Fleet industry analysts forecast telematics sales growth to rise to nearly 6.5 million units by 2014. Developing innovation in real-time vehicle tracking is recognized as a key driver by most from private industry or public sectors operating fleet vehicles of any size or application when planning maintenance. maximum profitability and productivity.
Technology now plays a crucial role in the global fleet industry. From local and regional SMEs, equipped with a basic vehicle tracking device, to transportation and distribution of services nationally and worldwide, implementing a large-scale fleet gps tracking system.
While investing in telematics is considered a capital asset, most small and medium-sized fleet organizations enter the process with an entry-level vehicle tracker that provides a basic sat nav application. Fleet managers and their control room teams quickly realize that having complete visibility of all travel history as it happens in real time is crucial. A system upgrade to a full live vehicle tracking system allows broadcast data to be streamed directly from on-board diagnostics.
Full business cost and workflow analysis and consultation is a vital prerequisite in planning ahead for projected business growth for required telematics performance. The provision of capacity should be to meet future fleet operational demands with additional functionality, rather than simply addressing current concerns. A clear foreshadowing of practical benefits will improve productivity estimates based on deliverability. Additionally, a selected software solution must be scalable or customized based on the fleet vehicle specifications and intended use. The economic urgency can very often focus on a main fuel cost reduction issue to be achieved within the first time period of using installed GPS tracking, obscuring the broader strategic needs.
It is not uncommon for the immediate benefit to disappear quickly after a small short-term gain from the initial driver reaction once a vehicle fleet tracking system has been installed. It is imperative that data is constantly used and acted upon to inform the vital decision-making process in order to see long-term benefits. Key operating cost reduction and productivity development can be implemented more effectively through the necessary management of driver behavior. Business operating costs can be better controlled by ensuring that data is understood and acted upon on a daily basis.
In-vehicle diagnostics will monitor driving behaviors such as idling, gear selection, and engine revs, in addition to measuring braking, acceleration, and cornering. Installed routing software enables comparisons between actual and planned scheduling with geo-fence boundaries, which can be preset for after-hours vehicle movements or prescribed travel areas. Additionally, a record can be kept of any unauthorized use of the vehicle.
Consultation with the telematics provider at each stage is vital, especially when planning integration with existing network infrastructures. Telematic purchasing is always vitally dependent on having complete and accurate information, which aims to achieve the required cost reductions. A strategic implementation policy and assignment of responsibility to ensure that the entire process is carried out according to the agreed plan is an advance planning imperative.
