How Can Telematics Data Improve Freight Transportation

Digital technology provided us with various tools with which we are now able to enhance our work. The latest in the block is Telematics in fleet management. It is a method with which you can monitor your vehicle’s movement in real time. GPS in your car will provide you with all the minute details while you are on the move. It also gives you information regarding the speed, pressure in the wheel’s tires, and fuel usage. Thus, using a telematics system in fleet management is beneficial as you will better control where your vehicles are on the move.

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Benefits of Using Telematics in Fleet Management

The use of telematics has not only increased the efficiency in the movement of vehicles but also provides safety to drivers. Moreover, you will be able to track the movement of your fleet in real-time. Following are some of the core benefits of Telematics in Fleet management.

Increase Efficiency:

When you use telematics technology in your fleet, you can increase the movement efficiency of the vehicles. It is because you can monitor the vehicles while in transit. Since using a GPS comes into play, you can check the traffic movement on the road beforehand. Hence, you can divert your driver to a different route to save time. Therefore, you can save time and simultaneously deliver the goods on time.

Improve Safety:

One of the benefits of telematics systems is that you can monitor the movement of vehicles. If you find the driver is not obeying traffic rules and is driving rashly, you can immediately send a notification to maintain to slow down. It thus helps to keep your vehicles away from unnecessary damage and reduce accidents. However, the management in charge has to train the drivers so that they maintain décor while driving.

Increase Job Satisfaction:

When the work is according to a system, it gives the drivers immense satisfaction. It is because, with the help of electronic logs, the drivers learn about their daily routines at work. It highly motivates and creates a sense of excitement in performing their job. Therefore, the management is also happy as the work is done systematically with maximum output. On the other hand, the drivers can check the time they have left for the day, so they try to deliver the goods on time, much to the customers’ satisfaction.

Reduce Operating Costs:

Many drivers tend to take up more idle time during their journey. It is a massive loss to the company as the goods are not delivered on time, and there is more fuel usage. Therefore, with the help of a telematics system, you can instantly check which drivers are idling during the journey. You can send them a warning signal instantly. It thus helps to have better control over the drivers while on duty; moreover, since the drivers are aware of being monitored, they will save time in delivering the goods on time. It will thus save a lot of extra operational costs for the company. You can even guide the driver to a different route if you notice heavy traffic ahead.

Monitor Safety Habits:

Once you install the telematics system for your fleet management, it will offer you a clear picture of all your vehicles on the move and how they perform on the road. It also shows the drivers’ driving behaviors while in transit. Therefore, you can give rewards based on their performances to motivate them. It is a plus point for the company as every driver will try to perform their best, and hence, the company will gain immensely from them.

Optimize Vehicle Performance:

If you install vehicle sensors in the vehicles, they can alert the driver whenever there are any engine problems or other issues. The drivers can then reroute the vehicles to any nearby vehicle repair centers and get them organized. It can save you from extra expenses because if there is a breakdown in the middle of the road, it will become more inconvenient for both the driver and the company. It is because you will have to pay for the towing expenses and the repairs.

Schedule Alerts for Repair Centers:

One of the most incredible benefits of using the telematics system is that it gives you complete information regarding the health of the vehicles. Therefore, if your vehicle has issues, you can immediately schedule a complete check, saving the company some extra expenses.

Attract and Retain Drivers:

When drivers are on the move, they cannot take an active part in the operation of the business, like meetings and other similar things. However, with the help of mobile technology, you will be able to make the drivers feel like a part of the company. You can invite them to frequent company meets, making the drivers feel like part of the company. Thus, communication plays a crucial role in optimizing fleet management.

Offer superior driver UX/Entertainment:

With the help of telematics data, drivers can enhance their performance and become more efficient while driving. By setting up a reward system, you can motivate the drivers so that they can excel in their performance. The drivers can also use the devices for entertainment and chatting with their friends and loved ones.

Infographic created by Track Your Truck, a GPS vehicle tracking devices provider

The Need for Telematics Systems in Fleet Management

With the help of a telematics system, you can monitor and track various vehicles in your fleet. You will also clearly understand the entire fleet of vehicles, including their movement on the road, the speed, and the estimated time the drivers take to deliver the goods. The data of the telematics system also gives you information about the health of the vehicles, fuel usage, and repairs if required. The management can also get a clear view of the driver’s behavior while driving on the road, and it can help the management to curtail unnecessary expenses.

With the help of telematics data, the company can solve some pressing issues by providing immediate attention. Following are some of the issues that need urgent attention:

Delays result from unwanted stops made by drivers, thus consuming higher fuel usage.
Frequent rerouting and extended trips result from poor navigation and a lack of real-time traffic data.
Poor fuel efficiency due to engine idling while on a journey.
Damaged goods and increased fines result from overspeeding and rash driving by drivers.
Malpractices regarding refueling bills due to lack of transparency and manual record-keeping.
No maintenance of the vehicles leads to substandard vehicle performance and mileage, which is also a cause of higher fuel usage.
Siphoning fuel and theft of goods lead to poor customer experience and increased operational cost
Poor customer experience due to lack of any vehicle monitoring system in place

Devices Used in a Telematics System:

If you want to enhance the overall operation of your fleet, you must use the telematics system. You can use various devices for optimum vehicle performance, and the following are some of the devices you can use for efficient fleet management.

Smartphone Data Collection:

If you are using smartphones for your vehicles, you can avoid installation costs and other overhead expenses. The installation cost will be less, and at the same time, you will be able to get accurate data. Smartphones have various features that you can use for your fleet management effectively. With the help of a net connection and GPS facility, you will get information about the drivers while in transit. It is one of the best ways to keep track of your drivers.

Self-powered Data Collection:

Self-powered data collection includes battery-operated Bluetooth. It is cost-effective and easy to install. You can put the device on the dashboard and use Bluetooth. Flexible self-powered options include both devices communicating directly with servers using their cellular modules.

Black Box Data Collection:

Black box technology helps capture and deliver a stream of data from any active vehicles while they are on the move. You can install the black box inside the vehicle and use the data to check how the vehicle performed on the road. The cost of installation is high, but the result is perfect.

OEM Embedded Data Collection:

When data is extracted directly from built-in vehicle sensors, it eliminates the installation costs. With the help of OEM embedded data collection, you can get highly accurate data. Thus, you will be able to assist the drivers during their transit and ensure safety on road. You can also monitor the driving habit of the drivers and, if the need arises, notify them to maintain safety on the road. Thus accidents can be avoided.

Conclusion

If you are still considering using telematics system data for your fleet management, it is time to take the necessary steps. It is because the data will help you get complete information about the drivers while on the road along with the movement. It thus helps in saving the extra expenses, which otherwise can burden the company.

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