The world is becoming more connected every day, and new ways to use location-based information are being developed constantly. Today there is practically no limit to the different applications for telematics. A popular option for modern-day fleets is to utilize fleet management software (a branch of telematics) to coordinate the hundreds or thousands of vehicles they manage. Fleet managers or can get a birds-eye view of the entire fleet, checking the overall health, profitability and productivity of the fleet. Everything from fuel consumption to current speed and location can be viewed on a central dashboard.
In the past the location updates were transmitted by many systems by SMS (short message service). However, this was often prohibitively expensive for real time tracking. The advent of GPRS provided providers with a Mobile Data solution which could be bundled at a fixed monthly charge to enable cost effective Real Time Tracking. Typically, vehicle tracking systems are comprised of two core parts; a GPS location tracking device and some user software. The GPS location device is most often a hardwired installation in the car, van or lorry. The device is connected to the ignition switch, battery and antennae. The location device for a fleet management solution uses GPS to pinpoint its precise location and then location updates are transmitted at a regular timed interval or after an event trigger, e.g. ignition on / off.
Typically, vehicle tracking systems are comprised of two core parts; a GPS location tracking device and some user software. The GPS location device is most often a hardwired installation in the car, van or lorry. The device is connected to the ignition switch, battery and antennae. The location device for a fleet management solution uses GPS to pinpoint its precise location and then location updates are transmitted at a regular timed interval or after an event trigger, e.g. ignition on / off. In the past the location updates were transmitted by many systems by SMS (short message service). However, this was often prohibitively expensive for real time tracking. The advent of GPRS provided providers with a Mobile Data solution which could be bundled at a fixed monthly charge to enable cost effective Real Time Tracking.
This GPS tracking data is made available for viewing (more often than not with many of the telematics and tracking solutions sold today) via a website. Accessed over the internet, fleet activity can be viewed live or historically using digital maps and reports. Alternatively, GPS tracking software can be installed or downloaded via the internet for use locally on a company computer network. The graphical user interface (GUI) page layout templates will be installed on the computer, but the vehicle tracking data is still downloaded via the Internet. In the past mapping was also installed locally as dial-up connections couldn't cope with large map files. However, today, due to faster broadband connections, detailed mapping is often downloaded from the web.
Accessed over the internet, fleet activity can be viewed live or historically using digital maps and reports. This GPS tracking data is made available for viewing (more often than not with many of the telematics and tracking solutions sold today) via a website. Alternatively, GPS tracking software can be installed or downloaded via the internet for use locally on a company computer network. The graphical user interface (GUI) page layout templates will be installed on the computer, but the vehicle tracking data is still downloaded via the Internet. In the past mapping was also installed locally as dial-up connections couldn't cope with large map files. However, today, due to faster broadband connections, detailed mapping is often downloaded from the web.
Telematics Service Providers have also been keen to show that telematics is more than just fleet tracking. The advent of combined two-way messaging and satellite navigation products means fleet managers can now choose to do more than simply track and locate a vehicle or fleet of vehicles. Using connected navigation solutions, fleet managers and job dispatchers can utilise tracking and location, then transmit and receive job messages to and from drivers, while enabling the driver to calculate the journey route and automatically send back the time of arrival to the office. This can lead to more jobs completed per day, reduced journey times, improved customer satisfaction and fuel savings.
When used in a commercial environment vehicle telematics and GPS tracker systems can be a powerful and valuable tool to improve the efficiency of an organisation. The fleet activity can be analysed and decisions taken based upon actual information, not guesswork. Key performance indicators including, journey times, fuel economy and drivers hours, can be improved.
When used in a commercial environment vehicle telematics and GPS tracker systems can be a powerful and valuable tool to improve the efficiency of an organisation. The fleet activity can be analysed and decisions taken based upon actual information, not guesswork. Key performance indicators including, journey times, fuel economy and drivers hours, can then improve.
If you are a potential purchaser of telematics units, from basic tracking devices right up to an all singing, all dancing solution, and then you need to check that any company fits the following criteria. One thing you should consider is that the Company has a proven track record and a history of growth and stability in the market place. You would be best working with a company that has a good turnover, preferably in excess of 10 million in the UK and are also constantly being accessed for their quality and service. This is important because of the high number of telematics companies who have come and gone. You will also be best working with a company who has a commitment to their customers as well as investing in their Company's communications infrastructure. You should also deal with a company who is registered to ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards. Finally, look for a company who offers the ability to switch your tracking units to an alternative provider at any time should you not be entirely happy with their service.
