Benefits of Telematics
In today’s fast-paced world, rental businesses and construction companies are searching for ways to increase efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
Well, look no further than Telematics Hardware and Construction IoT Devices — a tool that integrates telecommunications and informatics, used to create one centralized system to collect, transmit, and analyze data.
Telematics is used in fleet management technology to support the management of the location and maintenance of machines and equipment, deliver real-time analytics, track contractor performance, and follow regulatory compliance.
Let’s explore the many benefits that telematics offers and how it is transforming the way construction companies operate a business.
What is telematics?
Telematics is all about making telecommunications and information communicate with each other.
More specifically, it is used to manage and control a construction company’s fleet of vehicles, machinery, and equipment. It speaks from one application to another, in one centralized system. The purpose is to ultimately drive compliance with regulatory requirements, increase productivity and reduce costs.
Telematics works like this: the location of the vehicle, machinery, or equipment is tracked using a telematics device, via GPS. The data is collected and analyzed from the vehicle to the server via a wireless network. Not just limited to location, telematics also collects diagnostics data as well.
It is a constant flow of information from the machine to the fleet manager and system. This means that fleet managers can have access to real-time data to keep track of their fleet and drive productive decisions going forward.
Advantages of using telematics
It is undeniable that telematics is transforming the construction industry. Let’s discuss a few ways that it can increase productivity, drive efficiency, and lower costs for businesses.
Efficient fleet management
Telematics is used in fleet management to make operations more efficient. For construction companies that have a wide variety of vehicles, machines, and equipment, real-time tracking is a must.
Telematics is a system that can provide fleet managers with comprehensive insight on asset location, operator insights, fuel consumption, and maintenance schedules. This data can be collected and analyzed on the spot. Fleet managers can receive notifications to help them optimize routes, reduce idle time, monitor maintenance schedules, and make better decisions for the future of the business.
Plus, the consistent collection of data allows businesses to track trends, challenges, and opportunities. They are then able to identify patterns and make proactive improvements.
For example, fleet managers can use data to identify underused vehicles and inefficient routes. This can lead to acquiring a streamlined fleet that better meets the needs of the business and the client.
Operator behavior and safety
Real-time data helps fleet managers understand operator practices. This information can help inform better and safer driving practices in the future and during training. Telematics will collect information on time to complete the job and idle time.
They can also monitor a contractor’s hours to ensure they comply with labor laws. This ensures that drivers are not tired, reducing poor job performance and accidents. This is beneficial for ensuring that both the individual operators are safe and those around them are also able to perform their job duties safely.
Plus, notifications and alerts about possible equipment breakdowns will support repairs promptly. This increases operator safety, reduces downtime, and saves from costly repairs.
Asset management
From small to large fleets, telematics technology is beneficial for monitoring equipment use. For example, with this technology, fleet managers can easily know where a piece of machinery is and how it’s being used.
Machine statistics help make decisions about future purchases, identify inefficiencies in an equipment’s performance, track overall metrics, and set targets for the next job.
Understanding times of usage also support better planning in movement and unloading. This helps to better coordinate jobs between sites, operators, and projects. Overall, the data will reduce idle and delivery time.
Driven by the numbers
Arguably, the most important aspect of telematics is the real-time collection and analysis of data. We are in a digital age, where data-driven decisions drive real productivity and lower costs. Businesses can gain valuable insights into their fleet operations, identify inefficiencies, track metrics, and set goals for the future.
Historical data can set benchmarks for future success – there will always be a goal to work towards.
Reducing costs
Telematics is responsible for increasing productivity and lowering costs. Telematics can reduce costs by optimizing routes, analyzing operator performance, monitoring fuel consumption, and following a maintenance schedule or offering solutions as problems arise.
But having access to the data, companies are in the position to monitor driver performance to optimize production or increase training where needed.
Since real-time location is a prominent feature of telematics systems, companies are in the best possible position to reduce the amount of stolen equipment and machinery. Plus, some insurance companies reduce their premiums when companies can demonstrate the regular use of a fleet management telematics system. This is because it shows a commitment to safety and security.
Environmental sustainability
As companies seek out solutions to reduce their carbon footprint, telematics can help. By optimizing routes and monitoring fuel consumption, businesses are in the best scenario to minimize greenhouse gasses and reduce idle time.
Data collected by telematics systems manage vehicle emissions and also ensure they comply with environmental regulations. Some telematics software can provide suggestions on where companies can be more environmentally sustainable.
Integration with business systems
This technological advancement is highly adaptable and many systems can be integrated with other business software. Telematics users can merge fleet management software and enterprise resource planning systems seamlessly.
For example, telematics use cases demonstrate that it can merge well with payroll systems or customer relationship management software. This is helpful for training and to increase the overall efficiency of the business.
Final thoughts
Telematics is revolutionizing the way companies handle their fleet operations. The benefits of telematics are clear: it increases productivity and reduces costs for the construction industry.
As data scientists continue to develop this technology, there will be even more impressive data outputs and solutions offered.
