growing—gap remains between tech-forward companies that have embraced innovation and those still hesitant to move beyond basic GPS tracking. The frontrunners have a powerful advantage: data. By making the most of their fleet management systems, they start accumulating valuable data about their vehicles, personnel and operations—insights that are nearly impossible to capture manually. Armed with this information, these companies can spot patterns, identify seasonal trends, make accurate forecasts and scale their business with confidence. For them, data isn't just a resource—it's a strategic engine powering smarter decisions and long-term growth. 'Can our business boost productivity without adding headcount?' 'How much can I save by servicing vehicles preventively instead of waiting for a breakdown?' 'What does equipment downtime really cost—and what's the profit potential of avoiding it?' These are the questions data-driven fleets are equipped to answer—and act on. Meanwhile, businesses that remain on the sidelines risk falling further behind, missing out on the efficiency, agility and foresight that only data-backed strategies can deliver. So, here's what I wanted to highlight: We've already come a long way from blind trust. At first, it was about simply knowing where our vehicles were. Now, we have the opportunity to understand how the entire fleet operates—and more importantly, how it can operate better. The tools are here. The data is available. And yes, I'll say it again: 'We want you to cut costs and grow—just start using new technologies.' And hopefully, you want the same. Forbes Technology Council is an invitation-only community for world-class CIOs, CTOs and technology executives. Do I qualify?
Daily Mail
12-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
The Rise of Lildog: How a Norwegian Brand Is Transforming Pet Care Technology
In the competitive world of pet care technology, Lildog AS has become a standout innovator. Founded by Morten Sæthre, the Norwegian pet technology company has not only revolutionized GPS tracking for pets but has also demonstrated remarkable growth through its commitment to quality, innovation, and customer-centric solutions. From its humble beginnings in Norway to its expansion across Europe and plans for the U.S., Lildog's journey highlights vision and perseverance. Building a Strong Foundation in Norway Lildog's growth story begins in the rugged landscapes of Norway, where the company designed and developed its GPS tracker to perform under the most challenging conditions. Designed to withstand the country's high mountains and deep valleys, the Lildog GPS tracker proved its reliability in environments where signal stability is critical. This rigorous testing process ensured that the device could perform under the most challenging conditions. Unlike many competitors relying on outsourced production in Asia, Lildog boldly decided to move its manufacturing to Europe. This move allowed the company to maintain complete control over data security, privacy, and product quality. 'By taking ownership throughout the process, within a small and carefully selected segment, we can easily handle any production issues that may arise and ensure we only produce quality that we want and the customers expect from us,' explains Morten Sæthre, founder of Lildog AS. Expanding Across Europe with Innovation Lildog's success in Norway laid the foundation for its expansion into 21 European countries. The company's flagship product, the Lildog GPS tracker, offers features beyond simple location tracking. Real-time updates, activity monitoring, and even temperature sensing provide pet owners with comprehensive insights into their pets' well-being. The company's proprietary avatar function also sets it apart from competitors. This unique feature mirrors a pet's real-time movements, showing owners when their dogs eat, sleep, bark, or play. Such innovative features have helped Lildog achieve a remarkable 100% revenue growth, with annual revenue reaching $2 million USD. In addition to its GPS tracker, Lildog has seen early success with its newly launched Lildog Hotel. This service provides safe spaces for dogs outside shopping malls, allowing owners to shop peacefully while their pets are cared for in secure environments. With 140 hotels already rolled out across Scandinavia, this concept has been met with widespread acclaim and represents another way Lildog enhances pet care. Sæthre mentions, 'We believe that our success reflects the effort we made to plan the products we introduce carefully. We create products that don't just highlight what's new in pet technology; they should solve pain points in pet ownership and enhance the relationship between the owner and the pet.' Preparing for Global Expansion 'If it works in Norway, it works anywhere,' says Morten Sæthre, founder of Lildog AS. This philosophy has led the Norwegian pet tech company to set its sights on global expansion. By 2025, Lildog plans to enter the U.S. market, bringing its innovative GPS trackers and pet care solutions to one of the world's largest and most dynamic pet care industries. Sæthre views this step as a natural evolution for the brand. 'Our mission has always been to connect pets and their owners through technology that enhances safety and well-being. Expanding into new markets allows us to bring this vision to more people,' he explains. This ambition reflects Lildog's commitment to improving the lives of pets and their owners globally. While entering a new market presents challenges, such as navigating unfamiliar market dynamics and consumer behavior, Sæthre remains confident in the core value of Lildog's products. Together with Lilcat for all cat needs, he believes their proven reliability and innovative features will resonate with U.S. pet owners, potentially transforming how they care for their pets, especially dogs and cats. 'The possibilities are endless,' Sæthre adds. 'We're excited about the opportunities ahead and look forward to making a meaningful impact in the U.S.' With its strong foundation and forward-thinking approach, Lildog is well-positioned to take its mission of enhancing pet safety and connectivity from Europe to the U.S. and to other parts of the world in the future, one product at a time.
