How telematics ensures safe transport 

On many occasions, we have mentioned that transport is an essential activity for economic and social development, but it also implies a series of risks and challenges. 

What is telematics? 

 
When speaking of telematics in transport, we refer to the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) to optimize the management, control and safety of our vehicles, goods and the drivers performing this type of activity. 

 
Its operation is very simple, and it is focused on collecting, processing and transmitting data in real-time on the location, state, performance and behavior of the vehicles and their loads. 

 
In this case, the information can be used to optimize routes, reduce costs and raise productivity, prevent accidents, improve customer service and comply with legal standards. 

What is the function of telematics in logistics? 

 
Although, generally speaking, telematics focuses on the administration, and safeguarding of vehicles, goods and drivers who carry out this type of activity, there are other specific functions included: 

• Real-time monitoring. Sensors and devices are used to gather information on speed, fuel, the temperature of the load and more. 
• Route optimization. With up-to-date data on traffic and road conditions, it is possible to avoid congestion and choose the quickest and safest routes. 
• Fleet management. Companies can have a complete view of all their trucks, which helps them assign tasks, program maintenance and track performance. 
• Cost reduction. In addition, data-based preventive maintenance helps reduce expenses for breakdowns and non-planned stops. 
• Improved safety. It helps detect dangerous driving conduct, such as excess speed or sudden braking, and take corrective measures. 
• Control. Particularly for heat-sensitive loads, such as food or pharmaceutical products, as telematics ensures constant supervision. 
• Compliance. One of the functions of telematics is the recording of driving times, obligatory stops and other legal requirements. 
• Improvement in customer experience. It provides information in real-time on the state of the shipments. Undoubtedly, it helps generate trust and transparency. 

  
Advantages for the self-transport sector 

 
Telematics offers several advantages for both companies and clients and drivers. Some of these are: 

• Supervision of delivery times. The companies have the option to calculate the estimated delivery times of products. It also helps simplify the detection of delays and any other eventuality that interrupts the normal course of the transport of goods. 
• Improvement in management of shipments. The driver has the capacity to report urgent situations through an app synchronized with the GPS. 

 
It is clear that a transport vehicle under constant supervision will operate more effectively. Similarly,  clients can supervise the estimated time of arrival of the load using systems like “on time”. 

•  Safeguarding goods from the infiltration of illegal substances. Drug trafficking has become highly relevant; as a result, export companies have had to focus their attention on adopting technological tools to help simplify the monitoring of their shipments, with an aim to prevent any possible contamination due to the presence of narcotics. 
• It promotes the operator’s safety. Satellite vehicle tracking also contributes to driver protection. This type of notification allows the company to take the necessary measures to support the driver, during robbery or assault. 
• It ensures the proper use of the fleet of vehicles. When the transport fleet is under constant surveillance, it is feasible to anticipate deviations in its use. 

As a result, if the driver chooses to use a different route or if the product is mislaid, it is feasible to identify the relevant responsibilities. 

• It helps reduce emissions and carbon footprint. This not only benefits the environment, but also helps improve the company’s image. 
• It optimizes logistics planning. With exact data on the estimated time of arrival and the state of the vehicles, companies can avail of the advantage of being able to plan the logistics and reduce inactivity. 
• It raises competitiveness. Businesses that decide to use telematics have a greater capacity to adapt to the demands of the market and clients’ expectations. 

The future of telematics 

The future of telematics in transport is highly promising. As we advance in the digital era, this technology will evolve and shape a future of innovative possibilities. 

•  The Internet of Things (IoT). It means the connection and interaction of different smart devices, such as sensors, cameras, speakers, refrigerators or garments, which gather, process and transmit data in real-time. 

 
One of the advantages of the Internet of Things is that it helps improve efficiency, quality and sustainability in transport. 

•  Electric and self-driving vehicles. As you already know, they work on electricity and move without the intervention of a driver, thanks to the GPS navigation system, sensors, cameras, radars or automatic braking. 

 
Their appeal lies in the fact that they lower environmental impact by reducing polluting gas emissions, noise and traffic congestion. 

• Data science. It is the discipline that is responsible for analyzing, interpreting and extracting value from the data generated by the various sources of information, such as the Internet of Things or self-driving vehicles. 

 
Consequently, it requires mastery of several skills, such as programming, statistics, mathematics or machine learning. 

Nevertheless, as telematics becomes a core of our operations, protection against cyber-attacks and the implementation of sturdy safety systems will be essential. 

 
In itself, telematics has proved to be the solid foundation on which safe and efficient transport is built. From constant monitoring to risk prevention. 

In this context, if you are looking for solutions to help support your fleet and guarantee the integrity of your operations, we urge you to contact us.