The world is becoming more connected every day, and new ways to use location-based information are being developed constantly. Today there is practically no limit to the different applications for telematics. A popular option for modern-day fleets is to utilize fleet management software (a branch of telematics) to coordinate the hundreds or thousands of vehicles they manage. Fleet managers or can get a birds-eye view of the entire fleet, checking the overall health, profitability and productivity of the fleet. Everything from fuel consumption to current speed and location can be viewed on a central dashboard.
Some different applications of vehicle telematics include: Vehicle tracking - Vehicles can be tracked using a combination of GPS satellites, GPS receivers, GPRS (cell phone) networks and cloud computing. A GPS receiver downloads information on its current location from GPS satellites, processing it for use with applications such as driver navigation, as well as transmitting that information via GPRS to the web servers (cloud computing) used by office-based staff for activities such as dispatching the nearest driver to a new job. Trailer tracking - Long-haul fleets often attach GPS trackers to articulated trailers to make sure they don't go missing, and these same devices can route pick-up drivers directly to the stationary trailer. Lorry drivers can tag the location in their GPS unit when unhitching a trailer and those GPS coordinates can be easily passed on to another driver, allowing them to route directly to the trailer. The GPS system can also be setup so that should the trailer be moved without authorization, an instant alert is sent to a fleet manager's mobile device. Insurance risk assessment - Insurance companies can use telematics to monitor driver behavior, allowing them to more accurately determine their risk factor and adjust their insurance premiums accordingly. GPS units can also report when a vehicle is used in a location outside a designated area (known as a geofence), a capability that is useful in situations such as offering specific 'off-road' farm vehicle discounts.
Typically, vehicle tracking systems are comprised of two core parts; a GPS location tracking device and some user software. The GPS location device is most often a hardwired installation in the car, van or lorry. The device is connected to the ignition switch, battery and antennae. The location device for a fleet management solution uses GPS to pinpoint its precise location and then location updates are transmitted at a regular timed interval or after an event trigger, e.g. ignition on / off. In the past the location updates were transmitted by many systems by SMS (short message service). However, this was often prohibitively expensive for real time tracking. The advent of GPRS provided providers with a Mobile Data solution which could be bundled at a fixed monthly charge to enable cost effective Real Time Tracking.
Automatic vehicle location or AVL generally refers to telematics systems which update regularly at 1 minute, 2 minute or 5 minute intervals, whilst the ignition status is on. Vehicle telematics systems are often configured to transmit GPS location data at a set update rate or when an event triggers the unit to transmit data. Users requiring more detailed location plotting, can now see "snail-trails" generated through turn-by-turn heading change location updates.
Vehicle telematics systems are often configured to transmit GPS location data at a set update rate or when an event triggers the unit to transmit data. Automatic vehicle location or AVL generally refers to telematics systems which update regularly at 1 minute, 2 minute or 5 minute intervals, whilst the ignition status is on. Users requiring more detailed location plotting, can now see "snail-trails" generated through turn-by-turn heading change location updates.
Telematics Service Providers have also been keen to show that telematics is more than just fleet tracking. The advent of combined two-way messaging and satellite navigation products means fleet managers can now choose to do more than simply track and locate a vehicle or fleet of vehicles. Using connected navigation solutions, fleet managers and job dispatchers can utilise tracking and location, then transmit and receive job messages to and from drivers, while enabling the driver to calculate the journey route and automatically send back the time of arrival to the office. This can lead to more jobs completed per day, reduced journey times, fuel savings and improved customer satisfaction.
When used in a commercial environment vehicle telematics and GPS tracker systems can be a powerful and valuable tool to improve the efficiency of an organisation. The fleet activity can be analysed and decisions taken based upon actual information, not guesswork. Key performance indicators including, journey times, fuel economy and drivers hours, can be improved.
The challenge is finding the right GPS location and telematics system and then using the information it provides to ensure the maximum benefit is returned against investment. As GPS fleet location and telematics technology has developed and its use becomes more widespread, an ever increasing number and variety of vehicle tracking systems are available to small business users. Understanding the technology behind these products and knowing what benefits they can deliver, while being wary of some of the potential pitfalls will save money an aid implementation.
If you are a potential purchaser of telematics units, from basic tracking devices right up to an all singing, all dancing solution, and then you need to check that any company fits the following criteria. One thing you should consider is that the Company has a proven track record and a history of growth and stability in the market place. You would be best working with a company that has a good turnover, preferably in excess of 10 million in the UK and are also constantly being accessed for their quality and service. This is important because of the high number of telematics companies who have come and gone. You will also be best working with a company who has a commitment to their customers as well as investing in their Company's communications infrastructure. You should also deal with a company who is registered to ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards. Finally, look for a company who offers the ability to switch your tracking units to an alternative provider at any time should you not be entirely happy with their service.
