Telematics involves the use of IT to actively control and monitor remote devices or systems. As a result of rapid improvements in satellite tracking (GPS) and communication equipment over the past decade, telematics systems are being used for a wide range of tasks. These include vehicle tracking and driver performance monitoring, as well as on-board communication and navigation systems.
Telematic systems can provide data or information that, once processed, can deliver the insight and information a fleet operator needs to make strategic and daily management decisions with confidence, potentially transforming their fleet operation and delivering significant cost and carbon savings. For example, drivers prone to harsh braking and acceleration can be targeted with additional training, or routes can be planned and optimised to save time and fuel.
There are four major reasons for implementing telematics:
To manage routes and distance
To optimise business operations
To manage vehicle condition, fuel costs and maintenance
To assist with driver safety and training
Existing systems range from low cost, off-the-shelf systems giving basic navigational assistance, to highly accurate, real-time tracking systems. Technology systems such as cameras and self-reporting software can also be useful for fleet managers for compliance and safety reasons. However, it should be remembered that different systems will work best for different users, depending on the operating environment. Effective implementation of technology requires thorough research, planning, and monitoring and the capability to accurately analyse the data generated (and ongoing resources to do so diligently once it is implemented).
Ensure that you know what information you want from a system before procurement and that the preferred option is able to provide this as a useful output. These systems can provide data in a number of formats and levels of detail, such as performance and compliance reports and charts or a simple “dashboard” overview of specific measures of interest to the fleet manager. Good telematics providers should include features in their software which produce a quick access dashboard of pre-planned metrics.
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