Wireless Telematics: A Synopsis
Originally, telematics was the use of both telecommunications and infomatics. This involved sending, receiving and storage of information through devices used for telecommunication. Telematics has however evolved into what we now know as wireless telematics.
This involves the use of automobile systems that combine GPS tracking with other forms of wireless communication to facilitate remote diagnostics and allow vehicle data to be transmitted. Wireless telematics can also be used as a method of providing emergency help in the event of a vehicle breakdown or driver distress.
Wireless telematics has a number of applications and this technology can be utilised for both business and private use. Although, some vehicle manufacturers are looking into the usage of vehicle or wireless telematics as part of the automobile development it is in business that it can really be seen in effect on a daily basis. Wireless telematics can be integrated into fleet management or any business where the tracking of valuable assets, duty of care legislation or taxation guidelines is needed to ensure smooth, cost-effective operation.
In terms of fleet management, the use of wireless telematics can be broken down even further. After all, there are many different types of fleet businesses in operation and can all utilise this technology differently. For instance, companies who are involved in cold store logistics are able to employ telematics as a method of gathering data pertaining to temperature. This data can then be manipulated to trigger alarms if the temperature falls below an agreed level as well as recording an audit trail.
General fleet management can benefit from wireless telematics in that several functions can be put in place to monitor virtually every aspect of the day-to-day driving and operation of the fleet. Vehicle telematics can be used as part of fuel and driver management as well as helping to conform to health & safety guidelines. This offers comprehensive data retrieval for fleet managers thus enabling them to monitor all aspects relating to vehicles.
Wireless telematics is in a state of constant development and further applications for its use are being tested and utilised. For instance, to aid vehicle and driver safety, telematics are being used to exchange safety information. This information can provide important data relating to vehicle speed, location, and even road hazards. Future developments could lead to systems that would aid driving on the whole. Wireless technology could be connected to vehicle braking systems, which would ultimately save road space, and fuel costs. If one person in a vehicle convoy utilising this system slows down, every vehicle in that convoy will follow suit.
Its use is set to increase since telematics gives vehicle owners (both commercial and private) a method of transferring real time diagnostic data, which is ideal in the event of vehicle malfunction or breakdown not to mention sending the cars location to roadside assistance companies. Telematics will help to reduce road traffic accidents and therefore associated deaths because of its ability to control speed and braking systems. Finally, telematics can also reduce fuel costs due to its ability to maintain optimum driving techniques linked to sat-nav software making every journey use the least amount of fuel possible.
Wireless telematics use will only continue to grow until the majority of vehicles on the roads will make use of the technology
