As the world is constantly advancing in the field of technology, most work that requires manpower, is being automated. Telematics is a solution developed that links your vehicle to your phone or computer. It consists of both hardware and software, which is used to track and manage vehicles.
These tools are used by both the driver and the fleet manager to execute day to day business. Its primary function is to track vehicles, know their current and prior location. They can be connected to a vehicle either by hardwiring or connecting it to the OBD/JBUS port.
Most vehicles have an OPD/JBUS portability, which allows the GPS device to connect to the vehicle’s onboard processor, whereas hardwiring the device limits its capabilities. The GPS device is a plug and play device which not only shows the vehicle’s location but also its engine diagnostics, idling time, instance of speeding, hard braking, etc.
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Telematic Solutions to Optimize your Fleet
Dashboard Camera
These are cameras installed in the vehicle to monitor the driver and the vehicle’s surroundings. They have an internal storage and have internet connectivity either through a SIM or Wi-Fi. Dashboard cameras or dash cams when used in a fleet help promote safety and good driver behavior.
They also are used as video evidence in situations such as theft and accidents. Sometimes, drivers are forced to act according to situations on the road; as the GPS device automatically logs such events, the fleet manager can always review the video to assess the situation better.
The video footage is also used to claim insurance.
ELD (Electronic Logging Device)
An ELD, when used with Trucks that have dash cams in it can be used to generate various reports, with different functions. These reports can be used to gain useful information, that can be used to manage a fleet better. It records every event from the time of ignition and also instances of rash driving, such as overspeeding and hard braking in the form of e-logs.
These logs can be compiled into several different reports that give a clear insight into the fleet and its performance. And when ELDs are used with the dash cams in trucks, they can be used to replace timecards. This reduces the workload of the driver and fleet manager, allowing them to focus on other areas.
Fleet Management Software
This software functions as a tool that allows you to monitor the fleet in a single screen, remotely. In addition to that it also helps access and view the engine’s diagnostics and alerts the fleet manager or driver in case of any safety violation. It sends regular alerts, when the vehicle is due for maintenance.
This software can also be used to control the temperature and other environmental settings in case of trailers, such as cold storages or tanks carrying chemicals. In case of unforeseen circumstances, like a breakdown or a road block the fleet manager and driver can coordinate accordingly and take a collective decision.
The software is customized accordingly to fleet size and the type of vehicles it has. Businesses that have multiple routes can easily dispatch their drivers to the most convenient route; taking into consideration the distance, ETA and the next destination. This helps assign the quickest and most fuel efficient route.
Asset Trackers
These are similar to GPS devices and are used to track assets but they do not give other information such as engine health, or if the driver is close by. It is used to track a business’ assets or equipment such as trailers, tractors, concrete mixers.
Asset trackers are mostly used by businesses that rent or lease out their vehicles or assets. It periodically transmits signals with the asset’s location in real time. They are extremely useful but have their own drawbacks such as low battery life and limited capabilities in terms of engine diagnostics.
Promoting Safety and Good Driver Behavior
Businesses that use telematics to manage their fleet have seen an exponential growth in terms of safety and driver retention. It is a well known fact that good drivers are the cornerstone for any successful fleet and it is very crucial to retain them. Implementing a programme that rewards the drivers for their adherence to protocol and productivity.
Using the GPS device along with tools such as ELD, dash cams and the fleet management software, the fleet manager is able to easily identify the top driver and reward them. At the same time, this also shows the ones who require feedback or training. By doing this, a business retains its best drivers and directly boosts fleet productivity.
Saving on Fuel Costs using Fleet Management Software
By having fleet management software in place, fleet managers are able to assign the most efficient routes to their drivers by taking into consideration various aspects, such as distance, time taken to travel and the next closest destination. This immensely helps boost productivity and time management.
The fleet manager is able to carefully monitor the vehicle and the driver using this software. It is transparent so the driver and the fleet manager are on the same page, when it comes to attendance, hours of productivity, fuel expenses and maintenance. This is vital for a fleet to function smoothly.
It also records instances of idling and will send an alert in case the vehicle has taken another route or a deviation. The fleet manager can keep a close watch on unauthorized stops and also allows the driver to toggle between 2 modes. The driver can switch to a mode where he can use the vehicle for personal use, where the fuel spent is accounted for, by the driver.
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