Accessibility
icon-contact

Contact
icon--phone

Sales
78-headset

Customer service

Blog
icon--login

Log in

How can we help?

Fleet management solutions

Industries

Partners

Insights

We are MICHELIN

Contact us
icon--login

Log in

How can we help?

icon--cost-control

Reduce fleet costs

Significantly reduce your fuel consumption, vehicle insurance and repair costs.
icon--one-time-delivery

Optimise On-time delivery and productivity

Helping you optimise productivity significantly.
icon--safety

Improve driver and vehicle safety

Get instant visibility of driving behaviours and improve driving performance.
icon--cargo-maintenance

Ensure cargo maintenance

Ensure compliance of your refrigerated goods movements.
icon--compliance-sustainability

Transition to a green fleet

Manage your electric vehicle fleet, discover the cost-reducing benefits of a greener fleet and increase productivity.

Fleet management solutions

vehicle tracking icon mcf

Vehicle tracking

driving behaviour icon mcf

Driving behaviour

job management icon mcf

Job management

ev transition and management icon mcf

EV transition and management

incident management icon mcf

Incident management

vehicle maintenance icon mcf

Vehicle maintenance

connected temperature and cold chain icon mcf

Connected temperature monitoring

vehicle checks icon mcf

Vehicle checks

driver hours management icon mcf

Driver hours management

camera video monitoring icon mcf

Camera video monitoring

brake performance monitoring icon mcf

Brake performance monitoring

CXS - Icons new offer (2)

Tyre performance New

tyre pressure and temperature monitoring icon mcf

Tyre pressure and temperature monitoring

icono_predictivetyre_nt112

Predictive tyre maintenance

oem-menu-ic

OEM fleet management

Industries

transport and logistics icon

Transport and logistics

field services industry icon

Field services

MCF Content Image (9)

Transition to a green fleet

Learn more

Partners

oem-menu-ic

OEM partnership

Discover how we partner with OEMs to enhance your fleet management.
ses_pictograms_ecosystem partners_black (002)-1

Become a partner

Interested in becoming a partner? Get in touch to learn more.

Insights

Blog and useful resources

Find useful information and resources to master your fleet management.

What is fleet management?

View our complete guide to fleet management.

Customer stories

Discover how fleets have partnered and succeeded with us.

Fleet management and telematics glossary

Stay ahead of the curve with our fleet management glossary, empowering you to navigate industry terminology effortlessly.

We are MICHELIN

Choose MICHELIN

About us

Careers

Sustainability

What's new?

Events

hqdefault

Transition to a green fleet

Learn more
MCF 2022 - Header page interior (8)

Glossary

Think of a glossary like your language cheat sheet. No more scratching your head over confusing words; the glossary is your go-to buddy for decoding the language and keeping things crystal clear!

