Telematics refers to the integrated use of telecommunications and informatics, allowing information to be transmitted in real-time from remote locations. How does this help fleets? Telematics allows fleet managers to monitor and track vehicles, providing valuable data that can be used to improve efficiency, safety, and overall performance. Depending on the needs of a fleet, the amount of data needed to make managing business operations easier can vary: companies with dedicated fleet data technicians may make use of more specialized data than smaller fleets who want more of a broad scope.

Features of Telematics Systems

While different providers’ telematics systems vary greatly, there are a number of common features that can be customized to fit the needs of different fleets. These may include:

GPS Tracking: This enables fleet managers to track the location of vehicles in real-time. The information can be used to optimize routes, reduce idle time, and improve overall operational efficiency.

Safety Tracking: Telematics can provide insights into driver behavior and performance, including speed, idling, and harsh braking. This data can be used to promote safer driving practices through training, reduce the risk of collisions, and even improve fuel efficiency.

Communication Systems: These enable real-time communication between drivers and dispatchers. This feature facilitates efficient coordination, improves response times, and enhances overall operational effectiveness.

Vehicle Diagnostics: This feature monitors the maintenance health of vehicles by collecting and transmitting data on things like engine performance and fuel consumption. This data can be used to schedule regular maintenance, identify potential issues before they become serious, and improve the overall lifespan of the fleet.

How Can Telematics Benefit Fleets?

Managing a fleet means keeping a lot of plates spinning. Reducing the operational and organizational pitfalls that can occur with so many moving parts is the overall aim of telematics. Fleets invest in telematics technology for a variety of reasons; chief among those are improving operational efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Below is a more detailed breakdown:

Cost Reduction

Telematics can help reduce operational costs by optimizing routes, reducing fuel consumption, and extending vehicle lifespans through proactive maintenance scheduling. Some insurance companies also utilize telematics with their commercial fleet customers to prove safer driving habits which can in turn lower the costs of premiums.

Improved Safety

Some telematics systems provide real-time monitoring not only of vehicle location, but also of speed and driver behavior. This data can be used to identify and address unsafe driving habits, reduce accidents, and improve overall road safety. The Mobileye Connect Platform leverages the real-time AI alerts that drivers receive from the Mobileye collision avoidance systems. By capturing this data, fleet managers can identify trends and patterns that may indicate risky driving behaviors, allowing them to take proactive steps to mitigate potential risks in the future. This not only reduces the likelihood of accidents but also helps ensure the safety of drivers and other road users.

Better Efficiency

Telematics systems offer real-time visibility into fleet operations, enabling dispatchers to make informed decisions about route planning and job assignments based on real data. This leads to more efficient resource allocation and improved customer service with fewer delays and downtime, which affords fleets a competitive advantage

Asset Management

Fleet managers can track the location and status of vehicles and assets in real time, reducing the risk of theft and ensuring that resources are used effectively. Telematics systems often include features like geofencing and immobilization, which can help recover stolen vehicles or prevent unauthorized use.

The Future of Telematics

Telematics is becoming an essential technology for fleet management. The ability to gather and analyze data in real time empowers fleet managers to make informed decisions and optimize their operations using actionable data from their own drivers and vehicles. Having grown significantly in scope in the past decade, the future of telematics surely includes even greater innovation in keeping fleets safer on the road.

Learn more about Mobileye’s telematics platform here.