Telematics software combines communications (tele) with informatics to transmit computerised information back to a software platform for use by a chief mechanic or fleet manager. Fleet telematics monitor a range of information about each particular vehicle in the fleet, including:
- Fuel consumption
- Driver behaviour
- Accurate mileage
- Location
- Mechanical health of the vehicle (diagnostics)
During the last decade, fleet telematics has become prevalent, especially in logistics and delivery companies, but also in construction, business services, and retail too. It has helped businesses to become more efficient by relaying real-time information from assets (vehicles) out on the road, enabling fleet managers to use the information to improve:
- Efficiency
- Customer service levels
- Reliability
- Profitability
What is fleet telematics?
Telematics software normally consists of GPS tracking sensors and vehicle engine data (in-vehicle computer.)
Data from these devices is collected, stored and transmitted to a secure server by a smart box (black box) installed in the vehicle.
The data is then downloaded to fleet management software so fleet managers can use the information provided to run their logistics efficiently.
Fleet telematics can also be combined with on-board cameras to show context or footage of an event.
For example, if a delivery driver brakes suddenly, the fleet manager will have no idea why until he talks to the driver.
But camera footage may show a hazard or someone walking out in front of his vehicle. Using cameras and fleet telematics together can help to determine the cause of an accident and can, therefore, be invaluable for insurance purposes by providing hard evidence.
Devices can be used with other technologies so drivers can receive jobs, send delivery receipts, and receive feedback from fleet managers in real time about their driving ability and habits.
What can fleet telematics do?
A GPS tracking system is central to fleet telematics and can relay important data to fleet managers. But it is about so much more than just the location of each vehicle in real time. The data transmitted to fleet management software can include information relating to:
- Speed
- Incidents/accidents
- Poor driving or a sudden change in driving performance
- Panic alerts
- Diagnostics such as mileage reports, fuel efficiency
- Geofencing
- Driver alerts such as job despatching, proof of delivery, messaging
- Camera footage, when integrated with telematics
- Inspection reports when the vehicle not at the depot
Why should I install fleet telematics?
The use of fleet telematics is now widespread.
According to a 2016 RAC report based on 1.000 UK businesses, the use of telematics rose from 38% to 65% between September 2015 and April 2016. Furthermore, 85% of the companies surveyed had installed telematics in HGVs.
In the report, there were a variety of reasons specified for implementing the technology, including:
- Tracking staff vehicles
For example, if your company has a number of representatives out on the road, you can check where they are at any given time.
- Monitoring driver behaviour (for training purposes)
On-board telematics have been shown to improve driver behaviour – this has been demonstrated through the number of insurance companies offering reduced premiums to drivers with black boxes in their vehicles. Feedback from fleet telematics can alert drivers to dangerous driving habits. In addition, the data can be used to provide development and driver training programmes, tailored to individual requirements.
- Odometer information
Providing accurate reports of mileage through automated mileage reports improves the accuracy of expense accounts for tax purposes and can reduce the burden on accounts departments as well as drivers.
- Monitoring vehicle progress
Fleet managers or customer service departments can keep customers updated on the progress of their delivery, improving customer communications and service levels.
- Monitoring the overall mechanical health of vehicles
Accurate diagnostics provided whilst vehicles are out on the road can help to improve timely maintenance scheduling.
But there are other reasons too. For example:
- Automated communications – removing the need for checking in/reporting back
- Safety – improvements in driver behaviour, emergency assistance
- Agility – adapting to changes in traffic control and road systems, avoiding bottlenecks
During the pandemic, there was unprecedented growth in online shopping (for obvious reasons), which led to an increasing number of deliveries to many more homes.
Although at the time, other traffic had been greatly reduced as we all stayed at home, now things are more or less back to normal, the pressure on urban infrastructure is greater than before.
Fleet telematics can be used to maximise fuel efficiency and improve traffic management, reducing the pressure on busy routes.
What are the benefits of fleet telematics to fleet management?
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet,
Of course, the major benefit to both fleet managers and the business as a whole is to reduce fuel costs. In the RAC report we mentioned earlier, 55% of companies surveyed said they had seen a reduction in fuel costs.
As high inflation and the war in the Ukraine continues to hit operating costs, any reduction in the fuel bill will be welcomed by fleet managers, FDs and CEOs.
Fleet telematics provide data on the whole fleet, and the information relayed to the depot can highlight ways to reduce fuel costs by adjusting routes for maximum efficiency, preventing unnecessary journeys, tracking when the engine is idling and other fuel-costly driver habits.
This efficiency can also reduce the overall carbon footprint of the fleet.
The next benefit is safety, which can also be improved by on-board telematics.
Driving data can be used to put together training sessions to correct specific behaviours, so coaching programmes are tailored and, therefore, more effective.
Because drivers are monitored, the chances of them speeding are greatly reduced, which also brings down their risk profile, the number of incidents/fines, and again, fuel costs.
The same can be said of accidents, and when fleet telematics and on-board cameras are used together, evidential proof is provided in the case of an incident or accident.
This can reduce time, inconvenience and costs.
The maintenance of a large fleet of vehicles can be a headache for any fleet manager, so data provided by telematics systems can help to put together a cost-effective maintenance schedule.
The data shows information relating to vehicle condition, even when the vehicle itself is not at the depot.
Faults are flagged immediately so preventative maintenance can take place, reducing the cost of breakdowns and the number of vehicles off the road at any given moment.
If you’re the manager of any size or shape of fleet or the owner of a business providing your team with vehicles, knowing where your assets are at any given time is a must, for security, efficiency and productivity.
The experts at AJT Installs are here to help, so call us to discuss your fleet telematics options and ask us about the AJT Locate Tracker. For your peace of mind, every product bought and installed by AJT Installs technicians is backed by a minimum three year warranty, and we have experience across all industry sectors including:
- Transport and Logistics
- Courier and Delivery
- Local Authority and Emergency Services
- Passenger Transport