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Modern communication has reached warp speeds. It\u2019s never been easier or faster to get information from one place to another, whether it\u2019s from person to person or vehicle to dispatch. For fleets, telematics<\/a> systems have revolutionized this data exchange. As a result, the days of sharing updates via landline phone calls and paper logbooks are fading into the sunset.<\/p>\n But is telematics technology really <\/em>worth the investment? How can your fleet benefit from it, aside from automating some previously manual tasks? In this article, we\u2019ll break down the most important information to know about telematics systems so you can decide for yourself whether it\u2019s worth adopting for your fleet.<\/p>\n Telematics technology has come a long way. Original versions of telematics provided basic location data from vehicles, but the latest-and-greatest products are much more sophisticated. In the simplest terms, telematics<\/a> is a variety of systems that collect, compute and report vehicle-related data. Fleet companies generally rely on these types of telematics data:<\/p>\n This flood of data points is collected moment by moment, weaving together a rich tapestry of information about the vehicle and driver. The information is electronically transmitted from the vehicle to the \u201cbrain\u201d of the telematics system.<\/p>\n Numbers don\u2019t lie\u2026in fact, they\u2019re truth-tellers. Fleet managers use telematics systems to make decisions based on factual data versus guesstimates. The information contains clues on how to make things better, faster and more affordable in every area, from operations and safety to customer service.<\/p>\n Not as exciting but perhaps more important, basic telematics are legally required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). As of December 2017, fleets must be compliant with the FMCSA\u2019s electronic logging device (ELD) mandate<\/a>. ELDs are used to electronically record a driver\u2019s hours of service (HOS) to ensure the requirements related to them are met.<\/p>\n Telematics provide a lot<\/em> of rich data, but if you don\u2019t use that data, it\u2019s wasted. You can get the most out of your telematics system when you leverage the information it provides to:<\/p>\n 1) Run Tighter Operations<\/strong><\/p>\n Telematics technology can help your fleet find better routes with real-time communication and GPS, adding valuable time to drivers\u2019 hours of service. You also can track deliveries and cargo in real-time, and the data can help fleets improve efficiency on everything from to fleet operations as a whole.<\/p>\n 2) Keep Vehicles In Top Shape<\/strong><\/p>\n Drivers and managers can use telematics to stay ahead of vehicle maintenance and repairs. Telematics systems signal when a vehicle is having engine problems or diagnostic issues and inform routing centers when a vehicle is out of service. You won\u2019t ever run a truck on its last legs again.<\/p>\n 3) Keep Drivers Happy<\/strong><\/p>\n Use data from telematics systems to incentivize and who achieve efficiency or safety goals. Telematics technology provides data and video that fleets can use to coach drivers, enhance their skills and positively reinforce exceptional performance. Together, it all helps boost driver morale, engagement and retention.<\/p>\n 4) Put Safety First<\/strong><\/p>\n In giving fleet managers more control over the safety of their fleets, telematics systems offer insight into unsafe driving habits that can burn fuel quickly, lead to drowsy, aggressive or distracted actions and even cause a collision or near-collision. When a collision or near-miss happens, the data and video footage captured by telematics systems can help make it crystal clear what caused an incident, who was involved and why it happened. The data can also be used to help fleets improve their safety practices or exonerate commercial drivers who aren\u2019t at fault, saving fleets substantial litigation costs.<\/p>\n 5) Save Money<\/strong><\/p>\n Every benefit and use of telematics translates into bottom-line savings. Telematics data reveals ways you can operate more efficiently and safely, avoid litigation and retain top drivers. This becomes one of your company\u2019s most powerful tools to reduce cost and increase profit.<\/p>\n The full breadth of what telematics systems can do is advancing rapidly, particularly with video telematics. The technology is becoming more useful, if not essential, for fleets as they evolve operations to keep up with industry and customer demands.<\/p>\nWhat Is a Telematics System?<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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Why Telematics Systems Are Important<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Getting the Most from Your Telematics System<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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