Telematics Systems Streamline Utilities Fleet Management

By G. Fox, ET Editor

Telematics refers to the transfer of data/information via telecommunications which is now a common term used by the utilities sector generally referred to as Vehicle Telematics and plays a major role in utilities fleet management system. It is typically an in-house utilities function, integrating vehicle technology, road safety, road transportation data/telecommunications with information and telecommunication technology. It is the technology of sending and receiving and storing information related fleet vehicles via telecommunication devices. Telematics refers specifically to GPS vehicle tracking.

The main goal of a fleet management telematics system is to streamline and simplify the process of tracking and maintaining utilities fleet. Fleet managers can track the location of their equipment, monitor its progress and ultimately determine any action to be taken. For example fleet managers focused on fuel consumption can easily monitor, evaluate and make real time maintenance, process behaviour or route decisions.

The association of Equipment Management Professional (AEMP) drafted a Telematics Data Standard: At the time of this writing, the AEM/AEMP Draft Telematics API (Application Programming Interface) Standard, Version 2.0, is now available. http://www.aemp.org/aemaemp-telematics-standard/

Telematics can involve any of the following:

The technology of sending, receiving and storing data/information via telecommunication devices and in parallel affecting various controls on remote objects.
The integrated use of telecommunications and data for control of vehicles on the move.
Global Navigation Satellite System technology integrated with computers and mobile communications technology in automotive navigation systems.

Benefits of Fleet Management Telematics: