What actually is telematics?
Telematics technology captures vehicle data by use of a GPS device (Global Positioning System device). It can be used to know the exact location of all vehicles, at all times. This location data can then be used to measure a range of aspects including speed, idle times and even harsh acceleration or braking.
Here are 5 reasons why telematics can help you manage your fleet:
Monitoring drivers creates incentives for employees to adhere to the law. Regulatory limits are less likely to be broken. The chances of accidents, as well as damages to vehicles and cargo, are decreased. Telematics can be used to measure a driver’s ability: analysis can show where skills can be improved via training. This data can be used to reward employees for safe driving. Telematics can observe erratic driving: careful driving can save up to 25% of fuel consumption, therefore, reducing costs dramatically. Telematics can be used to send notifications of collisions to yourself and the emergency services. This technology may even prove to be lifesaving. Telematics could encourage good driving and create positive feedback for your company.
Telematics can allow you to see your fleet’s location in real time which in turn can be used to notify customers of a more accurate time of arrival, therefore, increasing customer satisfaction. For routes that are regularly repeated, telematics data can be used to establish a more accurate calculation of journey times and establish the best routes.
In addition, telematics could show where locations are duplicated, especially for couriers, therefore, saving travel time, and fuel, if another courier could fulfil the delivery. It is estimated that 25% of delivery times are spent idle, wasting time, money and fuel. Idle times could be due to factors such as filling out paperwork in a running vehicle or sitting in traffic for extended periods of time (when other routes are preferable).
Better handling of vehicles could end up saving money on repair and replacement costs.
Telematics can be used to track the hours and time each employee spends driving, with pay and bonuses awarded accordingly. Difficult but realistic targets can be set by using the telematics’ information. Employees’ that drive safely can be measured and rewarded, thus, improving employee motivation and establishing a positive relationship with you and your customers.
Telematics is proven to reduce the number of accidents on a policy, helping you to increase your “no claims bonus” and achieve dramatic reductions in premium (subject to the maximum bonus). In addition, we recognise that you are doing everything to help your employees be safe and a reduction in premium can often be awarded accordingly. Furthermore, evidence of telematics and training can increase the chances of adding younger or less experienced drivers to your policy.
