Telematics, meaning the integration of information technology with telecommunications, is used to transmit, receive, and process vehicle data remotely.
Since internet connectivity and telecommunication networks have become more ubiquitous, telematics has surged in prominence owing to this expansion of real-time data transmission, particularly relating to its applications in vehicle tracking, navigation systems, and more.
What is meant by telematics is systems that comprise various technologies, each serving a distinct function. This includes telecommunications devices for data transmission and storage, vehicle-integrated systems for live tracking, and satellite navigation tools.
These systems use GPS technology and onboard diagnostics (OBD) to enable the comprehensive monitoring of vehicles and assets. By precisely pinpointing a vehicle's real-time location and speed, telematics has evolved from a broad term to a specialised tool primarily associated with fleet management.
Telematics systems work by gathering location data via the vehicle’s GPS tracker, alongside diagnostics from its onboard electronics, before relaying it wirelessly through cellular and satellite networks to internet servers for processing.
The data is then transferred onto an online fleet management dashboard, where information is presented in a user-friendly format for reporting and analysis. In this way, implementing telematics in vehicle fleets enables the efficient monitoring of numerous vehicles, providing insights into their current routes and performance conditions.
In general, telematics systems have progressed from being basic devices to open platforms. This evolution means that organisations are able to integrate various hardware, software, and mobile applications for more insights, and therefore control, over business operations.
Typical telematics integrations include dash cameras for improved driver and road monitoring, dispatching tools to streamline task management, route optimisation software for more efficient journey planning, as well as weather alerts to heighten safety and preparedness.
Video telematics combines dash cams with vehicle sensors to provide real-time visuals of a fleet. This live feed allows managers to identify and address unsafe driving as it happens. Furthermore, the dash cams record these events, ensuring that footage is readily available for review by both fleet managers and drivers.
Some video telematics cameras come equipped with AI sensors, which can detect risky behaviours such as distracted driving, failure to use seatbelts, and harsh braking. By integrating video data with telematics insights, this technology affords a complete overview of driver conduct and vehicle performance.
App-based telematics involves using a smartphone application to collect and analyse driving data. Working through the wide array of sensors present in most smartphones, like GPS receivers, accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers, mobile telematics conveniently offers detailed insights into a driver’s behaviour.
Specifically, these sensors work together to capture data on driving habits and can even detect if a driver has been in an accident. Unlike other telematics systems, app-based telematics does not require any external device installation, given that the smartphone itself functions as the telematics tool.
Telematics in a car, often referred to as a ‘black box’, is technology designed to assess a driver’s behaviour on the road. It tracks key aspects such as speed, braking patterns, and other driving habits to provide an overall picture of driving safety and risk.
This information can then be used to generate personalised insurance quotes, where premiums are tailored to reflect an individual's driving style. This is especially beneficial for less experienced drivers, helping them to secure more affordable car insurance rates by demonstrating safe driving practices.
Fleet telematics refers to the use of telematics technology across a fleet of vehicles within an organisation. This technology is used by a range of entities, from small businesses and large corporations to government agencies. Industries that commonly use fleet telematics include:
Fleet telematics supplies managers with data on performance metrics such as fuel consumption and idle time. By analysing these insights, organisations can achieve a number of benefits.
Telematics software benefits fleet management in five main areas:
Telematics systems offer organisations unparalleled visibility into the locations and movements of their vehicles via GPS tracking. This capability is essential for fleet managers, providing real-time monitoring and tracking functionalities that increase customer satisfaction and mitigate instances of theft.
Plugging directly into a vehicle's diagnostic port, telematics systems automatically extract important engine data such as fuel consumption and condition. This data enables fleet managers to establish proactive maintenance schedules and promptly address any potential issues, solidifying optimal vehicle performance.
By capturing and analysing driving behaviour data, telematics systems allow fleet managers to identify areas for improvement and develop targeted training programs. Additionally, insurers leverage telematics data to assess risk factors accurately, leading to safer driving practices and reductions in insurance premiums. Not to mention, if an incident occurs, then managers know where they need to be.
Telematics technology aids in minimising fuel expenses by identifying inefficient driving behaviours and optimising route planning. Real-time communication features enable fleet managers to provide drivers with alternative routes on the go, preventing delays due to traffic congestion and thereby enhancing overall fuel efficiency and sustainability.
Telematics systems automate the tracking of vehicle drive-time, and so facilitate compliance with electronic logging device (ELD), or digital tachograph, regulations. Because of this, they also streamline the documentation process associated with maintaining hours of service (HoS) records, ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements and decreasing administrative burdens.
The future landscape of vehicle telematics is set to witness remarkable strides in technology, with a focal point on harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to revolutionise data analysis and decision-making processes. Moreover, the exponential rise in the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is catalysing the demand for sophisticated systems capable of monitoring and fine-tuning their performance.
In this context, telematics solutions are indispensable allies since they offer invaluable insights that allow fleets to navigate the complexities of EV fleet management, machine learning, and the Internet of Things (IoT) as their presence increases.
At MICHELIN Connected Fleet, we've created vehicle telematics solutions to guarantee that you can gain their full spectrum of benefits. However, we don't simply define ourselves as a telematics provider; we recognise that the future of telematics requires a more adaptable approach.
Consequently, our solutions and services are designed to integrate telematics into a purpose-built fleet management platform, placing a strong emphasis on data analysis and smart insights. What sets us apart is our focus on a leading consultative service, empowering you to unlock additional savings and efficiencies within your fleet.
If you're interested in how we can help maintain your fleet's competitiveness, then be sure to contact us today for more information.
Telematics gives fleet managers a full view of how their drivers perform on the road. So, by monitoring factors such as speeding, harsh braking, and sharp cornering, telematics identifies risky driving behaviours, which can then be used to tailor driver training and promote safer driving.
Telematics streamlines communication between fleet managers and drivers by enabling real-time updates, automated job allocations, and instant in-cab feedback. This ensures drivers get all the information they need without unnecessary calls so that they can stay focused on the road.
One of the potential cons of telematics is the issue of privacy because these systems mean that fleet managers can monitor vehicle locations. It's therefore vital that businesses are responsible by complying with the Data Protection Act, as well as telling drivers when they’re being monitored, what information is collected, and why.