Today’s fleet telematics system is a far cry from the simple vehicle location solution it was before. Instead, it has evolved into a pipeline of data that connects fleets to warehouses, machines, and people over high-speed connections. Supply chains are more agile, efficient, and cost-effective when this ecosystem of the constantly moving parts work together symbiotically.
Sensors, software, and computing devices are embedded in logistics components, equipment, and systems which enable them to collect, send and receive relevant data. A central management system provides a dashboard of operations while enabling users to drill down into specific metrics to provide greater understanding of operations and make strategic decisions.
Given its prominent role in the supply chain in enabling product movement, fleets (trucks, vehicles, and forklifts) are the regarded as the most important components in the supply chain. Fleet telematics use GPS technology and wireless connectivity to provide warehouse management information on vehicle and driver performance, vehicle location and diagnostics, and how the fleet capacity is utilized.
What are the benefits of fleet connectivity?
1. Increased Efficiency
Connectivity and the digitization enable you to automate manual processes, such as fleet inspections, real-time communication like re-routing to avoid traffic or redirect to high-priority loads, and optimizing vehicle performance through timely diagnostic alerts.
2. Enhancing Safety
With connectivity you can control access to ensure fleet is never operated without a proper inspection or by unauthorized personnel. Connected equipment can alert you every time there is an impact, providing an opportunity to investigate the cause and implement corrective actions. It reduces accidents, monitors driver behavior, and ensures that you meet your duty of care.
3. Improving Productivity
Connectivity provides the data to measure and improve operator productivity, helping you understand why some operators are more productive than others and identify the best practices and additional training required to increase overall productivity. Routes, fuel usage, driving habits, speed and maintenance schedules all provide valuable data to improve productivity.
4. Optimizing, Utilization, and Uptime
Telematics can accurately measure how your fleet is utilized. With maintenance status, breakdown notifications, and service schedules, it ensures that all vehicles are adequately utilized and reduces idle time.
What components should be considered for fleet telematics?
1. Software
The fleet management solution is the heart of the system. It should be easy to integrate with all the different warehousing systems you have in place.
2. Installation
Fleet software should be easy to install. The technology has advanced to the extent that fitting the device should be quick and without the help of an engineer.
3. Connectivity
Supporting real-time alerts requires good connectivity, whether in the warehouse or on the road. Typically, data is gathered from remote trucks and vehicles and typically transmitted over a mobile network. The logistics industry is set to be one of the biggest winners with the imminent roll-out of 5G due to the low latency, high speed, and capacity to connect multiple devices at the same time without affecting performance. In-building mobile connectivity solutions is set to overtake Wi-Fi in the not-so-distant future.
CEL-FI smart signal boosters from Nextivity are the best solution on the market to keep your fleet and warehouse connected. Unlike other unlawful boosters in the market, CEL-FI products are mobile network approved and can be used without a license. CEL-FI products fully comply with Ofcom’s UK Interface requirement 2102 (IR2102) (UK) and ComReg S.I.No.283 of 2018 (Ireland). The CEL-FI commitment is to protect the operator’s network, deliver the best in-building and in-vehicle mobile performance, and be the easiest solution to install.
The CEL-FI GO M is an evolved smart in-vehicle mobile signal booster that automatically adapt to the moving environment and boost 3G/4G/5G for voice and data.
CEL-FI GO X, SOLO, and QUATRA are in-building mobile signal solutions that are designed to improve mobile signal strength with up to 100 dB gain for 3G/4G/5G in voice and data.
A version of this article was originally published by Warehouse & Logistics News.
