Telematics gives you the vehicle data of your fleet personnel, allowing for improved management and better utilization of fleet resources. Providing transparency for driver route execution makes managing operations so much easier.
Telematics may be the key to unlocking a more efficient, safe, and profitable fleet. Let’s explore how a telematics system works as well as 3 benefits of telematics.
How Does Telematics Work?
The term “telematics” gets thrown around often. But, how exactly does it work? Let’s take a look at the two core parts of a typical telematics system.
Location Hardware
Also known as a vehicle location unit or tracking device, location hardware is installed directly in the vehicle. It is a standard vehicle tracking product that is installed by fitting the device with a simple three-wire connection. Tracking devices usually require the use of an antenna, external to the device, fitted in the line of sight of the sky to receive optimal GPS transmissions.
A second antenna is used to transmit the data, commonly using a mobile data network. As stated, the typical tracking hardware for a fleet management solution uses GPS to pinpoint a location. Updates are transmitted at timed intervals or after an event trigger, such as turning the ignition on or off.
Location and Journey Data
Fleet safety telemetry and journey data are made available to the user, via a website, where a secure login lets you view live and historical fleet activity using digital mapping and reporting tools.
3 Benefits of Telematics
The benefits of telematics are widely known, and reducing idling is one of them. You need real-time information about your vehicles and routes in order to keep your fleet running smoothly. With telematics, you get just that: an inside look at your drivers and delivery day, empowering you to make smarter decisions for your fleet.
#1: Track Critical Fleet Information
Telematics lets you monitor trucks and capture real-time information that allows for proactive maintenance. You can know the minute that something is wrong with your truck, giving you plenty of time to make repairs before a breakdown occurs.
It also gives you the power to keep track of truck positions and all your assets at all times. Now when a customer calls you wondering where their delivery is, you can give them the right answer.
#2: Access Fleet Safety Metrics
With the right telematics software, your fleet managers can capture driving metrics such as speed, harsh braking, and other risky driver behaviors. It’s also a tool that assists in modifying truck behaviors on the road. You can help drivers adopt safe habits through speed control and by limiting after-hours use. Also, keeping an eye on drivers encourages them to do their best.
#3: Streamline Fleet Operations Management
One of the main goals telematics serves is that it makes a fleet manager’s job easier. From improving customer service with real-time drive and stop times to optimizing route performance with route adherence reporting, telematics is a do-it-all solution. Fleet managers can gain higher situational awareness by knowing where every driver and vehicle is in real time. This is all in addition to its ability to reduce vehicle idling and save fuel consumption.
Start Using Telematics Today
Telematics gives you the data you need to make the right decisions, correct negative habits, reward best practices, and ensure that your vehicles are not using more fuel than necessary.
Start using telematics from Omnitracs today to track critical fleet information, access fleet safety metrics, and streamline your fleet operations management. Explore our fleet management solutions that will help your organization ensure efficiency, scale your fleet, and empower your drivers – and give us a call today.