The turning point for every fleet business is getting a powerful fleet management system. With most fleet management systems there’s an aspect of telematics, but what does it mean? Telematics are usually integrated with fleet management software to retrieve and process information from the vehicle. This top-tier technology makes the fleet world go round, as it permits the ability to receive and view data on things like deliveries for example.
Today we will break it down for you to better understand and see how our platform sets us apart.
What’s the first thing you think of when you hear the word telematics? If you’re thinking big trucking technology, you’re right. However, it goes beyond that, we use telematics in our everyday lives. For example, if you’ve watched your food delivery guy map his way to your house then you’ve seen telematics at work.
Telematics is a term that combines two words: telecommunications and informatics. Telecommunication is the transmission of messages and signals over a long distance using electronic equipment such as a telephone or radio. Informatics is the study and design of information systems, such as computer systems. In most cases, the term describes the digital monitoring of commercial vehicles.
Fleet management can become simpler, less stressful and more successful when telematics is introduced. How does it work? Fleet telematics collect data using GPS technology, sensors and a vehicle’s engine. With this, fleet operators receive all the information they need to manage their vehicles.
The devices gather a range of data using GPS technology, sensors and engine diagnostics. This data provides fleet operators with the information they need to track assets and manage all vehicle operations. The data offers insights into vehicle maintenance, location, driver behaviour, and fuel consumption.
Here are the three main building blocks of a telematics system:
The Internet of Things (IoT) device is often confused with the telematics system. They are linked but not the same thing. An IoT device connects physical devices to the internet. In simple terms, it can be integrated into tools such as industrial equipment to source out data, and this is why it works so well with telematics.
The integration of telematics and IoT devices has been a game changer in the world of fleet management, it has made telematics more affordable and shifted the focus from just tracking vehicles to engine performance, driver behaviour and locating assets.
There are various benefits to implementing vehicle telematic systems in fleet businesses, let’s take a look at what telematics can do for you:
Telematics can be used in almost any industry that uses vehicles, machinery or mobile assets. Let’s take a look at how specific industries might utilise telematics:
Telematics technology has greatly impacted the transportation of temperature-sensitive goods such as seafood or fruits and vegetables, in long-distance trips. The real-time monitoring of these goods ensures they are fresh throughout the journey until they reach their destination. This is done through temperature sensors that work with telematics and are strategically placed to measure and record temperature levels at different points accurately. Through this powerful tool, fleet managers receive alerts when there are sudden drops or rises in temperature. When cargo doors are frequently open and shut this can cause temperature fluctuations. Cargo door monitoring sensors are integrated with telematics to instantly detect when doors open and close.
Fleet managers need information from trucks, excavators and all other equipment. They need to know when vehicles arrive on site, how long it takes to complete tasks such as mixing concrete, the health of the equipment and the location of the equipment to ensure that the equipment does not go ‘missing’. When incorporating telematics and GPS technology into your construction business, you’ll know where your vehicles and machinery are at all times.
Sensors provide fleet managers with insights into operational patterns, equipment performance and any potential issues with the machinery.
Driving an ambulance or other emergency vehicle poses many dangers. Telematics help monitor driver behaviour such as unnecessary speeding when there is no emergency. They also work with specialised sensors to alert managers when sirens go off, ensuring they are used only during emergencies. Moreover, emergency vehicles can't afford to break down during a shift because someone’s life might be at stake. Through telematics data, vehicle diagnostics are assessed so no service dates are skipped and emergency vehicles remain in good health. Lastly, fleet managers need to know if vehicles are at their designated stations at all times, through GPS technology and telematics, emergency service fleet managers can easily access the location of each vehicle at any time to ensure a faster response time.
If a waste collection truck doesn’t show up for its routine pick-up, it’s not only an inconvenience to you but also has a bad impact on the environment. With telematics and GPS tracking technology, waste management companies can avoid breakdowns and plan more efficient routes for their trucks. Additionally, fleet management vehicle cameras play a vital role in waste management compliance. They work with telematics systems to provide footage and supporting vehicle data of daily waste collection activities, such as ensuring that waste collectors are properly disposing of and recycling waste materials.
GPS tracking and IoT technology in the agriculture and farming industry enable farmers to make calculated decisions through the creation of detailed digital field maps. This helps them in many ways such as the tracking of ploughing distance to reduce resource wastage. The location of farming vehicles and equipment can be seen at any time to ensure there is no theft. Furthermore, through the use of sensors, real-time water and fuel tank levels can be tracked so farmers know which trackers need fuel or when water storage tanks need a refill.
Insurers use telematics data to review driver behaviour and determine the risk. Fleet businesses that use telematics to improve driving habits and heighten driver awareness can make long-term savings on insurance premiums through reduced crashes and fewer claims.
Telematics technology is advancing by the day and will continue to expand. Singapore is one of the smartest cities in the world and telematics play a vital role in the maximisation of the efficiency of urban infrastructure. Some key trends include:
Here’s a story of how we helped one of the oldest and largest ready-mixed concrete suppliers in Singapore — Island Concrete.
Island Concrete supplies ready-mixed concrete to various customers in Singapore. Their concrete batching plants can supply more than 3 million cubic metres of quality concrete annually. Now that’s a lot and it can come with major complications.
Their main challenge was that they never knew exactly where their concrete mixers were at any given time, they had no system in place to confirm whether their loaded mixers arrived or departed various job sites. This made it difficult for them to assist drivers experiencing delays and update customers during the delivery process. These issues highly impacted their productivity and efficiency.
How Cartrack's telematics system has helped them:
Why Cartrack:
“We are extremely pleased that Cartrack Fleet Management gives us the capability to view fleet information in real-time. It provides insights on our fleet and improves dispatch efficiency for our concrete mixer trucks to ensure our ready-mixed concrete is delivered on time.”
- Goh GJ, Senior Operation Manager | Island Concrete
We are the industry leaders in vehicle telematics, with years of experience and plenty of innovations. Here are some of the things we can help your business with:
Put your trust in Cartrack, our tools give you all the support you need to drive your fleet business to success. Contact us today!
Vehicle telematics systems are essential for smooth fleet operations - see how telematics technology works and how it can benefit your business.
