In the dynamic and quickly evolving realm of fleet management, access to real-time data is the key to competitive advantage and optimal performance.
Naturally, telematics stands out as a powerful factor that determines the results of fleets, no matter their size and scope.
In the following sections, we dive deep into the topic of fleet telematics, offering insights into:
- What are telematics?
- How do telematics work?
- What’s the difference between telematics and GPS tracking?
- What are the benefits of telematics?
And more.
Here’s everything you need to know.
What is telematics?
Let’s start from the beginning and explain what is fleet telematics in the first place.
The word “telematics” is derived from the terms – “telecommunications” and “informatics”. By understanding its origin, you can easily gain an idea of what telematics represents as an approach to fleet maintenance and management.
Overall, telematics is the way telecommunications devices transmit, receive, and record information associated with mobile, connected objects.
Put otherwise, telematics represents data collection that can be used to provide practical advice.
In fleet management, telematics gathers information straight from a vehicle to deliver in-depth data and insights related to a range of components. Some of the most popular ones include driver behavior, location tracking, fuel consumption, asset usage, vehicle diagnostics, compliance, and more.
Telematics fleet management: How does it work?
So, how does telematics work in fleet management?
Fleet telematics relies on a combination of hardware devices installed in vehicles and software applications for data analysis and reporting.
Here’s how it typically works and the types of data it collects.
Hardware installation
Fleet telematics systems usually consist of hardware devices installed in each vehicle in the fleet.
These devices often include GPS receivers, sensors, and onboard computers.
The GPS receiver determines the vehicle’s location, while sensors collect data on various parameters such as vehicle speed, engine performance, fuel consumption, and driver behavior.
Data collection
The installed hardware continuously collects data from various sources within the vehicle, including the engine, transmission, braking system, and onboard computer systems.
This data may include:
- Location – Real-time GPS coordinates, route information, and travel history.
- Vehicle diagnostics – Telematics vehicle tracking includes engine performance metrics, fault codes, maintenance schedules, and vehicle health status.
- Driver behavior – Metrics such as speed, acceleration, braking, cornering, idling time, seat belt usage, and adherence to traffic laws.
- Fuel consumption – Fuel levels, fuel consumption rates, fuel efficiency, and fuel-related events such as refueling and fuel theft.
- Vehicle utilization – Usage patterns, vehicle idle time, mileage, and operational hours.
Data transmission
The collected data is transmitted from the vehicle’s hardware devices to a centralized server or cloud-based platform via wireless communication technologies such as cellular networks, satellite communication, or Wi-Fi.
This enables real-time monitoring and remote access to vehicle data from any location with an internet connection.
Data analysis and reporting
Once the data is transmitted to the central server, specialized software applications process and analyze it to extract actionable insights.
Fleet managers can access dashboards, reports, and alerts through user-friendly interfaces to monitor vehicle and driver performance, track fleet operations, and identify areas for improvement.
Alerts and notifications
Telematics systems can generate alerts and notifications based on predefined thresholds or events.
For example, fleet managers may receive alerts for speeding, harsh braking, unauthorized vehicle use, maintenance reminders, or geofence violations.
These alerts help fleet managers proactively address issues and improve safety, efficiency, and compliance.
Telematics vs. GPS tracking
You may be wondering whether telematics tracking and GPS tracking are the same thing.
While these two terms are related concepts, they are not exactly the same.
GPS tracking refers specifically to the use of Global Positioning System (GPS) technology to determine the precise location of an object, such as a vehicle, at any given time.
On the other hand, telematics tracking encompasses a broader range of functionalities beyond just location tracking.
While GPS tracking is a component of telematics tracking, telematics encompasses a wider array of features and capabilities that go beyond simple location tracking.
As noted above, telematics systems provide comprehensive insights into vehicle operations and driver behavior, enabling fleet managers to optimize fleet performance.
Top benefits of fleet telematics
Implementing a telematics fleet management system into your fleet management can positively contribute to the overall performance of your business.
