Telematics for Fleet Management: Making Sense of Vehicle Data

In the modern world of fleet management, telematics has emerged as a game-changer. By using vehicle data, fleet managers can make operations better, enhance safety, and lower costs. But what is telematics, and how does it improve fleet management?

It is a continuous pursuit – The need for fleet managers and owners to constantly stay in touch with drivers — an exhaustive exercise, especially if they own a large fleet of vehicles. So, how can fleet managers remain up-to-date about their trucks, drivers, and cargo without having to push buttons on their cell phones constantly? Two words — Fleet Telematics.

Fleet telematics is an easy-to-use technology that can make your fleet run better and keep your drivers, vehicles, and equipment safe by providing real-time data and insights. That’s why it’s the number one tech choice for fleets worldwide.

If you are drawn by this technology then continue reading this blog. We will cover everything you need to know; from the working of telematics in fleet management to the working of Fleet Telematics.

Let us begin by understanding what Telematics is.

What is Telematics?

Telematics systems work by combining two fields of science: telecommunications and informatics. Telecommunications is about communicating remotely, like how phones work. Whereas, Informatics is all about processing information.

Telematics systems use technology such as GPS, sensors, and onboard computers to gather data. This data includes things like how the engine is doing right now, where the vehicle is, how the driver is behaving, what the vehicle is doing, and more.

Now telematics systems are of many types based on their installation method, the technology used, and how they interact with the vehicle and data collection:

• OBD II Telematics System
• Bluetooth-powered Telematics System
• Smartphone-based Telematics System
• Black box Telematics System
• OEM hardwired Telematics System
• 12V plug-in self-installation Telematics System

Fleet management usually relies on black-box telematics systems, which we’ll explain more about later in this article. First, let us begin by understanding how a telematics system works when integrated into fleet management software.

How Does Telematics Work With Fleet Management Software?

Telematics integrated into the Fleet Management Software relies on a combination of hardware devices installed in vehicles and software applications for data analysis and reporting. Here’s how it works and the types of data it collects.

1. Hardware Installation

Fleet telematics systems are made up of gadgets put into each vehicle in a fleet. These usually have GPS receivers, sensors, and little computers onboard.

The GPS receiver finds where the vehicle is, and the sensors gather information about stuff like how fast the vehicle is going, how the engine is working, how much fuel is being used, and how the driver is driving.

2. Data Collection

Once the hardware is installed in vehicles, it starts gathering data from different parts like the engine, transmission, brakes, and onboard computer systems.

Here’s the kind of data it collects:

• Location: It tracks where the vehicle is in real-time using GPS. It also records the route it takes and keeps a history of where it has been.
• Vehicle Diagnostics: This includes how well the engine is running, any problems it might have (shown by fault codes), when it needs maintenance, and overall health status.
• Driver Behavior: It monitors how the driver is doing things like how fast they’re going, how quickly they speed up and slow down, how they handle corners, how much they sit idle, whether they’re wearing their seatbelt, and whether they’re following the traffic rules.
• Fuel Usage: It keeps track of how much fuel is left, how much fuel is being used, how fuel-efficient the vehicle is, and things like when fuel gets put in and if there’s any funny business with the fuel like stealing.
• Vehicle Use: It watches how the vehicle gets used like how often it sits idle, how far it goes, and how long it gets used.

3. Data Storage

After collecting data, it’s stored temporarily in the vehicle’s telematics unit, also known as the black box. This unit saves the data locally, like a storage box, so it stays safe even if there’s a delay in sending it somewhere else.

The telematics unit has enough memory to keep data for a while, which is important for looking at it later. This is especially useful if the vehicle is in a place where the phone or internet connection isn’t very good.

4. Data Transmission

After the data is stored in the vehicle’s telematics unit, it’s sent to centralized servers. This sending usually happens using cell phone networks. That way, the data can go quickly, almost right away.
Cell phone networks cover lots of places and are usually reliable. That means fleet managers can get updates and check on vehicles no matter where they are. Sending data like this is made to be safe. It keeps information secure as it travels from the vehicle to the servers, so sensitive stuff stays protected.

5. Fleet Management Software

After the data is sent to the servers, the next step is to use fleet management software. This software puts all the data together and looks at it closely. It turns the basic information into helpful ideas.

Fleet managers can use these ideas to make smart choices about things like fixing vehicles, finding better routes, helping drivers drive better, and making the whole fleet work smoother.

6. Alerts and Notifications

Telematics systems can send alerts and messages when certain things happen or when things go over set limits. For example, fleet managers might get messages if drivers go too fast, brake too hard, use vehicles without permission, need maintenance, or go outside defined areas.

These messages help managers deal with problems early and make sure everything runs safely, and smoothly, and follows the rules.

Having looked at the workings of Telematics when integrated with Fleet Management software, next in order is understanding the components that support telematics in Fleet Management.

