Telematics: tracking the latest developments
By Jonathan Symons
Telematics technology continues to evolve, delivering ever greater levels of operational visibility, safety, security and efficiency for transport operators. The latest advances in software and hardware are reshaping how vehicles and drivers are managed, assets optimised, and road users protected, while offering insight that supports smarter operational performance.
Here are some of the latest fleet, video and asset telematics innovations in the marketplace.
Wired hardware innovation
Queclink Wireless Solutions has launched a satellite-enabled vehicle tracker for applications that demand the highest levels of connectivity in remote and isolated locations. The GV75MG Sat unit has been designed to operate where mobile networks are unreliable or unavailable, to deliver advanced security, driver safety and transport management solutions.
It supports Cat M1/GSM and NTN-IoT (Non-Terrestrial Network) communications, providing dual-mode tracking that combines both mobile and satellite networks.
The company has also launched an advanced trailer tracking device that delivers reliable performance in the harshest operating conditions. The hard-wired GV651 unit has a rugged and waterproof design, dependable network and positioning capabilities and a large backup battery, ensuring uninterrupted visibility and connectivity even without external power.
Advanced IOT software
Ctrack has introduced Crystal, its latest management platform, which promises to bring together advanced telematics, artificial intelligence and predictive analytics into a single, modular solution.
The platform’s flexible design allows businesses to scale their capabilities by adding plug-ins for functionality including advanced reporting, workflow automation, driver behaviour monitoring, operational planning and electronic proof of delivery.
It also includes a communication app that connects the fleet manager and driver, with advanced features that promise to deliver road safety, efficiency and productivity improvements.
Vision Telematics, meanwhile, has launched a multi-variant IoT platform that has been designed to meet any combination of fleet tracking, asset monitoring and video telematics.
The company claims the device-agnostic software solution has already been integrated with nine leading technology partners, providing connectivity with the widest range of tracking units, cameras, sensors and tags.
This unrivalled choice and configurability means transport operators have complete control to better monitor and manage all types of commercial vehicles, trailers, containers, machinery and equipment through a single platform.
Connected camera systems
A next-generation, multi-view dashcam solution from SureCam delivers combined 360° visibility and AI-powered insights for commercial fleets. SureCam Vantage provides up to six synchronised views around the vehicle, without the need for a mobile digital video recorder (MDVR), to help meet regulatory requirements and reduce on-road risk.
Alongside the ability to capture road, driver, side, rear, and cargo views, an optional in-cab monitor gives the driver real-time visibility. Meanwhile, the all-in-one dashcam can incorporate Driver Monitoring System (DMS) and Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) capabilities to detect distraction, fatigue, phone use and other risky behaviours, as well as road hazards such as tailgating and collision threats.
Brigade Electronics has developed a revolutionary adapter unit which enables transport operators to bridge the gap between traditional vehicle cameras and AI safety systems. The AI Box transforms installed camera technology into intelligent pedestrian detection solutions without the need to replace existing hardware.
The tool is fitted between a vehicle’s camera and monitor, using software to process video, identify the presence of vulnerable road users (VRUs), and trigger visual and audible notifications. It has been designed to overcome the cost barrier of adopting AI cameras for many vehicle operations, achieving optimum safety at reduced expense and minimal installation time.
Battery-powered tech
Postrack has launched a battery-powered tracking solution with integrated temperature monitoring to help cold chain operators reduce costs, improve load safety and achieve high levels of operational compliance.
A Bluetooth sensor connects wirelessly to the battery-powered tracking unit in the trailer or container, which transmits temperature and location data to Postrack’s cloud platform for real-time visibility and complete control over sensitive shipments. The solution can also be integrated with door sensors to detect unauthorised opening and incorrect operating procedures.
Elsewhere, Queclink Wireless Solutions is transforming Stolen Vehicle Recovery (SVR) with the launch of a sophisticated backup tracker that combats modern theft techniques and improves retrieval rates in high-risk environments. The long standby, battery-powered telematics device supports multilayer protection by providing an easily concealed and hard to detect secondary unit.
Measuring just 58 x 57 x 26mm, the compact device can be hidden anywhere inside the vehicle, only waking up if the primary telematics unit is disabled. It communicates with the wired telematics unit via BLE 5.4 (Bluetooth Low Energy) and starts to track the vehicle and report real-time location data upon any detected signal loss.
Jonathan Symons is a communications consultant with over 25 years of experience in the telematics sector and working with several major suppliers of fleet technology in the road transport sector.
