Transport and shipping companies use a fleet management system to track their vehicles. For this, they use telematics technology. The technology combines vehicular technology, engineering, and computer systems, similar to fleet tracking or GPS tracking.
This article will cover what telematics is and how the technology helps commercial and public fleet management. We'll cover the different components that come together to form telematics.
In addition we will discuss the many uses and benefits this technology provides when used with fleet management software.
Defining Telematics
Telematics is a combination of two technologies: telecommunication and informatics. Telecommunication involves using cables, phone lines, and sim cards for communications. Informatics refers to computer systems that process and analyze data.
These technologies allow companies with cars, trucks, and other vehicles to track their assets in real time.
Think of it as a system that can report a car's location, fuel consumption, and driving patterns. A telematics system doesn't just cover fleet tracking through GPS. It is a monitoring technology to track and maintain their fleet of vehicles.
The Key Components of a Telematics Device
So what are telematics in a car? The telematics control unit (TCU) comprises a vehicle tracking device. The device connects with the vehicle through onboard diagnostics (ODBII) (present in all modern vehicles). In addition, the TCU also connects with the CAN-BUS port via a SIM card.
The device has a modem that enables wireless communication to the center. The fleet management software then interacts with the device and sends/receives vehicle data.
The telematics device also has a GPS that helps track vehicles through satellites. This device transmits data through various telecommunication technologies. This includes General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), 4G/LTE, or even the latest 5G cellular networks.
The telematics device captures and sends all the data to a central server. After that, the software processes and displays it to the end user through a website or mobile application.
Telematics systems are embedded in the car to capture a wide range of data, including:
- speed,
- idling duration,
- fuel consumption,
- braking periods,
- and faults.
Today, many commercial vehicle manufacturers are installing telematics systems in their vehicles. As a result, it's easier for companies to leverage the technology for fleet and driver management.
The Applications of Telematics Networks
The best thing about telematics is that it can seamlessly integrate with the systems already in the vehicle. However, for older cars, it may be possible to create the system using third-party devices. This enables many different use cases.
Entire Fleet Management and Tracking
A primary use case of fleet telematics is keeping tabs on the location of vehicles. Fleet tracking in real-time through GPS, GPRS, and the cloud can help companies effectively manage their fleet.
For instance, they can designate routes based on the current location of a vehicle. Typically the location data is sent through GPRS or other cellular networks to the central hub. There, dispatchers can assign jobs to the drivers.
GPS and Vehicle Tracking Systems in Mobile Devices
Telematics systems use mobile devices with GPS and built-in vehicle tracking software. These devices enable wireless data transmission. This use case applies to the non-motorized assets of the fleet, such as trailers.
For instance, drivers can navigate straight to a trailer's location when they need to pick it up. Plus, mobile devices on these assets can reduce the chances of loss.
Telecommunications and Network Information Systems
Telecommunications is a primary part of telematics. Data and coordinates travel over telecommunication networks like cellular networks. With telematics, it's possible to track assets even with a smartphone. For instance, a manager can see the location of a truck on their phone.
Telematics has uses beyond fleet management. It can create any network information system, such as a water network.
Emergency Warning Systems and Vehicle Maintenance
Advanced computerized systems in modern vehicles allow telematics to collect very detailed data. This data can serve for emergency warnings, such as fuel leakage, faulty brakes, or a safety belt not in use.
Telematics also collects data about vehicle performance and condition. This means it can provide critical information for vehicle maintenance. For instance, it can show the time for an engine oil change, brake fluid change, or tire replacement. With engine diagnostics, companies can ensure safe and optimal engine conditions.
The Advantages of Telematics Engineering
Telematics offers a wide range of benefits to commercial fleet companies. These include:
- Better Efficiency and Productivity - Telematics uses GPS and the internet to track a fleet in real time. This allows for more efficient job assignments. That, in turn, increases the fleet's productivity as no vehicle is idle. Plus, managers can assign jobs to the nearest drivers.
- Fuel Cost Savings - Better fuel management is an excellent benefit of telematics for businesses with massive fleets. The technology allows smarter route planning, timely maintenance, and lower idling. This results in lower fuel costs.
- Better Safety - Telematics engineering can provide data, such as vehicle speed, safety belts use, and driver behavior. This can help companies implement better vehicle and driver safety. Similarly, such systems can proactively detect vehicle faults. This prevents road accidents because of such issues.
- Precise Payroll Management - Some fleet companies operate on the driver hours model. Such companies can automate their driver payroll through telematics. It can detect when a vehicle started and stopped, what route it took, and how many breaks the driver had. All this data can calculate their pay more accurately.
Are You Ready To Be Part of the Future of Telematics?
The automotive industry is rushing to develop more electric vehicles. For one primary reason: to provide more information to users. Therefore, the scope of telematics will expand even more.
Many vehicle manufacturers also work with telematic providers to embed such systems in a car. This way, companies can track and manage the fleet from the get-go. With the Internet of Things (IoT) advancements, telematics will likely go beyond fleet management.
Are you looking to embrace the many applications and advantages of telematics systems for your fleet? Check out the telematics devices on Novotech.