Some different applications of vehicle telematics include: Vehicle tracking - Vehicles can be tracked using a combination of GPS satellites, GPS receivers, GPRS (cell phone) networks and cloud computing. A GPS receiver downloads information on its current location from GPS satellites, processing it for use with applications such as driver navigation, as well as transmitting that information via GPRS to the web servers (cloud computing) used by office-based staff for activities such as dispatching the nearest driver to a new job. Trailer tracking - Long-haul fleets often attach GPS trackers to articulated trailers to make sure they don't go missing, and these same devices can route pick-up drivers directly to the stationary trailer. Lorry drivers can tag the location in their GPS unit when unhitching a trailer and those GPS coordinates can be easily passed on to another driver, allowing them to route directly to the trailer. The GPS system can also be setup so that should the trailer be moved without authorization, an instant alert is sent to a fleet manager's mobile device. Insurance risk assessment - Insurance companies can use telematics to monitor driver behavior, allowing them to more accurately determine their risk factor and adjust their insurance premiums accordingly. GPS units can also report when a vehicle is used in a location outside a designated area (known as a geofence), a capability that is useful in situations such as offering specific 'off-road' farm vehicle discounts.
Typically, vehicle tracking systems are comprised of two core parts; a GPS location tracking device and some user software. The GPS location device is most often a hardwired installation in the car, van or lorry. The device is connected to the ignition switch, battery and antennae. The location device for a fleet management solution uses GPS to pinpoint its precise location and then location updates are transmitted at a regular timed interval or after an event trigger, e.g. ignition on / off. In the past the location updates were transmitted by many systems by SMS (short message service). However, this was often prohibitively expensive for real time tracking. The advent of GPRS provided providers with a Mobile Data solution which could be bundled at a fixed monthly charge to enable cost effective Real Time Tracking.
Automatic vehicle location or AVL generally refers to telematics systems which update regularly at 1 minute, 2 minute or 5 minute intervals, whilst the ignition status is on. Vehicle telematics systems are often configured to transmit GPS location data at a set update rate or when an event triggers the unit to transmit data. Users requiring more detailed location plotting, can now see "snail-trails" generated through turn-by-turn heading change location updates.
Vehicle telematics systems are often configured to transmit GPS location data at a set update rate or when an event triggers the unit to transmit data. Automatic vehicle location or AVL generally refers to telematics systems which update regularly at 1 minute, 2 minute or 5 minute intervals, whilst the ignition status is on. Users requiring more detailed location plotting, can now see "snail-trails" generated through turn-by-turn heading change location updates.
Telematics Service Providers have also been keen to show that telematics is more than just fleet tracking. The advent of combined two-way messaging and satellite navigation products means fleet managers can now choose to do more than simply track and locate a vehicle or fleet of vehicles. Using connected navigation solutions, fleet managers and job dispatchers can utilise tracking and location, then transmit and receive job messages to and from drivers, while enabling the driver to calculate the journey route and automatically send back the time of arrival to the office. This can lead to more jobs completed per day, reduced journey times, fuel savings and improved customer satisfaction.
When used in a commercial environment vehicle telematics and GPS tracker systems can be a powerful and valuable tool to improve the efficiency of an organisation. The fleet activity can be analysed and decisions taken based upon actual information, not guesswork. Key performance indicators including, journey times, fuel economy and drivers hours, can be improved.
The challenge is finding the right GPS location and telematics system and then using the information it provides to ensure the maximum benefit is returned against investment. As GPS fleet location and telematics technology has developed and its use becomes more widespread, an ever increasing number and variety of vehicle tracking systems are available to small business users. Understanding the technology behind these products and knowing what benefits they can deliver, while being wary of some of the potential pitfalls will save money an aid implementation.
If you are a potential purchaser of telematics units, from basic tracking devices right up to an all singing, all dancing solution, and then you need to check that any company fits the following criteria. One thing you should consider is that the Company has a proven track record and a history of growth and stability in the market place. You would be best working with a company that has a good turnover, preferably in excess of 10 million in the UK and are also constantly being accessed for their quality and service. This is important because of the high number of telematics companies who have come and gone. You will also be best working with a company who has a commitment to their customers as well as investing in their Company's communications infrastructure. You should also deal with a company who is registered to ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards. Finally, look for a company who offers the ability to switch your tracking units to an alternative provider at any time should you not be entirely happy with their service.
About the Author:
Steve Pidley writes for many websites. His articles cover many subjects including finding the best company offering Telematics. You will find Andrew's articles on the web. His main site is about finding Telematics.
