What do telematics measure?
“Telematics” is a bit of a catch-all term, but it’s effectively a box that’s installed to relay data in real-time (or after each journey) to inform fleet owners how vehicles are acting, and how this can be improved with wider initiatives. The things they measure will differ from supplier to supplier, but common measurements include the following:
What are the common benefits?
The obvious outcome of fitting a telematics system is that by objectively judging drivers’ safe road etiquette, they drive more safely. As a result, there are a few common positives of telematics:
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Data can be used to identify drivers that are driving unsafely, flagging them for training.
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Mileage can be analysed to ensure vans are regularly serviced on time, or even outright replaced
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Tracking systems can identify all vehicles’ locations, so if rapid response is needed, the nearest driver can be sent to the scene. They can also find where a vehicle is, if it’s been stolen.
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In day-to-day driving, but also in times of accidents or traffic, journeys can be planned to figure out the most efficient route.
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Alarms can be fitted for lone workers, should they get into trouble and need assistance.
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Telematics can automate timesheets, logging vehicle use and location in tandem with working hours – perfect for contractors or overtime measuring.
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According to the Energy Saving Trust’s figures, “better scheduling, higher productivity and increased vehicle utilisation” can result in operating cost savings of 10% - and better route planning, lower speeding and a better driving style can cut fuel use by as much as 15%.
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Finally, less speeding and better driver awareness can dramatically reduce crash numbers – saving lives as well as hard cash.
Success stories
RAC – Fuel bill reduction of £1.8 million over two years
As far as eye-grabbing headlines go, the RAC’s successful use of telematics deserves to head this list. Across its 1,500 vehicles, the car recovery company saved a whopping £1.8 million in just two years by monitoring its fleet.
NHS – Annual reduction of 220,000 miles
A firm promoter of telematics, the Energy Saving Trust, reported that NHS fleets are using telematics to reduce carbon emissions in line with government targets; in 2009 alone, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust reduced its annual mileage by 220,000 miles using smart tech.
Eden Group – stolen van recovery
The Energy Saving Trust also reported how a £10,000 van was stolen in Edinburgh but recovered by police within hours because of its telematics-based vehicle tracking system. The van was snatched outside the home of a contractor with the Eden Group; a few hours after group senior partner Stuart Baillie contacted the police, it was back with the company.
So, is it for you? We certainly can’t advise against it – but just make sure you get your priorities right and don’t get bogged down in metrics that aren’t all that important. And remember – encourage your drivers to drive safely alongside telematics, because technology alone shouldn’t be relied on for best practice when behind the wheel.