Key Components Associated With Fleet Telematics

Telematics in fleet management includes a combination of hardware and software components that work together to gather, transmit, and analyze data from vehicles. Here are the key components associated with telematics in fleet management:

Hardware Components

The hardware components of fleet telematics include:

• Telematics Device: This is a small gadget installed in each vehicle that gathers and sends data. It uses GPS to find where the vehicle is and an OBD to check things like engine health, fuel use, speed, and mileage
• Sensors: Different sensors can be part of the telematics device or added separately. They watch specific parts of the vehicle or how the driver acts. For example, there are sensors for temperature, tire pressure, whether doors are open or closed, and how the driver brakes or speeds up.
• Communication Devices: These gadgets often have modules for cellular or satellite communication. They send data right away to the main fleet management system, no matter where the vehicle is.
• In-Vehicle Displays: Some telematics systems have screens inside vehicles. They show drivers real-time info like navigation directions, how well the vehicle is doing, or if there’s something that needs fixing soon.

Software Components

Software components fleet telematics consist of:

Fleet Management Software

This is a computer program that collects and looks at data from telematics devices. It tracks where vehicles are right now, finds the best routes for them, sees how well they’re doing, decides when they need maintenance, and makes reports about all of this.

GPS Mapping And Navigation

These are parts of the software that use GPS information from vehicles to make maps, plan routes, and guide drivers where to go. They try to use less fuel, take less time, and make deliveries faster.

Data Analytics And Reporting Tools

These tools study telematics data to help managers make good choices. They find patterns, predict when vehicles need work, see how well drivers do their job, and make the whole fleet work better.

Mobile Applications

Many fleet management systems have apps for phones or tablets. These let managers watch what vehicles do, get alerts, and talk to drivers from anywhere

Integration and Connectivity

Telematics systems need to connect smoothly with other fleet management tools like dispatch systems, customer relationship management (CRM) tools, and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. They also use strong security measures to keep data safe from cyber threats by encrypting transmissions.

By using these hardware and software components effectively, fleet managers can improve fleet operations, enhance vehicle performance and safety, reduce operating costs, and improve overall efficiency in managing their fleets.

Why go through all this fuss? Let us find out why integrating Telematics in Fleet Management is the need of the hour.

5 Benefits Of Integrating Telematics With Fleet Management System

Integrating telematics with a fleet management system offers numerous benefits that can significantly improve operational efficiency and overall performance. Here are five key advantages:

1. Reduced Maintenance And Fuel Costs

Fleet telematics gives a big advantage because it can immediately check on vehicle problems. For instance, if the system finds a possible issue with a car or truck’s engine or transmission, it tells managers to fix it before it breaks down.

Telematics also tracks how much fuel vehicles use and how drivers behave. It can spot habits that waste fuel, like leaving the engine running too long, speeding, or driving aggressively. Managers use this data to teach drivers better habits and plan smarter routes to save money on fuel.

2. Lower Administration Costs

Another benefit of fleet telematics is that it makes managing vehicles easier by handling tasks like tracking how vehicles are used, how far they’ve traveled, and when they need maintenance. This means less paperwork and time spent keeping records manually, saving time and resources.

Fleet managers can easily get detailed reports on how well vehicles are working, how drivers are doing, and how much fuel is being used. This makes managing everything smoother and quicker.

3. Improved Communication

Telematics benefits fleet managers as they and the drivers can talk to each other easily. They can send messages back and forth and get alerts right away. For example, if a driver sees unexpected traffic or a closed road, they can tell the fleet manager using the telematics system. This lets managers change routes and schedules quickly.

Better communication also lets managers give drivers feedback right away on how they’re doing. This encourages safer driving and makes everything work better.

4. Enhanced Driver Safety

Telematics proves to be a benefit for fleet managers and owners as they can keep an eye on how drivers are doing. If they’re speeding, braking too hard, or taking corners sharply. Using this information, managers can give feedback and tips to help drivers learn safer habits and lower the chances of accidents.

If there’s an accident or emergency, telematics can quickly send alerts with the exact location of the vehicle to dispatchers. This helps responders get there faster, which could save lives.

5. Better Resource Management

Telematics is beneficial in fleet management as it manages resources better by showing where vehicles are and if they’re ready for immediate use.

Looking at past data on how vehicles are used, managers can find ways to use fewer vehicles, cut down on time when vehicles aren’t doing anything, and make the whole fleet work better.

Conclusion

Telematics has changed fleet management by giving instant details on how vehicles perform and how drivers behave. Using GPS and onboard diagnostics, companies can plan better routes, save fuel, and fix issues before they become big problems. This saves money and makes operations run smoother overall.

As fleet management keeps improving, new telematics technologies are a good investment. It can bring short-term ROI and long-term competitive advantage in the rapidly evolving mobility market.

Wish to expand your fleet’s performance? Zealous System is glad to help you out. Check out our Logistics software development services. We also specialize in developing custom fleet management software. Partner with us to level up your game. Let’s drive your fleet towards a smarter future together!