For fleet managers with internationally operating fleets, it is important to have insight into how vehicles perform in different countries. The rapidly increasing possibilities of telematics provide them the tools to continuously measure performance and adjust where necessary. We discussed the possibilities and latest developments in telematics with Klaus Böckers, Vice President Nordics, Central & Eastern Europe of Geotab, Moove’s global partner in telematics solutions.
From location data to integrated innovative telematics solutions
Moove works closely with Geotab to deliver customized telematics solutions with their technology. As a global market leader in connected transportation solutions found in over 3.7 million vehicles, they are at the forefront of continuously linking new technologies to the innovative telematics solutions increasingly needed by fleet managers to improve the performance of their fleet. Ten to 15 years ago, telematics primarily served the purpose of monitoring vehicle positions. Now it provides extensive data analytics about engine and accelerometer performance, fleet electrification potentials, the integration of third-party products and services, hardware-free OEM integrations, cameras and sensors.
Klaus Böckers explains how Geotab is able to move quickly and flexibly to meet its customers’ requirements: “For us, it is not about selling hardware and software per se; we want to build an ecosystem with our open platform and our Geotab Marketplace. This platform is a network of fleet-oriented applications and solutions integrated with the open Geotab telematics solution platform for companies wishing to increase their productivity and compliance while cutting back on costs. From basic software solutions which allow customers to receive customized reports based on existing data for insight into fuel consumption or driver safety to more complex solutions like the use of cameras. Within this spectrum, we have countless opportunities to process data, while at the same time being GDPR-compliant.”
Data privacy and data security always come first
Data privacy and data protection remain as important as ever when using telematics. This is especially true for globally operating companies, where laws and regulations for data processing are different within each country. Geotab itself does not own any data; that responsibility lies with the company that develops datasets with its telematics solutions. But through intensive collaboration with local partners, Geotab is able to develop customized telematics solutions that always comply with the applicable regulations.
“Our job is to give the right tools to the data owners, so that they take the most out of it and to make sure that the data can’t be accessed by external parties”, Klaus explains. “ First, we developed a feature allowing you to block any personal data in the collected data, whereby the ‘personal’ aspect is recorded at another level for each customer. We therefore need to find a balance between protecting data privacy and maximizing the functionality of telematics on a case-by-case basis.”
Unstoppable developments in telematics
Social wellbeing, environmental care, and economic growth are themes that are becoming increasingly important for internationally operating fleet managers. Generating and analyzing relevant data is invaluable in this respect. The increasing importance of suitable telematics solutions is leading to numerous trends that go hand-in-hand with the development of new technology and the possibility of deploying telematics worldwide. OEM telematics, global implementation and the endless possibilities of data analytics are rapidly becoming key factors.
‘Businesses that operate globally are looking for a single solution that allows them to combine data from many different countries’
Klaus Böckers, Vice President Nordics, Central & Eastern Europe of Geotab
“OEM data can be a major building block for the future of telematics”, adds Klaus. “You no longer have to purchase the hardware separately; everything is built-in from the start. This synergy is becoming an increasing trend. We expect that the vast majority of vehicles will come equipped with built-in telematics solutions over the years to come. Furthermore, many companies operating globally are using telematics in a fragmented way. Each country has different regulations that give rise to an enormous diversity in hardware and software solutions. Businesses that operate globally are looking for a single solution that allows them to combine data from many different countries. Moove is an important partner for successfully implementing our global deployment concept. Also the use of AI to identify specific patterns to learn more than just a GPS location will also have an increased impact on the choice of vehicles for a fleet. Connecting different data sets, providing holistic solutions, and integrating with third-party products will determine the success of future fleet performance.”
Would you like to read more about Geotab technology and how Moove applies this technology to improve fleet performance? Download our ebook and discover real-life examples of successful telematics applications.
