5 Ways Telematics Helps To Improve Fleet Visibility

As more organizations look for better ways to adapt to remote working arrangements with limited abilities for in-house management and communication, finding intuitive ways to stay on top of productivity and efficiency has become an essential aspect of sustainability. For fleet managers, it comes down to getting better insights into their vehicles and drivers.

When it comes to improving visibility and control over a fleet, telematics can be the answer you need. Below we’ll cover five ways that telematics improves fleet visibility and how managers can utilize intelligent, data-driven solutions to create highly productive fleets.

Asset Management

Telematics solutions utilize a GPS tracking technology to provide real-time accuracy on the location of vehicle assets in the field. This creates a much more effective way to keep track of drivers on the road while also ensuring the business can better protect its investments from theft.

While managing a remote fleet can present various challenges, one challenge experienced by many organizations is losing track of the prioritization of specific vehicle maintenance schedules. When utilizing a telematics solution, fleet managers have complete visibility over the use of each one of their assets, how often they are being operated, and when it’s necessary for them to be taken out of service for maintenance.

Vehicle Route Tracking

An essential part of maximizing fleet productivity while actively monitoring the fuel efficiency of vehicles is employing the use of vehicle route tracking technology. Telematics solutions reduce the need for other manual dispatching processes and equipment by providing real-time visibility of vehicles on their planned routes, mileage driven, and other important metrics that impact a fleet’s performance.

Telematics solutions allow fleet managers to track vehicles on high-resolution maps while providing accurate ETAs to and from job sites and incorporating traffic updates that could potentially impact routing capabilities. Fleet managers can then use this information to reroute their drivers or reprioritize their day-to-day activities.

Another benefit of vehicle route tracking is accurately tracking vehicle mileage and its impact on fuel consumption. Poor route planning can have devastating effects on the bottom line as drivers increase idling rates and reduce their miles per gallon. Fleet managers can keep tabs on their driver’s fuel efficiency and make better-informed decisions on how to improve it. 

Real-Time Safety Alerts

The technology that supports telematics solutions combines the power of GPS tracking with mobile communications and onboard vehicle computer systems. This merge of technology presents a complete fleet management solution that not only gives managers information on where their vehicles are and how they’re performing, but also if drivers are handling the vehicles safely.

Designed with policy-driven enforcement rules, telematics solutions can alert fleet managers in real-time when drivers are accelerating too quickly, braking too aggressively, or speeding on their routes. This regular behavior, if left unchecked, not only puts drivers at a greater safety risk but also reduces the lifespan of the vehicle and can lead to expensive repairs or replacement costs.

However, solutions like Derive VQ Safety unlock an entirely new layer of driver safety enforcement by enabling fleet managers to take more control of their drivers’ behavior while maximizing safety compliance across the fleet. Utilizing active safety enforcement protocols including call blocking, speed governing, and seatbelt compliance technology, Derive VQ Safety gives fleet managers the control they need to ensure their fleets are operating safely, on or off the roads. 

24/7 Dashboard Access

While the world continues to adjust and readjust to the disruptions COVID-19 has imposed on businesses in every industry, organizations have had to learn how to operate efficiently without having the communication channels they’re used to. All-remote teams have now become the new norm for many organizations, and fleet operators are no exception.

One symptom of remote working conditions is a general shift in core operating hours. This makes it difficult for fleet managers to keep track of all the activity that has taken place in their fleet throughout the day. Telematics solutions are deployed in unified dashboards and cloud-based platforms that can be accessed 24 hours a day. These solutions also enable seamless reporting on key business metrics to keep fleet managers up-to-speed with everything happening within their fleet, regardless of when the data needs to be accessed. 

Onboard Vehicle Diagnostics 

An area of concern for every fleet manager is how they can get more performance out of their fleet vehicles without sacrificing their sustainability efforts. However, this can be difficult, especially as organizations begin to scale and their fleets get larger.

Telematic solutions combined with vehicle calibration software make an excellent way for fleet managers to have their vehicles working for them. This solution allows managers to customize their fleet vehicles for maximum performance and efficiency. Using OBD-II tools that seamlessly connect to comprehensive fleet management solutions, fleet managers can configure their vehicle’s idling parameters, immediately saving 6-12% in vehicle fuel consumption.

More than just being able to save on fuel consumption, however, telematics and vehicle calibration software work in tandem to give managers the visibility they need to make improvements in their sustainability efforts. With easy-to-calibrate eco adjustments, organizations can start making progressive changes to their fleet’s carbon emissions, doing their part to reduce carbon footprints. 

In Summary

Visibility and control for fleet managers are vital when managing vehicle assets, tracking driver performance, and ensuring long-term fleet sustainability. While managers can’t be on the road with their drivers at all times, nor do they have the same physicality with their teams as they did before COVID-19, there are solutions available. 

Telematics, in combination with vehicle calibration solutions, provides the real-time reporting and intelligence fleet managers need to keep their fleets operational, efficient, and sustainable.