As a provider of GPS fleet tracking technology, we know that telematics is the core of our product. However, here at Fleetmatics, our customers don’t always know what the heck we are talking about! They know that the name ‘Fleetmatics’ has something to do with ‘fleet’ and also with ‘telematics,’ but they don’t always know the correlation. The actual term telematics has come to refer specifically to GPS fleet tracking, which is why we derive our company’s name from it.
In its essence, telematics is the integration of computer systems with telecommunications. Over time, it has evolved to mean the communication between GPS devices, computers, and mobile devices. Telematics is the technology of sending and storing information relating to remote objects via telecommunication devices. In Fleetmatics’ case, the remote object is your fleet vehicle.
Specifically, Vehicle Telematics means monitoring the movements, location and behavior of one or more vehicles. Fleetmatics achieves this by using a combination of a GSM device installed in fleet vehicles and a GPS receiver. The device then communicates though the web-based software to you. You can use this information to better your business by improving customer service, reducing unauthorized vehicle use, and increasing productivity.
Not only does telematics provide vehicle location, but it also can provide the status of each fleet vehicle. You can find out when each truck was turned on in the morning and off at the end of the day. Idling status and speed is also recorded. The best part about this information is that you are able to access it in real-time. Telematics is able to provide you with complete and up-to-date knowledge of your entire fleet.