In the dynamic progression of recent technological history, few innovations have left as profound a mark on the heavy equipment and construction space as telematics. Emerging from humble beginnings as mere “dots on a map” in the late 1990s, telematics has undergone a metamorphosis, evolving into a sophisticated ecosystem of data-driven insights and predictive analytics. Today, we stand at the precipice of the era of data-driven fleet management with advanced telematics.
Remember 2G?
Consider this: Two decades ago, the benefits of telematics offered no more insight than a rudimentary blueprint of vehicles on a digital map. It echoed the skeletal framework of a building under construction—each dot indicating an asset’s location but offering minimal details about its journey or condition. However, just as the layers of a construction project gradually reveal its complexities to engineers, so too has telematics unveiled its intricacies, illuminating the nuances of GPS technology, expansions in wireless connectivity, and integration of IoT sensors.
The progression is genuinely remarkable. Initially limited to basic functionality, the system now processes hundreds of millions of Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), providing comprehensive insights into fleet health. These codes serve as strategic tools, revealing crucial details like engine malfunctions and tire pressure fluctuations. By leveraging this wealth of data, fleet managers can proactively identify and resolve issues before they escalate, promoting efficiency and minimizing downtime across the board when it comes to data-driven fleet management.
And these advancements are measurable! Reports of reductions in fuel consumption by up to 20% and lowering maintenance costs by as much as 14% are a few examples of the tangible benefits of telematics in the modern era. Such savings not only bolster the bottom line for businesses but also contribute to a greener, more sustainable future through quality integrated telematics.
80 Billion Zettabytes of Data
Telematics 2.0 has gone far beyond simple vehicle tracking, expanding into realms once thought unimaginable— top-down data-driven fleet management. Features like theft monitoring, generator load tracking, wet stacking prevention, voice control, and AI (the list goes on) are fundamental to modern integrated telematics. However, with this advancement comes more data. The IDC estimates that in 2025, 56 billion IoT devices will generate nearly 80 billion zettabytes of data. That is a lot of data points. Data is good; is more data even better? That depends. Your data needs to be accurate and actionable; after all, it gives you the insights you need to meet your fleet management goals.
As we navigate the complexities of the digital age, many businesses are investing in more robust data management practices like validation, cleansing, and analysis. An advanced, integrated telematics partner with a data-first approach ensures fleet managers are leveraging the full potential of all the data to drive meaningful business results.
The Power of Data Multiplies When Integrated
As telematics advances, other systems are doing the same. That’s why today’s question is not only about how advanced telematics are but also, “How do I make all the data I have work together?” The answer is simple: through first-class integrated telematics.
Data from business systems, CRMs, manufacturing systems, marketing systems, and inspections are all growing exponentially, and linking them up to communicate seamlessly with one another is vital for countless businesses, especially those that rely on data-driven fleet management. Moreover, an increasing aspect of competitive advantage is who has more accurate and rich information faster.
As such, investing in data integration through integrated telematics with Fleet Intelligence will provide handsome ROI’s not just for fleet managers but also for the whole company. And that’s just one of the numerous benefits of telematics that we hope you’ll soon discover.