A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
L
M
O
P
R
S
T
V
A
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
What is an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)? An ABS is a vehicle safety feature designed to prevent wheel lockup during braking. By rapidly modulating brake pressure, an ABS allows the driver to maintain steering control and avoid skidding. Such systems use sensors to monitor wheel speed and a control unit to adjust braking force as needed.
See full definition
B
Business Mileage Claim
What is a Business Mileage Claim? A business mileage claim is a request made to the UK Government in order to reduce the amount of tax that needs to be paid at the end of the year. Business mileage is an expense which an employee is required to take as a direct result of work-related travel.
See full definition
Big Data Analytics
What is big data analytics? Big data analytics involves examining large and complex datasets from diverse sources, such as telematics, maintenance records, and fuel card transactions. By identifying patterns and trends, it helps optimise fleet operations by driving more informed decision-making.
See full definition
C
CAN Bus
What is CAN Bus? The Controller Area Network (CAN) bus is a communication system used in vehicles. It operates on a message-based protocol, facilitating seamless communication among electronic devices in a vehicle without requiring a central host computer. This network, aptly named "Controller Area Network," enables vehicles to efficiently exchange information between different components within the vehicle.
See full definition
Carbon Emission, Footprint, and Reporting
Carbon Emission In fleet management, carbon emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide (CO₂) into the atmosphere from vehicles. These emissions are primarily the exhaust gases produced by internal combustion engines running on petrol or diesel. Managing and reducing these emissions is integral for fleets to comply with environmental regulations and to meet sustainability goals.
See full definition
D
Decarbonisation
What is fleet decarbonisation? Fleet decarbonisation refers to the reduction of carbon emissions generated by an organisation's fleet of vehicles. This process is crucial for minimising environmental impact, enhancing fleet sustainability, and tackling climate change.
See full definition
Driver Vehicle Inspection Report
What is a Driver Vehicle Inspection Report? A driver vehicle inspection report, often referred to by its acronym DVIR, is an official record which certifies that a driver of a commercial vehicle has completed a full inspection of that vehicle. In the UK, this is known as a walkaround check.
See full definition
Digital Tachograph
The aim of every fleet is to be more efficient regarding both fuel and time, all while maintaining legal compliance. Digital tachographs streamline the processes involved within these areas, making them an essential tool for fleet managers.
See full definition
Digital Tacho Symbols
What are Digital Tacho Symbols? Digital tacho symbols refer to the indicators on a tachograph which show the activity status of a fleet driver. For instance, they are primarily used to record a driver’s driving, break, and rest times. As such, these symbols collectively represent a set of preconfigured modes designed in order to collect various insightful measurements.
See full definition
Dash Cam
What is a Dash Cam? Dash cams are on-board recording devices that are generally mounted onto the dashboard of a vehicle. From there, these cameras collect a video recording of a fleet vehicle’s surroundings, whether it is stationary or on the road.
See full definition
E
Engine Idling
What is Engine Idling? Engine idling occurs when the engine continues to run while the vehicle remains stationary. Common instances of unnecessary idling include drivers leaving the engine on during heavy traffic, at red lights, while unloading packages, or during breaks.
See full definition
Engine Control Module (ECM)
What is an engine control module (ECM)? An engine control module (ECM), also referred to as an electronic control unit (ECU), is a sophisticated computer system designed to manage and optimise engine performance. It plays a critical role in monitoring and regulating key engine functions, including fuel injection, air intake, ignition timing, and emission controls.
See full definition
Electronic Logging Device
What is an Electronic Logging Device (ELD)? ELDs, also known as electronic logbooks, are devices which connect to the engine of a commercial vehicle so as to allow fleet drivers to automatically track the activities they carry out throughout the day.
See full definition
Electronic Braking Performance Monitoring System (EBPMS)
What is an EBPMS? An Electronic Braking Performance Monitoring System (EBPMS) is an advanced tool designed to monitor, analyse, and document brake performance data of commercial vehicles during daily fleet operations. EBPMS detects braking events initiated by drivers, adjusting braking force in response to speed reduction or reaching minimum velocity thresholds.
See full definition
Estimated Time of Arrival
What is Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA)? An ETA is the expected time and date when a fleet vehicle is predicted to reach either a specific waypoint or its final destination during a delivery or shipment.
See full definition
F
Fuel Management System
What is a Fuel Management System? Fundamentally, a fuel management system is a set of tools designed to monitor, manage, and optimise the fuel-related aspects of a vehicle fleet. These systems represent a way of improving fuel efficiency, productivity and, consequently, cost control by tracking fuel usage in real-time.
See full definition
Fleet Operating Costs
What are fleet operating costs? Fleet operating costs cover a wide range of expenses that require ongoing financial resources. The main components of these costs include fuel costs, vehicle maintenance costs, and compliance penalties.
See full definition
Fleet Risk Management
What is Fleet Risk Management? Fleet risk management refers to the processes and strategies whereby organisations identify, assess, and mitigate both the physical and regulatory risks associated with their vehicle fleets.
See full definition
Field Service Management
