Telematics encompasses the internet in its broadest sense, as it combines telecommunications (phone lines, cables, etc.) with informatics (such as computer systems). However, the phrase is generally used to relate to trucking/ fleet telematics, where vehicle location information is employed in numerous business applications to assist company owners effectively manage a fleet-based workforce.
The technology enables the sending, receiving, and storage of data about remote objects (in this example, a box truck). The smart gadget then captures and reports on a variety of data points.
So, what can telematics do?
There is almost no limit to the number of telematics applications available today. Every day, the world becomes more linked, and new ways to exploit location-based data are continually being developed.
What is the working principle of telematics?
People still believe that telematics just displays GPS vehicle position — a simple dot on the map, as it were. This hardly scratches the surface.
The telematics device collects a large amount of data and delivers it to a data center. The data is deciphered, revealing details about the box truck such as its position, speed, idle time, hard acceleration, or braking (as recorded by an internal accelerometer), fuel usage, vehicle issues, and more.
With this data, you can then identify whether a driver is speeding, monitor the idle state of each box truck in your fleet and give near real-time warnings to drivers to show them the fastest, most efficient routes to travel. Further to this, you may also monitor fuel usage, individual driving habits, time spent at (and outside of) specified areas and whether your box trucks require urgent repair.
Simply having telematics, however, is not enough. Not all telematics systems are made equal, and you will need to pick one that is ideal for your company to get the most out of the data provided.
What industries make use of telematics?
The most prevalent sectors that employ telematics systems are:
- Delivery and courier companies
- Plumbing, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC).
- Transportation logistics and trucking
- Car rental and leasing businesses
- Towing services
- Businesses in the food and beverage industry
- Companies that specialize in construction
- Utility Companies
- Motorcoach, public transport, taxi, are examples of transit fleets.
- Police officers, first responders, and other government agencies
- Landscaping
- Oil, gas, and mining industries
- Fleets for waste management
Why would you want to install a telematics device?
Telematics are used by many fleet managers as a critical tool for fleet management.
One of the most important reasons fleet owners implement telematics is for safety. In-vehicle coaching, driver behavior reporting, incident notification and reconstruction, and locating box trucks that have been stolen are among the other functions.
Another motive is better customer service. Using real-time GPS monitoring, trip reporting, and routing systems enhances efficiency and helps a company provide accurate delivery time updates to customers.
Cutting delivery times is another benefit that fleet managers value. Dispatchers and fleet managers can properly track their fleet and identify when their drivers arrive at their location using a good telematics system.
The ability to inform a client exactly where their goods are and when they will arrive can help build consumer confidence. Telematics can also be used in conjunction with onboard camera technologies.
What other types of vehicles can benefit from telematics?
Telematics may be used to accomplish a variety of tasks in a variety of vehicle types and assets, including:
- Heavy equipment
- Automobiles
- Cargo vans and pickup trucks
- Buses and Motor Coaches
- Specialty vehicles
Conclusion
Telematics is becoming a key component of the trucking and transportation industry.
For fleets trying to gain a competitive edge, fleet management software and telematics devices will continue to play a significant role. Telematics data, assist fleet managers in being more initiative-taking and efficient.
If you need fleet truck repair, a truck mechanic such as Truck-N-Trailer is available to assist you with your medium duty fleet needs.
