Teletrac Navman: unlocking business benefits with telematics
A recent survey carried out by Teletrac Navman suggested 89 per cent of businesses are currently using a telematics solution, but only 43 per cent say they are getting the most out of the platform they have employed.
“This is a surprising statistic considering telematics encompasses a vast array of technologies that fleet businesses can benefit from including GPS trackers, sensors, and engine diagnostics,” said Barney Goffer, UK product manager at Teletrac Navman.
“Fleet operators can use telematics to provide visibility on their fleets and can see quick return of investment within weeks in numerous areas of their business.”
He reports that many of the company’s customers have seen a reduction in fuel costs by improving driver behaviours such as speeding and excessive idling with audible, in-cab alerts and incentive programs.
“It also allows fleet managers to optimise routing to reduce unnecessary mileage, monitor unauthorised vehicle use outside of working hours and monitor vehicle health and maintenance issues that increase fuel consumption,” Barney continued.
Safety issues can come with large associated costs, he adds, especially when damage to the vehicle or injury to the driver is involved.
“When businesses implement telematics into their business it allows for driver safety initiatives that can reduce risk to both drivers and vehicles and reduce costs long term.
“By using telematics coupled with AI powered smart dashcams fleet managers may be able to reduce insurance premiums by protecting their business from false claims and building a better claims history, cut maintenance costs and associated rental hire costs by reducing incidents that cause vehicles to be off the road by delivering driver safety initiatives and keep your fleet fully operational meaning you can meet your commitments to customers.”
With maintenance representing another major fleet cost, using telematics can reduce this by helping fleets transition from a reactive maintenance schedule to a proactive programme based on custom or manufacturer-recommended maintenance, says Barney.
“Monitoring driver behaviour through telematics is vital in being able to extend vehicle life by reducing instances of aggressive driving including harsh braking and cornering or acceleration, as well as tailgating – all the things that can have a detrimental impact on the condition and lifespan of a vehicle,” he added.
“If a fleet manager can get these behaviours in check then it will pay dividends in the long-term by keeping revenue earing vehicles on the road and unplanned costs to a minimum.”
