Telematics benefits to accelerate, according to research14 January 2015

Commercial vehicle operators and telematics providers will work closely together in the future to deliver bespoke functionality suited to each application, giving added value benefits far beyond fuel efficiency.

That's the overall finding from a European study conducted by MiX Telematics, looking at the current and future trends for the development of telematics for commercial vehicle fleets.

The project looked at operators in the UK, France, Germany and Spain, and asked about existing telematics applications and how these might advance to deliver added value.

Fuel efficiency gains from telematics are now "a given", says Steve Coffin, marketing and operations director for MiX Telematics.

"Progressive operators are therefore now looking beyond fuel savings alone by seeking to derive additional value from their telematics systems," he explains.

"To succeed in this aim, bespoke solutions need to be developed for specific operational issues. Here, the greatest benefits are unquestionably realised when operator and suppliers collaborate and work in partnership – this, in our view, represents the way forward for our industry."

When it comes to road safety, operators in each of the markets agree there is a link between telematics solutions and a reduction in accident rates.

The UK leads the field with telematics integration with other onboard systems, says the report. Applications such as CANbus fault code reporting and integration with bus ticketing machines to automatically log on drivers are already in place.

The study found that the scope for integration is varied, and functionality such as engine overheat warnings and onboard accelerometers to monitor adverse road conditions will become more prevalent.

The report also states that telematics can support operators looking to increase the numbers of electric and hybrid vehicles, by enabling them to monitor fleet performance. For example, by modifying system parameters to include discharge rate, charge remaining and 'distance-to-flat', operators can map the performance and capabilities of electric and hybrid vehicles with confidence.

Author
Laura Cork

Related Companies
MiX Telematics UK Ltd

This material is protected by MA Business copyright
See Terms and Conditions.
One-off usage is permitted but bulk copying is not.
For multiple copies contact the sales team.