Telematics software is a vehicle and asset tracking intelligent technology that tracks vehicles and equipment by utilizing on-board diagnostics, or OBD. It also uses GPS technology that shows real-time an asset's movement on an advanced dashboard to users.
Also known as fleet tracking or GPS vehicle tracking, telematics has become one of the most important software used for commercial and government fleets.
In this article, let's understand how a telematics device works, particularly for fleet management.
What are Advanced Telematics Solutions?
An advanced telematics device integrates informatics with telecommunications in order to gather vehicle data, including the position, speed, and diagnostics of the said vehicle.
It plays a role in theft recovery, vehicle health monitoring, and insurance pricing based on specific driving behavior, as well as fleet management. The purpose of these devices, however, is to enhance efficiency and safety.
Main Components of Advanced Telematics Software
The telematics device is the key requirement for monitoring the vehicle and retrieving data for fleet management. All the key elements of a telematics device are discussed as follows:
- GPS Receiver
This is the most important component and part of Telematics. The GPS is used in tracking real-time location of assets or vehicles. From an accurate location, fleet managers are able to trace the path taken in the route. It also identifies all the stops on the way to a given destination and monitors the time needed for the trip.
The information processed leads to optimization of routes, lesser use of fuel, and generally, a higher level of efficiency. In case a particular vehicle takes a route different from the planned one, immediate alerts can be sent to the driver to take corrective action.
- Engine Interface
This component can access the vehicle's On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) system. It reads information that concerns how your engine behaves or is performing.
Users can collect data on engine temperature, fuel efficiency, and other possible error codes. With such information known, fleet managers can pre-plan maintenance that will not necessarily cost them much. In addition, this can help save vehicles from long periods without use.
- SIM Card
A SIM card is one of the most important components for the possibility of communication over a cellular network. This allows fleet managers to get real-time data from anywhere. Software such as Navilap does the same. It tracks and monitors vehicle performance, along with driver behavior.
- Input/Output Interface
The interface is usually called the expander port, where users can add extra sensors or devices. This flexibility makes it easy for them to customize their telematics system according to their detailed needs. It can include tracking of vehicle temperature or even management of tank levels and tracking of driver fatigue, etc.
- Accelerometer
This sensor detects the acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle. It helps identify the driving patterns related to unsafe practices at certain driving handling, like breaking harshly or accelerating at high speed. It is therefore essential in ensuring safe driving and prevention of accidents leading to better learning for the drivers.
- Alarms
The telematics device also includes alarm systems that provide audible alerts to the vehicle operator. These alarms can notify drivers of upcoming maintenance due dates or indicate that safety-related issues need attention, such as tire pressure being too low. Timely alerts help ensure that drivers maintain their vehicles properly and address potential safety hazards before they become serious problems.
These units or components collect and transmit important information on vehicle performance, driver behavior, and location. These work together to analyze the information required for better decision-making in fleet management.
Does GPS Fleet Tracking Software Contribute to the Accuracy of Telematics Data?
- Real-Time Location Tracking: The GPS receiver sends signals to multiple satellites so that it can acquire its actual location of the vehicle. The vehicle can be tracked precisely in real-time since this data is refreshed at a consistent time-interval.
- Triangulation: It uses signals from at least three satellites in order to determine its position by triangulation. It increases the accuracy up to two meters under ideal conditions.
- Data Integration: All information through GPS integrates other telematics information such as speed and engine diagnostics that will give an all-inclusive view of vehicle performance and behavior.
- Error Correction: Advanced algorithms eliminate errors caused by signal interference or poor satellite coverage, thereby making collected data more reliable.
- Historical Data Analysis: Accurate GPS data will allow the fleet manager to analyze previous routes and drivers' behavior using video telematics software. It will assist in performance reviews and compliance checks.
Before You Go!
A Telematics solution gives the fleet manager the ability to make intelligent decisions. Because it provides them with valuable information about the vehicles as well as drivers, thus making everything run smoothly, safely, and at a lower cost.
Trackobit software is reliable with high accuracy of location, and these systems are very important for fleet planning.
The software makes managing a fleet easier, safer, and more cost-effective by providing insights that lead to better decision-making.
Source: What are the Major Components of a Telematics Software?