In the past the location updates were transmitted by many systems by SMS (short message service). However, this was often prohibitively expensive for real time tracking. The advent of GPRS provided providers with a Mobile Data solution which could be bundled at a fixed monthly charge to enable cost effective Real Time Tracking. Typically, vehicle tracking systems are comprised of two core parts; a GPS location tracking device and some user software. The GPS location device is most often a hardwired installation in the car, van or lorry. The device is connected to the ignition switch, battery and antennae. The location device for a fleet management solution uses GPS to pinpoint its precise location and then location updates are transmitted at a regular timed interval or after an event trigger, e.g. ignition on / off.
Typically, vehicle tracking systems are comprised of two core parts; a GPS location tracking device and some user software. The GPS location device is most often a hardwired installation in the car, van or lorry. The device is connected to the ignition switch, battery and antennae. The location device for a fleet management solution uses GPS to pinpoint its precise location and then location updates are transmitted at a regular timed interval or after an event trigger, e.g. ignition on / off. In the past the location updates were transmitted by many systems by SMS (short message service). However, this was often prohibitively expensive for real time tracking. The advent of GPRS provided providers with a Mobile Data solution which could be bundled at a fixed monthly charge to enable cost effective Real Time Tracking.
This GPS tracking data is made available for viewing (more often than not with many of the telematics and tracking solutions sold today) via a website. Accessed over the internet, fleet activity can be viewed live or historically using digital maps and reports. Alternatively, GPS tracking software can be installed or downloaded via the internet for use locally on a company computer network. The graphical user interface (GUI) page layout templates will be installed on the computer, but the vehicle tracking data is still downloaded via the Internet. In the past mapping was also installed locally as dial-up connections couldn't cope with large map files. However, today, due to faster broadband connections, detailed mapping is often downloaded from the web.
Accessed over the internet, fleet activity can be viewed live or historically using digital maps and reports. This GPS tracking data is made available for viewing (more often than not with many of the telematics and tracking solutions sold today) via a website. Alternatively, GPS tracking software can be installed or downloaded via the internet for use locally on a company computer network. The graphical user interface (GUI) page layout templates will be installed on the computer, but the vehicle tracking data is still downloaded via the Internet. In the past mapping was also installed locally as dial-up connections couldn't cope with large map files. However, today, due to faster broadband connections, detailed mapping is often downloaded from the web.
Telematics Service Providers have also been keen to show that telematics is more than just fleet tracking. The advent of combined two-way messaging and satellite navigation products means fleet managers can now choose to do more than simply track and locate a vehicle or fleet of vehicles. Using connected navigation solutions, fleet managers and job dispatchers can utilise tracking and location, then transmit and receive job messages to and from drivers, while enabling the driver to calculate the journey route and automatically send back the time of arrival to the office. This can lead to more jobs completed per day, reduced journey times, improved customer satisfaction and fuel savings.
When used in a commercial environment vehicle telematics and GPS tracker systems can be a powerful and valuable tool to improve the efficiency of an organisation. The fleet activity can be analysed and decisions taken based upon actual information, not guesswork. Key performance indicators including, journey times, fuel economy and drivers hours, can be improved.
When used in a commercial environment vehicle telematics and GPS tracker systems can be a powerful and valuable tool to improve the efficiency of an organisation. The fleet activity can be analysed and decisions taken based upon actual information, not guesswork. Key performance indicators including, journey times, fuel economy and drivers hours, can then improve.
If you are a potential purchaser of telematics units, from basic tracking devices right up to an all singing, all dancing solution, and then you need to check that any company fits the following criteria. One thing you should consider is that the Company has a proven track record and a history of growth and stability in the market place. You would be best working with a company that has a good turnover, preferably in excess of 10 million in the UK and are also constantly being accessed for their quality and service. This is important because of the high number of telematics companies who have come and gone. You will also be best working with a company who has a commitment to their customers as well as investing in their Company's communications infrastructure. You should also deal with a company who is registered to ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards. Finally, look for a company who offers the ability to switch your tracking units to an alternative provider at any time should you not be entirely happy with their service.
About the Author:
Steve Pidley writes for many websites. His articles cover many subjects including advice on Telematics. You will find Andrew's articles around the internet. His main website is about Telematics.