What is field service management? Field service management is the process of overseeing and coordinating a business’s fleet and field operations. This involves tasks such as scheduling, handling work orders, performance monitoring, GPS tracking, data analytics, reporting, and ensuring customer satisfaction.
See full definition
G
Geographic Information System
What is a Geographic Information System (GIS)? A Geographic Information System is a computer-based tool used to visualise and scrutinise geographically referenced data. It integrates data linked to specific locations in order to create detailed maps and spatial analyses.
See full definition
Geofencing
What is Geofencing? Geofencing in fleet management refers to the use of geographic boundaries which are defined through GPS technology to create virtual perimeters around specific areas or routes. This technology allows fleet managers to set up predefined geographical zones, or ‘geofences’, and receive alerts or trigger certain actions when a vehicle enters or exits these designated areas.
See full definition
GPS Technology
What is Fleet GPS Technology? Fleet GPS technology refers to hardware used to track the activity of a vehicle fleet by way of integration with fleet management software. Such GPS tracking typically operates through small, sensor-equipped devices that receive satellite signals and are discreetly installed into each vehicle.
See full definition
Gross Vehicle Weight
What is Gross Vehicle Weight? The term gross vehicle weight, often referred to as GVW, consists of the total weight of individual or multiple fleet vehicles, such as trucks, trailers, and HGVs. It is a key factor in fleet management because excessive weight or imbalance can pose risks to drivers and other road users.
See full definition
H
Heavy Goods Vehicle
Definition of a Heavy Goods Vehicle The term 'Heavy Goods Vehicle,' usually abbreviated as HGV, refers to any vehicle weighing over 3,500 kg, inclusive of its carried cargo.
See full definition
Hours of Service
What is HOS? The term 'hours of service' (HOS), often abbreviated as such, delineates a set of regulations enforced by governmental traffic authorities. These regulations play an important role in governing the working hours of individuals employed in the transportation sector, including professions such as truck drivers, bus operators, and mail carriers.
See full definition
L
Light Goods Vehicle
What is a Light Goods Vehicle? A light goods vehicle, commonly referred to as an LGV, is classified as a commercial vehicle with a total gross weight not exceeding 3,500kg (3.5 tonnes).
See full definition
M
Mobile Workforce Management
What is mobile workforce management? Mobile workforce management refers to technology-driven systems which are designed to oversee fleet staff working beyond a physical site or office environment.
See full definition
O
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)
What is an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)? An OEM is a business or company that produces parts, software, or equipment which other organisations incorporate into their products. OEMs are essential in various industries, including automotive and IT.
See full definition
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD)
What is On-Board Diagnostics (OBD)? OBD is a feature in vehicles that monitors and processes diagnostic information through a network of sensors connected to the controller area network (CAN), which acts as the vehicle’s central processing unit. This system provides a comprehensive overview of the vehicle's health, facilitating efficient problem diagnosis and offering valuable insights for fleet managers seeking to optimise fleet performance and reliability.
See full definition
P
Predictive Maintenance
What is predictive maintenance? Predictive maintenance is a proactive strategy in fleet management that leverages data analytics to forecast when a vehicle will need servicing or repairs.
See full definition
R
Route Optimisation
What is Route Optimisation? The term route optimisation refers to the process of choosing the most advantageous travel paths for fleet vehicles. While minimising fuel costs is the most immediate and desirable consequence, the primary objective of route optimisation is to heighten overall fleet efficiency.
See full definition
S
Service Intervals
What is a Service Interval? Service intervals refer to the recommended frequency for vehicle servicing, typically determined by factors such as elapsed time, odometer readings, or engine operation hours.
See full definition
T
Telematics Devices
What are Telematics Devices? A telematics device is a piece of hardware that generally consists of a GPS receiver, an engine interface unit, an accelerometer, a communicative buzzer, a SIM card, and an input/output port for external computer connectivity. Being so equipped, telematics devices track the real-time location of every vehicle within a fleet while collecting a range of more technical data from each by way of interacting with onboard electronic sensors and diagnostic codes.
See full definition
Telematics
What is Telematics? Telematics refers to systems comprising various technologies such as telecommunications devices for data transmission and storage, vehicle-integrated systems for live tracking, and satellite navigation.
See full definition
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
What is a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)? As their name implies, tyre pressure monitoring systems are engineered to continuously monitor tyre air pressure and issue alerts upon detecting abnormalities, such as underinflation.
See full definition
Total Cost of Ownership
What is Total Cost of Ownership? Total cost of ownership refers to a financial examination spanning the entire lifecycle of a capital purchase. It delves into the expenses associated with owning an asset, encompassing both short-term and long-term operational costs.
See full definition
V
Vehicle Downtime
What is Vehicle Downtime? Vehicle downtime encompasses any period during which a vehicle is unavailable for use, regardless of the cause. Typically, it arises due to malfunctions or damages which require repairs or part replacements. However, various factors can contribute to such downtime, impacting fleet operational efficiency and productivity.
See full definition
Vehicle Connectivity
What is vehicle connectivity? A connected vehicle is equipped with mobile technology that enables it to access the internet. Through this connectivity, a vehicle can share and receive data with other devices.
See full definition