Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionising the logistics sector, making operations smarter, safer, and more efficient. Netstar, a provider of vehicle tracking and fleet management solutions, is leading the charge in this exciting transformation by leveraging AI technologies and enhanced fleet services to spark innovation in logistics and materials handling. Mark Forbes, the General Manager of Netstar Global Fleet Bureau Services, says that the company is constantly refining its solutions to tackle significant industry challenges, especially in driver safety and asset protection.
One standout innovation is Netstar’s upgraded Dashcam product, now equipped with advanced AI features. Initially created to spot and mitigate the risks associated with driver fatigue, the Dashcam has evolved to include real-time AI monitoring. This means the system can pick up on subtle signs of fatigue and instantly notify both the driver and the control room, helping to avert potentially disastrous incidents before they happen. “At Netstar, we monitor driver fatigue in real time,” Forbes explains. “When we detect any signs, the vehicle’s cameras automatically activate in the control room, allowing for immediate support and intervention.”
These insights are incredibly useful for logistics and fleet managers too. The AI-enhanced Dashcam evaluates driver behaviour, aiding in decisions regarding additional training or wellness programmes, which ultimately promotes a safer and more compliant driving culture across fleets. Netstar is also harnessing AI for broader materials handling and supply chain operations. Through its Global Fleet Bureau, clients can keep an eye on high-value assets in real time, whether it’s raw material transfers in mining, waste management or processed goods. AI-driven systems can spot irregularities like cargo tampering, theft, or damage by using smart alerts such as door-opening sensors, stock movement detection and light-variation signals.
Forbes explains: “The ability to proactively monitor and act on these alerts helps reduce shrinkage and protect valuable cargo. AI is also crucial for optimising route planning. By considering factors like vehicle type, public holidays, weather conditions, and traffic patterns, AI can chart out the best routes that minimise risk and enhance delivery timelines.”
This kind of predictive insight allows logistics companies to maintain high service levels while steering clear of potential delays or hazards on the road. Looking to the future, Forbes is confident that AI's role in logistics will only grow stronger. “AI is still evolving, especially in terms of spotting irregular movements and keeping an eye on inanimate objects,” he notes. “But as deep learning technologies advance, we’ll see AI solutions becoming more intuitive, reliable, and essential to the industry.” With continuous improvements, AI is proving to be a powerful ally in reducing risk, boosting efficiency and preparing the logistics sector for the future. And with companies like Netstar at the forefront, the journey ahead looks smarter and safer for everyone involved.
About Netstar
Netstar is a trusted brand and pioneered the vehicle-tracking and stolen-vehicle recovery industry in South Africa in 1994. We provide industry-leading stolen-vehicle recovery services, advanced vehicle and fleet tracking, great fleet management solutions for all-sized business and commercial fleets, commanding insurance telematics solutions and best-in-class fleet intelligence services; in fact, no IoT solution is out of our reach.
