Telematics technology reshapes fleet management by enhancing connectivity and offering detailed insights into vehicle operations. As fleets evolve to meet new challenges, including safety improvements, efficiency gains, and compliance with regulations, the role of sophisticated telematics becomes undeniable. This technology bridges the gap between traditional management methods and the future of logistics, providing the devices, platforms, and data necessary for informed decision-making. Exploring the capabilities and benefits of telematics systems will highlight its indispensable value in providing solutions to modern fleet operations and other related activities.
Telematics Platform - Connectivity on the Move
With the advent of the digital age, a surge of technologies now integrates with high-value assets, offering real-time control, continuous location tracking, and monitoring. This development enables predictive maintenance and ensures that assets are optimally utilised and protected.
Supported by the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and the widespread adoption of mobile devices, telematics is poised for exponential growth. Such systems enhance the monitoring of fleet activity, boosting productivity, controlling costs, improving accountability, and ensuring compliance with government regulations.
How Does Telematics Systems Work?
Telematics combines telecommunications and informatics, in order to record, send and receive data in real time. Through the use of wireless, Electronic Logging Devices (ELD) and "black box" technologies, GPS data collected can be fed into a centralised system to provide useful insights.
When this is applied to a fleet, such as trucks, delivery cars, vans, or trailers, it becomes possible to have a full overview of each vehicle’s activity in the logistics ecosystem. This includes recording vehicle speed, location, fuel consumption, fuel levels, faulty systems, or potential issues. External events such as roadblocks or traffic or weather conditions can also be factored in to provide precise data analysis – allowing for timely and efficient deliveries in the supply chain industry.
Enabling Intelligent Mobility for Safety, Productivity, and Cost-savings
We have deep expertise in design and manufacturing of ruggedised products used for asset management — whether agricultural, construction, industrial equipment, smart trailers, and robotic lawnmowers. As a telematics manufacturer, we enable our partners with enhanced telematics solutions that meet electronic logging device mandates. Using our specialisation in Electronic-On-Board Recorder (EOBR), our partners are equipped to provide solutions to their customers that will help accurately track, locate, and monitor their fleet, and incorporate preventive maintenance to improve productivity, reduce costs, and improve safety.
What We Do
PCI is a leading electronics manufacturing services (EMS) provider that combines the flexibility and speed of a collaborative design team with years of experience as a top EMS partner that you can entrust your outsourcing to. Our expertise encompasses a comprehensive range of telematics solutions and know-how, including:
- Antenna design
- Cellular technology – 5G, LTE, 3G, 2G
- Bluetooth
- Wi-Fi
- GNSS – GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou
- V2X
- RF simulation
- Vehicle communication – J1708, J1939 CAN
- Multi-region regulatory compliance
We also provide a suite of other supply chain solutions, such as digital supplier network, warehouse digitalisation, and Manufacturing Execution System (MES). Contact us or sign up for a virtual factory tour to find out more.
Frequently Asked Questions About Telematics Solutions for Fleet Activity
What exactly is an electronic logging device, and why is it important for fleets?
An electronic logging device or ELD is a device for commercial vehicles that automatically records a driver's driving time and hours of service (HOS) to ensure adherence to transportation regulations (dependent on country or state). ELDs sync with the vehicle's engine to capture data on whether the engine is running, the vehicle is moving, distance travelled, and duration of engine operation. This technology is crucial for improving road safety by enforcing compliance with HOS regulations, minimising driver fatigue, and providing a more accurate and verifiable way to log work hours, thereby replacing paper logbooks.
Does telematics enable constant tracking of vehicle location? How does it work?
Yes, telematics systems provide continuous tracking of a vehicle's geographical location using GPS technology. This capability allows fleet managers to monitor vehicle movements in real-time, ensuring efficient route management and timely deliveries. The location data is also used for historical tracking, enabling analysis of route efficiency, verification of service calls, and optimisation of fleet activity. Furthermore, real-time location tracking plays a critical role in theft prevention and recovery, as well as in compliance with geofencing - predefined geographical boundaries set for vehicles.
In what way does a telematics device function to collect and transmit data, and what is it used for in terms of fleet management?
A telematics device functions by interfacing with the vehicle's onboard diagnostics port (OBD-II) to access data from the vehicle's computer systems. It uses sensors and modules to collect detailed information on vehicle usage, including location, speed, acceleration, braking patterns, fuel consumption, and engine diagnostics. This data is then encrypted and transmitted securely over cellular networks to servers where it is processed and analysed. For fleet management, the implications are significant: improved operational efficiency through optimised routing, decreased fuel consumption, proactive maintenance alerts based on actual vehicle usage and condition, enhanced driver safety programmes, and increased compliance with regulatory requirements. The comprehensive insights provided by telematics devices help fleet managers to significantly reduce operational costs, improve vehicle uptime, and enhance customer satisfaction through reliable service delivery.