Technology is an integral part of our lives. It transforms the way we do things at home and is quickly driving innovation within traditional business models. The financing industry is no exception to this trend as tech advancements change the way businesses access capital and manage their assets. Today, the equipment financing sector embraces technology through streamlined digital applications, data and AI use, and real-time asset monitoring. Let’s look at some emerging changes and trends.  

Digital Transformation in Equipment Financing

The era of digital transformation has brought about a new wave of efficiency and convenience for borrowers looking to purchase equipment. Digital credit applications mean faster approval times and greater financing options for our customers and online platforms allow borrowers to submit applications, upload documents, and track the progress of their applications in real-time. By eliminating paper, or pdf applications, borrowers deal with less paperwork, and no longer need those in-person visits to the lender’s office.  

Equipment vendors also stand to benefit from these streamlined applications. Faster approvals mean quicker sales cycles and increased revenue for their businesses. It also creates a better customer experience, increasing customer retention and brand loyalty.  

Digital tools also enable lenders to automate the underwriting process, improve visibility for better risk assessment, and improve their own customer experience. This leads to higher operational efficiency and reduced costs in the long-run.  

Harnessing the Power of Big Data and AI

The use of big data and AI has completely changed the way that lenders do business today. It has changed the way they evaluate borrower creditworthiness, assess risk, and the types of financing solutions they can offer. By analyzing industry, borrower, and vendor data, lenders get better insights into financial histories, industry trends, and market dynamics that influence their decisions. AI-powered algorithms can also evaluate creditworthiness more accurately, allowing lenders to personalize their solutions to their customer’s unique needs.  

This access to data also gives lenders a better picture of their customers’ financial profiles. In turn, borrowers gain access to more competitive financing terms and in some cases, have a higher likelihood of approval.  

With well-qualified buyers at their doors, equipment manufacturers can move more inventory faster than they ever could.  

While big data and AI offer significant benefits in terms of enhanced risk assessment and personalized financing options, there are potential risks related to algorithmic bias, data privacy violations, and regulatory compliance. Lenders must be aware of these risks and set up the proper internal policies and procedures to avoid legal repercussions.  

IoT Revolutionizing Asset Monitoring

The Internet of Things (IoT), a way of connecting and sending information between equipment and devices, has revolutionized asset monitoring and management in equipment financing. It provides lenders with real-time insights into the usage, performance, and maintenace needs of financed equipment. With IoT-enabled devices like sensors and telematics, lenders can monitor the equipment remotely, capturing data and identifying potential issues before they escalate.  IoT-enabled equipment also helps lenders reduce the risk of default by monitoring equipment usage and performance metrics, leading to lower financing costs and improved portfolio performance.  

Borrowers can use this data to ensure optimal performance and reliability of their equipment to minimize downtime and maximize efficiency throughout the financing term.  

As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, the equipment financing industry must adapt to stay competitive. The future of equipment financing is undoubtedly tech-driven, and those who embrace innovation will lead the way forward.