Dispelling the myths of telematics

As companies and consumers across the UK are facing a cost-of-living crisis and look at ways to reduce overheads, the benefit of telematics is something transport managers will be looking at now, more than ever. 

 

Whilst telematics has become a common business tool for industries like transport and construction to help manage fleets and commercial vehicles, the use of such software is diverse and can vary between industries with myths and misconceptions lingering. Whether it’s relating to how to get the most out of telematics data or being dissuaded from installing the technology altogether, it’s important to dispel any misconceptions, with the role of technology becoming ever more important. 

What are 5 of the most common myths and misconceptions?

 

Myth #1: “It costs too much”

Now more than ever, keeping spend down and fitting to budgets is a tough battle for transport managers. It’s understandable businesses will be concerned about the initial cost of new technology, but depending on the number of vehicles, the industry you operate in and the goals you’re looking to achieve, there are  options available to help keep costs down.

But it’s also  important to remember that in the long run, telematics does pay for itself. It will even put money back into your business, as it is a great tool for identifying where unnecessary spend might be coming from, for example:

• Clean air zones and congestion charges are a new challenge for drivers and transport managers. With schemes testing route-planning and cost efficiencies, telematics can help transport managers manage fleets who must frequently enter restricted zones.
• Assisting with driver coaching - AI-powered telematics solutions have the ability to constantly learn and evolve. AI spots patterns and behaviours making recommendations based on the data. It even recognises patterns that are hidden in the data and not only helps you to answer the questions that you don’t know to ask but identifies the biggest influencing factors on outcomes providing recommended adjustments. An example of this is Teletrac Navman’s Smart Dashcams, pioneering the use of AI video technology and representing a significant development in dashcam innovation and driver coaching.

 

Myth #2: “Having telematics means we’re automatically compliant”

Telematics isn’t a one-time, “set and forget” solution. To make your workplace healthier and safer, it is up to everyone, from drivers to senior management, to act on the insights and improve everyday operations.

The technology collects data from your vehicles, equipment and operators so you can proactively identify and mitigate risk, and address issues as they arise. For example, if the system is flagging an ongoing behaviour  with one of your drivers, such as regularly exceeding speed limits or harsh driving patterns, you can work with them to improve driving practices.  Teletrac Navman’s Smart Dashcams, spots patterns and behaviours and makes coaching recommendations based on data.

 

Myth #3: “All telematics solutions are the same”

While telematics devices and in-vehicle screens may look similar, all systems are not created equally and there are many factors that can affect the quality of the solution and the data it produces. Some things to consider when making a purchase decision include:

• The level of assurance and service your provider can guarantee.
• Understanding the difference between hardwired devices and the software.
• Knowing the goals you wish to achieve for the business and how telematics can help.

With a high-quality solution you can have complete confidence that your data isn’t up for debate.  At the same time, it’s important that it isn’t a burden to use. An easy-to-understand interface that allows staff to export reports and collect the exact data your business needs is imperative. Solutions, such as Teletrac Navman’s TN360, feed off signals that are recorded, calculating, analysing, and summarising everything so transport managers don’t have to. As a result, all fleet managers need to do is physically ask it for the information – removing the stress of sifting through confusing data.  

 

Myth #4: Telematics is solely for saving money

Although this is a very real and attractive feature, transport managers across the UK utilise technology for much more than this one aspect. With software such as Teletrac Navman’s TN360 and Smart Dashcams, telematics has the ability to:

• Evaluate driver behaviour
• Pre-emptively identify vehicle maintenance needs
• Track vehicle locations

 

Myth #5: Only large companies can benefit from telematics

This is a common misconception. Even an operation with just a single vehicle can benefit from telematics. Whether that be helping a small business confirm with a customer a driver’s arrival time, route mapping to ensure the most efficient routes are used, or assisting with vehicle maintenance, telematics can help a fleet no matter the size.