The word “telematics” is likely to send most readers to the nearest dictionary, but for those in the trucking and transport industry the term is well understood to mean safer, more efficient driving.
Telematics is a broad term for technology-based In-Vehicle Monitoring Systems (IVMS) used to transmit data in real-time back to an organisation. It’s increasingly being utilised across Australia and the international transport industry, disrupting traditional fleet
management processes.
According to MiX Telematics, one of the world’s largest telematics companies dual-listed on the New York Stock Exchange and Johannesburg Stock Exchange, simple, low-cost technologies can produce dramatic improvements in safety and efficiency.
“Telematics has the power to slash fuel bills, and reduce and analyse costly rollovers, far exceeding the efficiencies gained by the latest advancements in engine performance or mechanical systems,” MiX Telematics Australasian Head of Sales and marketing, Lara Churton-Hughes said.
“Our strength lies in the broad variety of technologies that we offer,” she said.
“We are able to track vehicles in real-time, produce automated reports categorising driving between safe and high risk driving, as well use an in-cab notification to alert the driver when they are speeding or driving dangerously.
“Additionally, we can attach up to four cameras to a fleet vehicle, delivering real-time video, to monitor both the driver as well as other vehicles on the road.
“We can also customise multiple speed limits for fleet vehicles, preemptively reducing the risk of a crash,” she said.
The variety and ingenuity of these technologies allows MiX to create systems to specifically meet the requirements of any given company, regardless of driving conditions.
MiX recently reported that the company records a staggering 91 million trips per month, equating to 804 million kilometres and 184 terabytes of data.
“One of our Australian clients, a large-scale logistics company, has seen their accident rate drop from 8.85 per million kilometres in 2014 to just 3.70 per million kilometres travelled in 2016,” Ms Churton-Hughes said.
“These results are phenomenal and clearly show how technology is capable of transforming fleet management across all industries.
“Telematics is a prime example of a new way of thinking, delivering fleet safety and efficiencies as well as safer roads,” she said.