30 Jul The Benefits of Telematics for Fleet Safety
Telematics has changed the way companies manage and operate their fleets. Telematic systems are highly valuable tools designed to provide companies with data, data that can be used to make decisions, reduce risks, enhance driver relationships, and boost revenue. The benefits of telematics are multi-faceted, impacting various components of a company’s operation. Before deciding to invest in any such technology, companies need to explore how such programs can work within their operation and then select a customized solution to meet their needs on an ongoing basis.
What is Telematics? Why Does it Matter?
Telematics is the use of technology to monitor changing circumstances over long distances. It’s a type of information technology that allows companies to use data from sensors embedded in their fleet of vehicles to monitor circumstances in real-time. These sensors and devices can monitor, detect, and alert drivers and fleet managers to hazards.
Take a look at the benefits of telematics in fleet safety.
Reduce Accidents
At the heart of the value of telematics is its ability to reduce accidents. One of the most significant risks companies face is an accident that puts their driver, vehicle, and revenue at risk. Telematics resolves this by providing a way to spot problems early on so that better decisions can be made to reduce risk. For example, sensors can detect problems with the functionality of the vehicle, helping drivers to get off the road before a failure occurs, causing an accident. Data from these sensors can also help with pinpointing when a driver may be weaving or driving recklessly, enabling fleet managers to take action sooner to correct the problem and reduce the risk of an accident.
Improved Driver Performance
Telematics can help to improve driver performance by providing insight into areas of possible improvement, allowing companies to make adjustments, increase training, or provide feedback consistently. This type of insight can help companies to know how their drivers are doing at any time while also creating learning opportunities. With data in hand, it is easier for companies to provide this type of impact.
For example, a driver that tends to speed may not realize the impact of that speeding on their safety and the fleet as a whole. By providing information and guidance, companies can encourage better performance behind the wheel. That increases safety while also helping to create a positive relationship between the company and the driver.
Enhanced Vehicle Maintenance
Telematics feeds data consistently back to a data management system that when needed, provides warnings and indications that it is time for maintenance. In its simplest of forms, telematics can monitor mileage which can provide feedback on when vehicle maintenance is necessary. More advanced models go further in providing enhanced data that can detect a problem before it becomes a safety risk. This may include, for example, monitoring changes in tire pressure to alert when there is a potential problem occurring early on, allowing for the avoidance of downtime and instead allowing for a repair to happen on the company’s time rather than managing a breakdown on the side of the road.
Optimized Routes
Conditions are constantly changing on roadways. A simple delay due to an accident can considerably alter the efficiency of any fleet. Yet, alerting over the radio of such a slowdown is inefficient and relies on communication between drivers that are only available once some of those drivers encounter the problem.
With telematics, that’s no longer the case. With constant monitoring of road conditions, traffic, and slowdowns, the system can alert fleet managers to significant delays and offer solutions, including re-routing as needed. The result is that drivers minimize their productivity loss from these long delays, and the bottlenecks are not worsened by having numerous trucks and fleet vehicles on those routes.
Even without the presence of a slowdown, telematics can provide real-time data for planning optimized routes. This includes planning routes that combine stops or create the most efficient movement across several areas. Ultimately, optimization of routes helps companies to get the most efficiency out of their vehicles and drivers.
Increased Customer Satisfaction
The ultimate goal of any operation is to get products and goods where they need to be on time to ensure customer satisfaction. When telematics are in play, there are fewer delays, fewer opportunities for miscommunications, and a better result, improving customer satisfaction as a direct result. For many companies, this investment can be critical to improving relationships in a highly competitive market.
Safer Driving
Without a doubt, telematics creates safer driving. It encourages drivers to be more aware of their actions and the impact those actions have on their safety and that of the fleet in general. Telematics information is impossible to refute, and it creates a need to drive with more intention and focus, reducing risks as a direct result.
Reduced Fuel Consumption
One of the lesser-recognized initial benefits of incorporating telematics into operations is that it allows for better fuel consumption. This happens for several reasons. With more consistency in driving, drivers are less likely to speed, which ultimately costs more in fuel. More so, by having a keen focus on the efficiencies of the vehicle’s maintenance, tires can be better maintained, engines work more efficiently, and systems reduce overall costs.
Advanced Analytics & Insights
The more data that a company has, the better it can be at making decisions. Advanced analytics can help with the decision of where and what to invest in down the road and whether to support new driver hiring or maintain existing staff. It can help companies to see areas of opportunity within their operation, empowering them to see changes.
Cost-Effective
What is telematics if it is not cost-effective? The key to notice here is that telematics is designed to reduce costs in each of these areas. Yet, implementing a telematics system does not have to be expensive or hard to do. Most organizations can expect to see an outstanding recovery of all costs associated with their system through the safety improvements offered.
Improved Productivity
Today, to remain competitive, organizations absolutely must have as much information available to them as possible to stay can ensure driver productivity and that their entire fleet is operating in the most efficient manner possible. Labor is expensive. Companies often find themselves struggling with a drop in productivity from untrained drivers, too. Telematics can offer solutions here.
Improve Safety & Risk Management Efficiencies with Fleet Insurance
Consider the solutions Fleet Response offers within this field and why it can enhance the way your company operates.
Specialized Third Party Administrator: This provides claims, safety, and compliance solutions for your company, allowing you to maintain a high standard of professionality. - Driver Qualification File Management: Maintain a constant eye on your driver qualifications and required training to ensure no one falls through the cracks, costing your company money.
- Visibility: Gain visibility into all aspects of your fleet through fleet telematics, including where potential gaps are that could be costing your organization money.
- Fleet Responsible Mobile: This tool allows for managing the entire lifestyle of a claim through a simple mobile application. This can also allow drivers to get the help they need, from reporting a claim to getting help to requesting glass reports.
- DHP Mobile: Provide drivers with the ability to complete all of their training online. This also allows them to gain access to key licensing information and provides a way to review information over time as needed.
- MVR Monitoring Program: This program standardizes the point system across all states, allowing fleet managers to always have a keen eye on where their team stands at any given point.
- Reimbursement Driver Compliance Program: This is a fully automated program that allows for reimbursement of drivers to ensure they maintain proper insurance coverage.
Specialized Third Party AdministratorChoose Fleet Response for the Very Best Outcome
The benefits of telematics are clear. The only question for many companies is how to get started. With fleet telematics available through Fleet Response, it has never been easier to get a custom-designed telematics system in place. Contact us today to find out how we can help you.