Using telematics to manage a construction company’s fleet of off-road vehicles has three main benefits: it increases productivity, lowers costs, and improves customer satisfaction.
For fleet management software companies like Trackunit, telematics and construction are the perfect pair. By implementing this type of fleet management solution, businesses are in the best position to prioritize operator safety, adhere to regular and proactive maintenance schedules, track the location of off-road vehicles, and increase operational efficiency – the perfect recipe for customer success and satisfaction.
Let’s discuss what telematics solutions are, the benefits of telematics, some common questions surrounding this innovative software, and how these systems can be integrated for off-road fleets.
What is a telematics solution?
Telecommunications and informatics: the high-tech combination that birthed telematics software. Telematics focuses on monitoring and collecting data from off-road vehicles which inform the everyday operations of a construction company.
Telecommunications is the transmission of data from the vehicle to the fleet manager.
On the other hand, informatics is the process of analyzing information received.
Telematics has two main components: a GPS system that tracks the off-road vehicle and a software system. Let’s review what features the software offers:
- Identifying underutilized assets
- Reducing idle time
- Fuel management
- Controlling theft
- Addressing poor productivity
- Handling maintenance concerns as they arise
Construction companies and fleet managers can implement these solutions via a centralized and remote platform. No need to waste time on manual coordination anymore. All the information and contacts are stored in one convenient location.
Low-performance concerns? Telematics software connects businesses with partners with the click of a button. Need a part replaced? Connect with in-platform partners with manufacturers. It really is that simple.
Telematics ensures that workers both on and off-site remain connected and up-to-date with their off-road vehicles. For those off-road vehicles frequently navigating rugged terrains, equipping them with Tacoma rock sliders can provide an additional layer of protection and durability, ensuring the longevity of the fleet. It is a streamlined technology that wants to make it easier to do business to minimize downtime, drive performance in operators and machines, and prioritize safety.
How does telematics work?
Telematics has the power to change the scope of a construction site for the better. Let’s explore how it works. The telematics device connects to the vehicle, typically through a diagnostics port via a wireless connection. The device on the machine connects to a centralized platform for monitoring, updates, and data use.
The server is critical to reading and interpreting data from the off-road vehicle on a secure website that only the user has access to. This data can be used to make informed decisions about specific off-road vehicles and analyze patterns to improve business practices.
Why install telematics devices and software?
Telematics can improve the fleet management of your off-site vehicle for several reasons. Let’s explore them.
Data-driven decision making
At the core of telematics is the data. And, in this digital age, collecting and analyzing data is a must for companies that want a streamlined fleet of off-road vehicles. Businesses can gain useful insights into day-to-day operations and collect information over time to view trends that highlight places for improvement.
Safety
Telematics provides businesses with updates on vehicle and operator performance. It can provide features like in-house instruction, performance reports, accident reports, and rerouting.
Data collected during use can be translated into material for further learning and training.
Plus, telematics systems have the ability to check regulatory compliance standards on each vehicle the device is attached to. This makes the job site safer for the individual operator and the rest of the team.
Customer satisfaction
Delivering customer satisfaction boils down to the fundamentals of service. It is important to understand how vehicles operate in real-time to implement streamlined or productive changes for later project phases.
By making the construction process more efficient as a whole, construction companies have the opportunity to deliver better results on time and within budget.
Take delivery times, for example. Idle and downtime occur in the construction industry often due to a lack of coordination. A centralized platform provides users with the ability to update the customer each step of the way and track hours worked more accurately. This creates a much-appreciated level of transparency for clients and employees.
Fleet efficiency
Telematics is the key to running an off-road fleet effectively. Access to real-time data, coupled with analysis is crucial for tracking fuel consumption, vehicle performance, vehicle location, maintenance schedules, and operator behavior. Each of the metrics will help to understand the successes and opportunities in everyday operations.
Asset utilization
With one platform for fleet managers to control and review, there is an opportunity to have adequate and informative information on the mixed fleets and brands within one construction site.
By tracking each vehicle’s performance, fleet managers can easily keep track of which machines are over and under-utilized. This is beneficial for decision-making, such as which vehicles should be relocated, which have the highest demand etc.
For equipment rental companies with so many different off-road vehicles and equipment available, it can be difficult to track them all manually. Telematics software eliminates this innocuous tracking.
How much does a telematics device cost?
Most telematics devices come with the software. There is no average cost because different companies offer a variety of features. It is typical for companies to offer monthly subscription plans.
Shop around and ask lots of questions. With different offerings, it is best to research the different features and customer service standards available. Also, consider checking into the security standards — your company’s data will be stored centrally, so it is best to select a service, like Trackunit for example, that makes security a priority.
What is the difference between telematics and tracking?
Vehicle tracking is a limited service in which owners can track the location of their off-road fleet vehicles at all times. Vehicle tracking uses satellite GPS technology to pinpoint the location of each vehicle or piece of equipment.
On the other hand, telematics offers a wide range of services including tracking, data collection and analysis, route optimization, regulation compliance, operator performance, and controlling maintenance schedules. As you can see, it is much more comprehensive and addresses all elements of the business.
Final thoughts
Consider a telematics software solution to manage and optimize your off-road fleet. With a centralized platform, you have better control over increasing company productivity and lowering costs.