The Science of Tracking a Fleet

Managing a fleet is a big job. You have to know all the details about your trucks. That’s everything from the repair and PM history to their fuel-efficiency to where they are at all times. Thankfully, today we have access to tools that seemed like a sci-fi dream a mere 50 years ago. These days, telematics simplifies the science of fleet tracking. It’s the system that puts everything you need to know about your trucks in one handy place.

Telematics Explained

When designers crossed information processing with telecommunications, telematics was born. Most simply, it is using telecommunications to send data. At the start, the meaning was general, and it was mostly used in research fields. However, as the tech progressed, the value of using it in vehicles became more and more clear. Today, someone referring to telematics in the business world is likely talking about vehicles and the various things associated with telematics like:

• GPS navigation
• built-in hands-free features for mobile phones
• emergency warning systems and wireless safety communications
• automatic assistance and self-driving systems

Fleet Tracking and More

Telematics has been around since the late 1970s, but it’s becoming more common. When used in fleet management, it makes every part of the job easier. First, software tracks things like idling trends, seat belt usage, hazardous weather and traffic alerts, fuel use, temperature censoring, CO₂ emissions, and even electronic driver logs. Then, it sends that info to GPS or GPRS servers so fleet managers can see it. It’s real-time data, on hand whenever you need it, so you can make decisions in real time. That means safe, highly productive, optimized, and compliant fleets. What’s more, telematics puts all the info on hand at the click of a button. As a result, your fleet is ready for expansion whenever are.

Fleet Management: The Future is Now

Fleet managers use telematics in many creative ways. The trucks themselves aren’t the only things that benefit from GPS. Trackers on trailers guard against lost freight. Plus, it helps drivers find pick-ups, and alerts the office to unexpected trailer activity. It also lets fleet managers match the nearest driver with spur-of-the-moment jobs. Consequently, freight gets on the road faster. What’s more, insurers use telematics data to gauge risk, so fleets with great track records can save money on premiums.

Then there’s the self-driving semis. Although most still have human co-pilots, driverless trucks wouldn’t be possible without telematics. If it weren’t for the data and telecom technology, self-driving semis couldn’t be guided to the right locations and wouldn’t be able to move through traffic and recognize road and weather hazards. Also, they might even get lost in a maze of city streets or on the vast U.S. highways and interstates.

Additionally, piloted and driverless trucks both benefit from telematics software like Fullbay. It keeps track of repairs, PMs and service, and  replaced parts—including sizes, brands, etc. Knowing details like that helps reduce breakdowns and allows you to plan downtime. With parts and pricing right in the software, you can estimate and plan for costs. The best part is that all of that data lives in the Cloud. That means you can see it anytime, anywhere on any device. Telematics fleet tracking tools are available—you might as well use them. If you haven’t started, here’s your chance. Fill in the form below to see how Fullbay can make fleet management easier.