FTS Brings Driver Recognition, Computer Vision to Fleet Management

Forward Thinking Systems (FTS) is trying to simplify and automate certain fleet management activities. To that end, the company has upgraded its DriveShield application with a new Learning Management System (LMS) that monitors driver activity and sends notifications if something needs to be addressed.

The FTS system takes advantage of cameras installed in the cab of a commercial vehicle. The system takes photos of the driver when they start the ignition, using facial recognition to ensure that the person behind the wheel is authorized to use that vehicle. From there, the system monitors the cab to watch for signs of drowsiness or distracted driving. The camera can track everything from cigarette smoking to the use of cell phones in real time.

All of that information is then uploaded to FTS servers and analyzed to generate a daily score. Drivers can view their score in the DriveShield app once they get off the road, and be directed to complete self-coaching programs if there are any issues with their performance. The LMS system will send an immediate audiovisual alert to the driver if something requires immediate attention, and will then follow up in the app with coaching and training courses. The platform also allows drivers to escalate an issue to a supervisor if it cannot be resolved through the app.

In doing so, the DriveShield LMS minimizes the administrative burden on fleet managers, and allows them to focus on more serious problems that require human intervention. Lesser problems, on the other hand, can be dealt with through the application.

“DriveShield is a game-changer for our industry,” said FTS CEO David Isler. “We are able to reward safe driving behavior without having to micro-manage.”

The enhanced DriveShield app speaks to the growing demand for biometric fleet management and driver monitoring solutions. The Cipia-FS10 solution will similarly notify drivers and fleet managers if it spots sights of distracted driving, while LG Electronics has tried to patent its own in-cab biometric ignition system.

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March 10, 2022 – by Eric Weiss