Fleet Telematics

A Fleet Telematics System (FTS) allows the information exchange between a commercial vehicle fleet and their central authority, i.e., the dispatching office. A FTS typically consists of mobile Vehicle Systems (VS) and a stationary Fleet Communication System (FCS). The FCS may be a stand alone application maintained by the motor carrier or an internet service running by the supplier of the system. The FCS usually includes a database in which all vehicle positions and messages are stored.

Digital maps are often included which allow visualization of vehicle positions and traces. Communication with the FCS is realized by trunked radio, cellular, or satellite communication. Positioning of vehicles is usually realized by satellite positioning systems and/or dead reckoning using gyroscope and odometer.

Usually, the VS is equipped with a simple input device allowing drivers to send predefined status messages. Drivers may add simple content, e.g., numeric values, but usually cannot enter arbitrary text. Besides the messages sent by drivers, some VS can also automatically submit messages, e.g., the vehicle’s position, data from sensors in the cargo body, or vehicle data from the CAN-bus and/or SAE J1939.

How does telematics work?

At its core, a telematics system includes a vehicle tracking device installed in a vehicle that allows the sending, receiving and storing of telemetry data. It connects via the vehicle’s own onboard diagnostics (ODBII) or CAN-BUS port with a SIM card, and an onboard modem enables communication through a wireless network.

The device collects GPS data as well as an array of other vehicle-specific data and transmits it via GPRS (General Packet Radio Service), 4G mobile data and cellular network or satellite communication to a centralized server. The server interprets the data and enables it to be displayed for end users via secure websites and apps optimized for smartphones and tablets.

The telematics data captured can include location, speed, idling time, harsh acceleration or braking, fuel consumption, vehicle faults, and more. When analyzed for particular events and patterns, this information can provide in-depth insights across an entire fleet.

How can my fleet use telematics systems?

Telematics solutions can integrate with existing applications and systems to enable an array of use cases for fleets of all sizes, including:

Vehicle tracking: Vehicles can be tracked using a combination of GPS satellites and receivers, GPRS networks and cloud computing. A GPS receiver downloads information from GPS satellites and processes it for use with applications such as driver GPS navigation systems. It also transmits that information via GPRS to the web servers used by office-based staff, where it can be used to dispatch the nearest driver to a new job.

Trailer and asset tracking: Fleets can attach GPS trackers to trailers and other non-motorized assets to ensure they don't go missing, as well as use them to route drivers directly to stationary trailers. Drivers can tag locations in their GPS unit when unhitching a trailer, and those coordinates can be easily passed on, allowing them to route directly to the trailer. The system can also be set up so that an instant alert is sent to a manager's mobile device should a trailer or asset be moved without authorization.

Maintenance improvements: Vehicle maintenance and asset lifecycle management can be improved by using fleet telematics to track hours-of-use records and schedule preventative maintenance, as well as help keep tabs on warranty recovery, engine hour tracking and service records tracking. Fleet managers can decrease expenses and keep vehicles in safe operating condition by staying on top of engine diagnostics, including battery voltage, coolant temperature, powertrain malfunctions, intake valve issues, oxygen sensor problems, and more.

Safety tracking: Managers can use fleet telematics to monitor vehicle speed and location, as well as harsh driving events and seat belt use. Telematics provides a digital blueprint of every aspect of a vehicle’s operation, helping fleet managers understand where improvements can be made in accident prevention measures and driver safety standards.

Insurance risk assessment: Insurance companies can use telematics to monitor driver behavior, allowing them to more accurately determine risk factors and adjust insurance premiums accordingly. Telematics devices can also report when a vehicle is used in a location outside a designated area, known as a geofence.

Fleet Management

Fleet management is the management of a company's fleet. Fleet management includes the management of ships and or motor vehicles such as cars, vans and trucks. Fleet (vehicle) Management can include a range of functions, such as vehicle financing, vehicle maintenance, vehicle telematics (tracking and diagnostics), driver management, fuel management, health and safety management and dynamic vehicle scheduling. Fleet Management is a function which allows companies that rely on transport in their business to remove or minimize the risks associated with vehicle investment, improving efficiency, productivity and reducing their overall transport costs, providing 100% compliance with government legislation and Duty of Care obligations. These functions can either be dealt with by an in-house Fleet Management department or an outsourced Fleet Management provider.

Vehicle tracking

Vehicle tracking is monitoring the location, movements, status and behaviour of a vehicle or fleet of vehicles. This is achieved through a combination of a GPS (GNSS) receiver and an electronic device (usually comprising a GSM GPRS modem or SMS sender) installed in each vehicle, communicating with the user (dispatching, emergency or co-ordinating unit) and PC-based or web-based software. The data is turned into information by management reporting tools in conjunction with a visual display on computerised mapping software. Vehicle tracking systems may also use odometry or dead reckoning as an alternative or complementary means of navigation

Trailer Tracking

Trailer tracking is tracking the movements and position of an articulated vehicle's trailer unit, through the use of a location unit fitted to the trailer and a method of returning the position data via mobile communication network, IOT (Internet of things) or geostationary satellite communications, for use through either PC- or web-based software.

In its broadest sense, telematics is the joining of two sciences—telecommunications, a branch of technology including phone lines and cables, and informatics such as computer systems. Today, the term is commonly used in reference to the telematics solutions utilized in commercial fleet vehicles.

According to Gartner, wireless telematics devices and “black box” technologies collect and transmit data on vehicle use, maintenance requirements and automotive servicing. A popular option for modern companies is to utilize fleet management software, which is a branch of telematics, to coordinate the vehicles they manage and gain a comprehensive view of the health, profitability and productivity of their entire fleet.

What are the benefits of telematics in fleet management?

Telematics technology can help fleets achieve operational improvements in key areas:

Decreased fuel costs: Telematics can help identify areas of waste, such as vehicle idling or fuel slippage, and allow fleet managers to address them promptly, which positively impacts fuel efficiency and the bottom line. It also can help management plan the most efficient route for each driver to reduce unnecessary mileage.

Improved safety: Continuous feedback regarding driving style and driving behavior lets fleet managers coach drivers and reduce unwanted driving habits such as speeding or harsh braking. Improvements can be made based on actionable, data-based reports that highlight driver performance and support new safety targets.

Elevated productivity: With near real-time GPS system data, drivers can help avoid traffic delays and plan for inclement weather. Back office managers can quickly and easily attribute any new or additional site visits to the nearest vehicle and instruct them on the most efficient route to get there.

Better payroll management: By tracking the precise time a vehicle starts at the beginning of the day to the moment it shuts down, fleet managers have an accurate, automated record of how long an employee worked. This helps business owners verify that employees are paid accurately for the hours they work while eliminating unnecessary time spent manually matching up timesheets to job tickets.

The future of telematics

Telematics is poised for exponential growth as new applications are developed to take advantage of modern GPS units and the widespread use of mobile devices. More fleets are recognizing the need to monitor fleet activity to control costs, boost productivity, improve accountability, and maintain full compliance with government regulations.

As owners look beyond the basic needs in order to achieve "increasing integrations into the broader scope of the enterprise, including with mobile workforce management, ERP software, and business management software," telematics will become an integral component of all modern fleet operations.