The term telematics is a marriage between telecommunications and computer science in the general sense. In recent years, the term has become associated almost exclusively with transportation. Making use of a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and a modem installed in the vehicle, container or trailer, a variety of data may be communicated between the transport company’s control room and the driver, and vice versa.
The possibilities are far-reaching, with images of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) and international optimisation coming into play. However, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Today, the individual company may reap many benefits from making the most use of the telematics available. Networking systems are being applied across regions and countries and will grow rapidly in the coming decade, allowing seamless operation between companies.
Company applications
Driver safety and performance are of key interest to the fleet manager as they ensure that the company maintains a good public driving image and full compliance with all legal requirements.
The fleet manager is interested in individual driver behaviours, such as driver speed limit compliance, harsh braking habits, hours on the road and behind the wheel and route maintenance. These may be part of a basis for coaching. Many companies operate safety programs with video shows promoting safety by their drivers. Some have incident-free mileage awards to encourage safety awareness. Use of a 3G/4G camera allows footage to be viewed in training sessions.
For the maintenance manager, the focus is on transmitting and monitoring basic diagnostics on the vehicle’s performance such as tyre life, oil pressure, engine temperature, brake safety and electrical system operation. Reminders of the vehicle’s MoT status and of the driver’s license expiry will prevent unnecessary fines.
Some features of interest from the operations and logistics standpoint are fuel levels and the nearest source, location of the vehicle vs a late call on the way, route advice from control vis-a-vis traffic patterns and congestion, and trailer or container usage monitoring.
Use of cameras
3G/4G cameras are used to transmit visual data that is used remotely for security and safety. These records may be used for insurance reporting, in accidents or theft, assisting in incident report verification. Some of the records may be useful in coaching and training programs.
Compared with other systems, the 3G/4G camera is tamper-proof which is a strong advantage for insurance report usage.
Trailer tracking
Trailers are essentially the company’s stock in hand, from which the company’s revenues are generated. They cannot be left idle or misdirected for any length of time, and cannot be partly loaded for freight that is not appropriately valuable. In particular, they must not be transported empty.
So, one good business reason for using telematics to track trailers is to keep trailers moving by having a system that reports each trailer’s location and its delivery status, expected release date and next engagement.
Right-sizing your fleet means that the information from the tracking system may be used to estimate the total number of trailers in use at any time vs the number in the fleet. Efforts may then be made to schedule usage to achieve the highest possible loading. The trailer yard can also be managed to ensure that loading bays are available when needed.