This is mostly due to the following benefits of telematics fleet management.
Reduced maintenance and fuel costs
One of the biggest advantages of fleet telematics is that they can monitor vehicle diagnostics in real-time, enabling proactive maintenance.
For example, if a telematics system detects a potential issue with a vehicle’s engine or transmission, it can alert fleet managers to schedule preventive maintenance before a breakdown occurs.
By tracking fuel consumption and analyzing driver behavior, telematics systems can identify fuel-wasting habits such as excessive idling, speeding, and aggressive driving. Fleet managers can use this information to implement driver training programs and optimize routes to reduce fuel costs.
Lower administrative costs
Fleet telematics can also automate many administrative tasks, such as tracking vehicle usage, mileage, and maintenance schedules.
This leads to a reduced need for manual record-keeping and paperwork, saving time and valuable resources.
Fleet managers can quickly access comprehensive reports on vehicle performance, driver behavior, and fuel consumption, streamlining administrative processes.
Improved communication
In addition, telematics facilitates communication between fleet managers and drivers through two-way messaging and real-time alerts.
For instance, if a driver encounters unexpected traffic or road closures, they can communicate this information to fleet managers using the telematics system, allowing for timely adjustments to routes and schedules.
Enhanced communication capabilities also enable fleet managers to provide instant feedback to drivers on their performance, encouraging safer driving practices and improving overall efficiency.
Enhanced driver safety
Via telematics, fleet managers and owners can monitor driver behavior metrics such as speeding, harsh braking, and cornering.
By providing feedback and coaching based on this data, you can help drivers develop safer driving habits and reduce the risk of accidents.
In the event of an accident or emergency, telematics systems can also automatically trigger alerts and provide the vehicle’s precise location to dispatchers, enabling faster response times and potentially saving lives.
Better resource management
Moreover, you can enjoy better resource management as telematics systems optimize resource allocation by providing real-time visibility into vehicle locations and availability.
By analyzing historical data on vehicle usage and performance, fleet managers can identify opportunities to optimize fleet size, reduce idle time, and improve overall productivity.
However, keep in mind that there are also a few drawbacks that must be addressed. For example, there are concerns related to driver privacy, data sharing, and data processing when it comes to telematics in fleet management.
What vehicles can use fleet telematics?
Telematics for fleet management can be utilized in a range of industries, from courier and delivery companies to trucking and transportation logistics.
When it comes to the specific vehicles that can use fleet telematics, the list features the following:
- Cars
- Cargo vans
- Pickup trucks
- Single axle or tractor units
- Buses and coaches
- Heavy equipment vehicles
- Specialized vehicles (including dump trucks, tow trucks, and cement trucks)
Based on the type of vehicle you wish to use telematics for, you can enjoy different features and capabilities.
History and recent advancements in telematics
For those of you who are eager to understand the history of telematics, you may be surprised to find out the origins behind this intelligent system.
In the 1960s, the U.S. Department of Defense spearheaded the development of the Global Positioning System (GPS) as a means to enhance military communication and bolster asset-tracking capabilities.
This pivotal moment marked the beginning of telematics and informatics, laying the foundation for significant advancements in technology.
Telematics owes its inception to the joining of three seminal technological breakthroughs – the rise of the internet, the popularity of GPS technology, and the evolution of machine-to-machine communication (M2M).
Within the domain of vehicle telematics, this amalgamation encompasses a diverse suite of applications, ranging from wireless safety communications to GPS navigation systems, integrated hands-free cell phone functionality, and automated driving assistance systems.
These innovations have revolutionized fleet management practices, offering unparalleled connectivity, efficiency, and safety enhancements.
Wrap up
As the realm of fleet management continues evolving and innovating, we’re expecting to see new and exciting developments in fleet telematics.
If you’re ready to take the next step and transform your fleet performance, take advantage of fleet maintenance software like Fleetpal, which relies on telematics data.
Not sure how it works? Schedule a free online demo and let our team show you!
