IoT Telematics and Tracking: Optimizing Fleet Management

Key factors to consider when deciding to buy or build a telematics solution are: 

• Connectivity 

• Durability 

• Cost-efficiency 

Connectivity: Cellular Gateways for IoT Telematics and Tracking

Most telematics and tracking solutions rely on cellular gateways and networks to transmit data. Cellular gateways in vehicles collect and send data to a central server over a cellular network. Collected data can include but is not limited to: 

• Location 

• Speed 

• Temperature 

• Engine diagnostics  

Fleet managers use this information to make timely decisions and take corrective action regarding vehicles’ uptime and health.   

Asset Tracking 

Gateways enable telematics devices to capture and report additional data from vehicle assets. For example, a service truck carries expensive tools to a job site for repairs. Bluetooth® wireless technology beacons attached to those tools act as a gateway to the telematics device.  

The telematics system will report, using its asset tracking gateway, if the tools leave the truck before they reach the job site. This information allows fleet operators to monitor tools off-site. 

Cold Chain

Refrigerated transport is another common use case for cellular gateways. Telematics devices with gateway capabilities use IoT sensors to monitor temperatures. These devices send alerts if environmental limits (e.g., temperature or humidity) are surpassed.  

The gateway supplies access to the onboard assets, which provide additional data for the telematics to report. This data empowers fleet operators to address environmental issues and protect perishable goods like food and vaccines. 

Telematics and Tracking Solution Durability and Cost Considerations 

Telematics devices operate in vehicles exposed to:  

• Extreme temperatures 

• High moisture levels 

• Rough terrain  

The casing that houses these sensitive components requires fortification. The enclosure must provide a rugged barrier to prevent damage and ensure reliable performance in harsh environments.  

Companies that require specialized telematics for heavy equipment and construction vehicles have two options. One is to use low-end devices that offer basic GPS tracking and tracing. The other is to use high-end devices with advanced capabilities. 

Telematics devices are small. They can be knocked loose, damaged or lost on large job sites if not securely mounted to the vehicle chassis. If your devices need frequent replacing, it may be prudent to invest in a more affordable option over a premium offering. 

Buy vs. Build 

Deciding whether to buy or build a telematics solution can be a challenge. Is it better to buy a complete off-the-shelf system or combine devices from multiple vendors? Is an in-house solution an option? Companies should outline their vehicle use case and the corresponding requirements to determine the best course of action. 

Buying Off-the-Shelf Telematics and Tracking Devices 

Once the use case and specific requirements are defined, search the market for a solution that meets these criteria:  

• Cellular connectivity  

• Durability  

• Straightforward installation 

• Smooth configuration 

• Manageable  

If something like this exists in the market for your specific use case, there is no reason to build. 

Combining Devices 

If the telematics use case you have in mind is specialized, finding a preconfigured solution to meet your needs may be difficult. Depending on your budget, there are three potential avenues: 

1. Purchase a solution that exceeds your requirements. You’ll pay more for options you don’t need but have the features you want. 

2. Compromise and sacrifice some features in favor of others. Save money and settle for a basic solution. 

3. Integrate multiple solutions to meet your requirements, then pay the additional expense. 

Building Telematics and Tracking Solutions In-House 

The decision to build an in-house telematics solution depends on your team’s capabilities. Can they deploy this solution successfully? Can they test it and run it through certifications? Do they know how to troubleshoot in case of issues?  

The decision to build in-house is also a question of risk. Most homegrown telematics systems fail because they don’t pass the rigorous device certification processes. 

Benefits of Bundling Hardware and Connectivity for Telematics and Tracking Use Cases 

Companies that lack the capabilities to build in-house or have specialized use case requirements should consider bundling. 

Have an expert bundle or combine telematics solution elements to save time and reduce costs. An IoT enabler can build a bespoke solution to meet your specific needs. They manage each step, from the module and connectivity to data orchestration and manufacturing. This strategy will eliminate margin stacking and reduce expenses. 

To ensure accountability, work only with one trusted partner. If you encounter a problem, that partner is best positioned to address it.  

IoT Bundles for Telematics and Tracking 

Telit Cinterion offers end-to-end IoT enablement for telematics and transport solutions. Our bundles feature:  

• Modules for various network environments 

• Connectivity  

• Data orchestration  

• Platform and device management tools  

• Remote provisioning  

Our engineers and solutions team design vehicle tracking with gateway capabilities and can build track, trace and recovery applications. We can help you set up the proper application programming interfaces (APIs) and connect them to your internal systems. 

Telit Cinterion sources components from vendors and manufacturing partners worldwide to provide scalability. This ensures proximity to our end customers and minimizes shipping costs. 

Discover how we can help bring your solution from concept to completion.