It seems not too long ago that the term “vehicle telematics” was relatively unknown.
Those hearing it for the first time could easily mistake it for something entirely different to what it is.
Now the use of telematics devices is becoming more common in most medium to large size fleets and smaller fleets are fast catching up.
The uptake is understandable because the benefits of using the technology are far-reaching.
Vehicle Technologies national account manager Adam Shardlow says the systems are cost effective and proven to generate a return on investment when implemented correctly.
“What’s more, the software is user-friendly and intuitive and no longer requires an engineering degree to understand,” he says.
These days the focus on safe and healthy workplaces means reducing risk by managing driver performance is widely acknowledged as almost a necessity.
The vehicle is, of course, considered a place of work and needs to be managed as such.
“The recent uptake in telematics systems and the benefits operators are seeing from their implementation are now accurately quantifiable,” Shardlow says.
But what happens when you’ve ticked all the boxes around safety and compliance? Once you’ve gained some efficiency from reduced fuel usage and speeding, what next?
“Most premium telematics solutions already produce a raft of data on vehicle usage but this often only forms a small picture of what your vehicle is actually doing,” Shardlow says.
“As a systems integrator, Vehicle Technologies is well positioned to enable the enlightened operators of telematics empowered fleets to move to the next level with telematics garnered information.
“Providing actionable intelligence across the safety, environmental, security and efficiency spectrums.”
The Vehicle Technologies passion for integration arises out of the specific need for fewer in-cab distractions or tasks, and providing drivers with accurate, live information so they can successfully complete the primary task of completing the trip safely and to the benefit of all road users.
The integration of a camera solution offers fleets the added peace of mind that visual evidence brings in supporting drivers, employees and colleagues in the event of unfounded complaints.
“The company’s approach for fleets is to integrate in-cab camera solutions with telematics. By doing so it means that you’re not at the mercy of using multiple platforms to view critical information and don’t need to wait for vehicles to arrive at the depot to do so.
“A telematics integrated camera solution like MiX Vision delivers the desired footage automatically to the same MiX Telematics platform that you are managing your vehicles and drivers from.
“This saves time, enables you to match footage against metrics, such as speeding and cornering, providing the most comprehensive overview of a situation possible.
“It’s the next best thing to being behind the wheel and in the vehicle yourself.”
Of course, cameras are great for addressing what’s happening on the road. What about vehicle systems that are part and parcel of a normal day’s work?
Take a log truck as an example. They often have numerous systems on-board. A central tyre inflation system is almost standard as is some sort of weight measuring system.
But how do you actively monitor these systems? How do you know that the driver took a weight sample of the scales before departing the forest? How do you know the driver hasn’t left the tyres deflated once they have left the forest road?
“The non-adherence to either of, these policies causes significant damage to the taxpayer-funded roads and enables an unsafe operation of a vehicle in a public space endangering us all,” Shardlow says.
“The Vehicle Technologies way is to integrate, automate or provide warnings and reminders to operators of a possible non-compliance prior to the occurrence.
“System integration enables the consolidation into one view. Using the log truck example, Vehicle Technologies has successfully integrated with both TRT and BigFoot Central Tyre Inflation systems along with the likes of SI Lodec weighing systems.”
Multiple fees are avoided as the valuable information is delivered in one platform, enabling operators to make informed decisions on the actionable intelligence they have been provided.
Live warnings of non-compliance operation, dangerous tyre inflation or over-weight issues protect everyone through telematics integration in real time. It can also be done by utilising only one SIM card.
The Internet of Things (IoT) and quest for constant connectivity has led to multiple SIM cards and their connection costs. It is not unusual to have four, five or more SIMs in a vehicle these days.
Vehicle Technologies offers system integration solutions combining SIM communication costs into one platform via a number of methods, resulting in reduced costs per vehicle and the time required to manage each system.
“The options for vehicle system integration are as endless as the solutions that are available to be fitted to a vehicle,” Shardlow says.
“It could be a job scheduling system, a refrigerated system, engine diagnostics, temperature sensors, trailer information and the list goes on.
“But the advantage of pursuing this approach is clear. Operators can reduce costs by centralising the flow of information and communication costs.
“The efficiency gains and returns made by utilising a system integration approach to compare the performance of multiple vehicle systems via one platform is unmatched.”
System integration also goes beyond the vehicle. Advancement in tracking and monitoring technology means almost any work-related asset can be monitored from the same telematics platform as the fleet.
Whether its containers, trailers, construction equipment, lighting platforms or even the humble port-a-loo, if it is valuable it can be tracked and monitored through a single telematics system.
And with the IoT revolution well underway in New Zealand. it presents countless opportunities for fleets. Utilising new, extremely cost-effective communication platforms, it is now possible to measure, track and report on almost anything.
“Whether you are looking at getting into telematics for your fleet, considering where you can go to next with vehicle telematics, looking at tracking other assets in your business or simply looking to streamline the devices in your vehicles it is important to consider a Vehicle Technologies system integration approach to get the best value and return on your investment,” Shardlow says.
Vehicle Technologies has more than two decades of experience in working with telematics within New Zealand, providing innovative solutions for the likes of Fonterra and NZ Bus.
