It’s the age of subscription services. From streaming platforms to rideshares to rented vacation homes, the world continues to shift from ownership to access. The same concept is catching on in the business world, where companies are finding new ways to stay current and keep customers happy without draining capital.
For trucking fleets, that challenge has become especially pressing, as thousands of drivers require reliable tech that comes at a high price. The solution, increasingly, lies in Device as a Service (DaaS). This model lets fleets lease the critical technology they need instead of buying it outright–covering use, maintenance, and upgrades for a manageable monthly fee.
Hardware is just as important as software
Over the past decade, Software as a Service (SaaS) has taken the world by storm, transforming how businesses access technology. Instead of installing programs directly onto devices, companies pay a subscription to access the latest versions on the cloud. The benefits are obvious: flexibility, regular updates, and lower maintenance overhead.
But software is only as powerful as the device it runs on, and reliable, robust hardware is expensive. Industries from healthcare, to manufacturing, to retail struggle to keep up with the latest medical devices, factory robots, or point-of-sale systems. Enter DaaS.
DaaS is SaaS reincarnate—but instead of software, it leases out hardware. With DaaS, businesses pay a flat monthly rate for the devices they need, including setup, support, and refresh services. This model converts a hefty capital outlay into an operating expense, freeing up cash and allowing fleets to scale up or down as business needs change. It’s a flexible and convenient solution for organizations searching for ways to modernize without breaking the bank.
Driving solutions for fleet management
In the trucking industry, volatile fuel prices, driver shortages, and rising maintenance costs have hindered fleets’ ability to invest in proper rugged technology. Few can afford to spend heavily on industrial equipment upfront in addition to recurring payments for managing or replacing devices that inevitably depreciate.
Electronic logging devices (ELDs) and their associated services are essential hardware for trucking companies. The government mandates commercial drivers to use ELDs to record their hours—but the technology is pricey. ELDs can cost several hundred dollars upfront, plus an additional $15-60 for monthly maintenance of services like cloud storage and compliance–and that’s for just one vehicle. If you imagine those prices for fleets with dozens of trucks, it’s not difficult to see why companies are seeking alternatives, like Samsung’s ELD partner solutions.
Durable and secure, these devices give drivers the flexibility to be more productive on the job while securely accessing their personal communications—all from the same device. From turn-key solutions to customized fleet management tech, companies and drivers have the option to deploy the ELD solution that best suits their unique and evolving needs.
By giving businesses and consumers choices and offering them the flexibility that upfront costs preclude, subscription services are becoming an essential element to keep industries like trucking moving forward.
Modernize your fleet with ease. Learn about Samsung’s ELD partner solutions here.
