It seems that with every passing day there is new technology to improve our lives. From the use of mechanized instruments in healthcare to quantum computing being utilized to better manage big data, our world is filling with remarkable modernizations across all industries. One continuously evolving technological development making waves in the transport and logistics industry is telematics. Below is a brief look into this technology and how it is being used to improve efficiency in the fleet trucking and freight transportation business.
What is telematics? While the term covers a range of topics relating to the intersection of telecommunication and information technology, telematics in the automotive or fleet industry refers to advanced onboard monitoring and communication processes. Essentially, it is a system designed to track the operation and performance of machinery, in this case trucks, to produce real-time data.
It relies on various forms of onboard diagnostics equipment and GPS technology that communicate with one another via other telematics devices and GPS receivers. The objective is to collect data, transmit it to be stored on a server and then analyzed via advanced algorithms for the benefit of an end user. These users include fleet managers who can then monitor their drivers from almost anywhere at any time and drive growth within the company using insight gained from the data. Because of its vast applications within the industry, telematics is often used synonymously with fleet telematics or vehicle telematics.
How is telematics data used to improve operations? A main area is the realm of driver safety. By monitoring driving habits with telematics solutions and other surveillance equipment, managers might better address risky or aggressive behaviors. Not only does this reduce risk down the road, but the lessons learned from poor actions can be incorporated into training practices and fleet policies. Vehicle monitoring can protect the driver as well, by identifying needed repairs and maintenance. When the health of the vehicle is properly maintained, it can reduce the risk of breakdowns and keep vehicles running at optimum efficiency.
Telematics can give detailed insights into driver behaviors out of the truck as well. For instance, it could determine when a driver is not adhering to hours-of-service regulations which may jeopardize the fleet’s compliance. It can also be used to exonerate drivers in the event of a crash or complaint. When utilized to enhance workforce management in instances such as these, telematics has been shown to encourage driver accountability and improve productivity while also lowering the cost of operations.
The use of telematics is quickly gaining traction worldwide due to its numerous applications in freight transport. Logistics companies on a global scale are seeing improvements in their overall efficiency and productivity with customized telematics systems behind the wheel. For more information on telematics and how it can be used to improve operations, please see the accompanying resource.
Infographic created by Track Your Truck, a GPS vehicle tracking devices company
Recent Comments