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Telematics Australia is a resource to help Australian companies or individuals buy:
We explain what these products can do, how to get started, and the benefits of using them.
 
We also have in-depth posts on key topics for Australian fleet managers, such as:

We are not sponsored by any vendors.  This means we can provide neutral information. It’s our hope that we help buyers make an informed decision. Our goal is only to increase the utility and readership of our website.  We find polls a particularly good way to do this. They enable visitor feedback, and provide crowd-sourced metrics that are useful to everyone.  Examples of current polls include:

We intend to continue adding further polls and other content. Please email us if you have ideas for polls or other articles that you’d like to see on this site.

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What is Telematics? Infographic by Telematics Australia

Telematics Australia Presents: What is Telematics

What is Telematics? Video by Telematics Australia

Telematics Australia Explains: What is Telematics?

 The word “telematics” is a portmanteau of the words telecommunications and informatics. Telematics is the collection and use of information about remote or mobile assets. It is an example of the “Internet of Things”.
 
The term “telematics” is often used in the context of vehicle telematics. Vehicle telematics relies on a black box, that aggregates the required information. The information collected usually includes location history, speed, engine status and diagnostic information. Other typical data collected includes engine idling time, harsh braking or harsh acceleration. All this data comes directly from the vehicle, or from an accelerometer within the black box. In some cases, custom sensors are also added to collect specific information. For example, a sensor can be to the door of a refrigerated truck to track the time the door is open. The black box then sends this aggregated information via the the phone network to a data centre.
 
A fleet management system uses this raw data to help optimise fleet performance.
 
Telematics is not only limited to vehicles. It is also used to manage mobile assets such as pumps, generators and the like. Telematics is often used to track the location of these types of high value assets. It helps locate them as required.
 
Recent rapid advancements in IT and telecommunications have made telematics much more affordable. It means the cost to a fleet owner of not having a telematics system far outweighs the investment.

Telematics Australia Graphic: How do Telematics Systems Work?

Telematics Australia Graphic: How do Telematics Systems Work?
  • The vehicle has a telematics black box installed in it (“In Vehicle Unit”). This device almost always includes GPS tracker hardware. It may also include an accelerometer to record harsh braking or acceleration. The IVU is usually connected to the vehicle’s On-board Diagnostics via the OBD-II port. Sometimes it is also connected to other non-standard sensors or monitoring systems.
  • The mobile phone network transmits the information to the data centre. The owner may also opt for a backup Iridium connection if they expect use in remote locations.
  • A fleet management system receives the data in an online data centre.
  • The data is then accessed by the user on the public internet.

Telematics Australia Explains: Business Benefits of Telematics

Telematics paired with fleet management systems can deliver the following benefits –

Fuel Tax Credits Optimisation

When businesses use fuel in certain ways, they are eligible to claim part or all the tax included in the fuel price. They can claim the refund as tax credits, hence the term Fuel Tax Credits. Telematics systems track vehicle and equipment use and thus fuel use. They can help maximise fuel tax credit claims, as well as minimise effort required to make the claims.
Organisations can claim fuel tax credits for up to four years retrospectively. They can base these claims on current use patterns, ie, they don’t need to have recorded the fuel use at the time of use. Retrospective fuel tax credit claim can be huge if they were underclaimed in the past.

Reduced Maintenance Costs

The In-Vehicle Unit can send vehicle status information to the fleet management system . This information can trigger either corrective or scheduled maintenance work orders. This type of system reduces reliance on the driver reporting faults. It makes maintenance more effective, and results in less equipment downtime.

Increased Return on Assets

Fleet management systems help fleet managers schedule preventive maintenance as effectively as possible. They help reduce the risk of unplanned downtime, and optimise return on assets.

Reduction in Unauthorised Use of Vehicles

Telematics systems track the use of fleet vehicles at all times. Also, geofencing can create alerts when vehicles enter predefined areas. Hence fleet management systems make it easy to control unauthorised vehicle use.
Telematics Australia: picture of driver

Improved Productivity

Many fleet management systems include route optimisation functionality. This helps ensure that drivers spend the least possible time driving. It makes them more productive.
 
Fleet management systems also include efficient communication systems, which further contribute to productivity.

Reduction in Fuel Costs

Telematics systems can help reduce fuel use in the following ways –
  • Tracking the idling state of engines
  • More effective route planning
  • Reduction in unauthorised vehicle use

Better Communication

Telematics systems are communication systems, and make keeping in touch with drivers straightforward. Drivers can spend less time on updating management about location, activity and so on. Management have direct access to current information, thus improving decision making.
 

Better Safety, Risk Management, and Legal Compliance

Telematics systems can track driver behaviour such as harsh braking, cornering, and acceleration. Drivers can receive alerts in real-time, and change their driving style as necessary. This data can also foster internal competition between drivers.
 
The accelerometer in the In Vehicle Unit can automate crash detection. This information is then passed to the fleet management system. The fleet management system can send automated alerts to enable a quick response. This improves driver safety, especially in remote locations.
 
Fleet Management systems help formalise safety procedures. An example is the Pre Start Checklist. Drivers use their phones or tablet devices to record the results of their daily check. This ensures that the vehicle operators maintain their vehicles to required safety standards. It reduces both risk and liability.
 

Improved Customer Service

 Dispatchers can get real time information about their workforce. Examples include vehicle location, skillset of drivers, and traffic conditions.
 
They can use this information to provide the best possible service. Also, the fleet management system can send arrival time advisories direct to customers. These contribute to improved customer satisfaction.

Reduction in Administrative Costs

Fleet management systems automate many of the tasks required for legal compliance. For example, they can assist with –
BY MATTHEW PEARSON - OWNER AND FOUNDER

BY MATTHEW PEARSON - OWNER AND FOUNDER

LAST REVIEWED 21 JUNE 2022

More Telematics Australia Resources for you below!

Fuel Tax Credit

As we all know, the price of fuel includes tax. When you use fuel for specific business purposes, you can claim back this tax in the form of fuel tax credits.

Fleet Telematics Solutions

Fleet Telematics Solutions is a combined directory and poll.  It includes Smartrak, CTrack, EROAD, and many others. You can vote for as many providers as you like.

Best Dash Cam Australia

This is a combined directory and poll for Best Dash Cam Australia. It’s set up so experienced dash cam users can share their knowledge.

Chain of Responsibility Legislation

Many people in the industry have an influence on the safety of heavy vehicles. They influence actions taken by drivers, loaders, maintenance crews, and others. This is the Chain of Responsibility.

ROI Calculator for Telematics and Fleet Management Systems

This calculator focuses on the ROI that results from better cost control, especially the costs associated with fuel and labour, and the tax rebates available from the Australian Fuel Tax Credit system.

IAP Program

The IAP (Intelligent Access Program) is a voluntary program that provides transport operators with enhanced access to Australia’s road network, in return for monitoring and compliance ...