Telematics technology has become an essential tool in the transportation industry because of its ability to collect real time data such as temperature, tire pressure, fuel level, location, optimal driving routes and operating efficiencies (eco driving). Truck and trailer telematics have surpassed the role of basic asset trackers. This type of data, combined with fleet management software, improves the efficiency of fleets by taking proactive measures to protect goods and drivers. Predictive analytics represent also a means to anticipate maintenance, manage energy, increase safety and reduce costs.
So, how is Technology changing almost every aspect of how fleets are managed?
1 – HOW DOES IT WORK?
The telematics Box collects vehicle and GPS information such as:
- Tracking
- Driver identification / Mileage / Fuel consumption
- Reefer Temperature (cold chain)
- Tire Pressure
- Maintenance, DTC issues
- Usage rate
- Instances of harsh driving (braking or cornering)
Data is aggregated and transmitted from the vehicle via a cellular network into the cloud to a central server, where it can be analyzed and computed to address fleet managers’ weekly reports to help them manage their vehicles.
2 – FROM POSITIONING TO PREDICTIVE MAINTENANCE
3 – THE BENEFITS
Advanced telematics technologies allow fleets to simplify operations and get a better return on investment (ROI).
It offers 4 main benefits to businesses that operate a fleet of vehicles:
INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY
Telematics, in combination with GPS tracking, monitor the vehicle location or the trailer in real time and how it is being operated.
By analyzing collected data, fleet managers can identify the most efficient and safer routes for drivers, which can have an impact on reducing the delivery time and minimizing fuel consumption.
Also, the use of geofencing gives the possibility to track a shipment and compare driver performance against delivery schedules, which can positively impact customer satisfaction.
REDUCED FUEL AND OPERATIONAL EXPENSES
Using telematics technology helps planning smarter routes, that can speed up deliveries and reduce fuel usage. Also, fleet management software can track idling across the fleet and identify drivers who need coaching.
Fuel is well known to be one of the largest expenses of operating a fleet of vehicles. In fact, according to Automotive Fleet[1], fuel costs can represent 60% of a company’s operating budget.
By simply reducing idle time and identifying drivers who need coaching, fleets can significantly notice measurable cost savings and reduction of operational expenses.
PROACTIVE VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
Telematics offers the main advantage of identifying vehicle maintenance issues remotely and reporting them, via real-time alerts, to the relevant departments.
By monitoring hours of service information, engine diagnostics and even vibrations, telematic devices can schedule a preventative and predictive maintenance that can keep the vehicle operating safely. This can also help identify potential vehicle issues earlier and faster thanks to vehicle fault-code detection, allowing to prevent critical safety violations and reducing unplanned maintenance downtime.
By minimizing the frequency and severity of interruptions due to breakdown or failures, predictive maintenance maximizes useful life of equipment and production capacity.
Due to its key role in the automotive industry, the automotive predictive maintenance market is expected to register a CAGR of ~28% from 2019 to 2027.How Telematics is revolutionizing truck & trailer industry / fleet management?[2]
DRIVER SAFETY
Increased overall road safety is a key preoccupation for the trucking industry and society in general. The use of telematics can improve driver’s behavior by collecting data (on the driving behavior) and create a ranking safety score. Furthermore, the fleet managers can organize trainings to coach the drivers about safer driving habits, maintenance rules and improve fleet safety.
The alliance of fleet management software and telematics include some key safety benefits such as:
- Safety monitoring.
- Creating a full risk analysis by combining driver behavior information with accident data, medical histories and contravention. Telematics can also send reminder alerts to slow down or buckle up.
- Accident data to identify dangerous intersections.
Finally, providing insurers with accurate safety data can lower premiums and insurance costs.
CONCLUSION
Telematics combined with fleet management software, allow a wide data analysis that give a precise return on investment for fleet owners in reducing operating expenses by optimizing routing, fuel costs and improving customer service.
As telematics continue to evolve towards smart technologies that influence our everyday life, some emerging trends are at the heart of the concerns:
- Machine Learning
- Artificial Intelligence
- Video telematics
- 5G Network
[2] According to Transparency Market Research
