To begin to understand what telemetry is, just look at the Formula 1 tracks. That's where this system reveals its full potential, keeping competitors safe during the journey and maximizing the vehicle's performance.
All this through sensors capable of accurately measuring data such as temperature, aerodynamic and mechanical load, speed, pressure and distance. It is information like this that helps guarantee the integrity of drivers and cars at the same time.
But, after all, how does telemetry work? What is the role of a telemetry system in fleet management? We will answer these and other questions throughout the content, so stay with us and learn more about:
What is telemetry?
How does telemetry work?
What are the types of telemetry?
What are the benefits of vehicle telemetry?
What is the difference between telemetry and video telemetry?
How to choose a telemetry system?
What is telemetry?
Telemetry is a system that allows for the remote collection, measurement, and monitoring of data or indicators, usually through electronic devices and sensors.
Therefore, it is a technology used to capture information from various sources, such as machines, equipment and systems. They will then be transmitted to a central location where they will be analyzed.
For the same reasons, telemetry is not exclusive to vehicle management, areas such as agriculture, industry and medicine also benefit from the technology. But it is an essential system for professionals who manage fleets, and this will become increasingly evident throughout the content.
Suggested reading: All about telemetry and video telemetry: the most efficient systems for fleet management.
How does telemetry work?
Well, telemetry depends on a combination of sensors, instruments and communication channels to collect and transmit data. These sensors can be found in a wide variety of devices, from cell phones to space probes.
Once the data is captured, it is sent via wired or wireless connections to a central platform, where it is processed, analyzed, and transformed into insights. This is where telemetry shines, as it facilitates decision-making, diagnostics, and performance optimization across various areas.
In the case of the automotive sector, for example, telemetry is widely used to monitor vehicle performance, by collecting information about speed, acceleration, braking, among other parameters.
Suggested reading: How to enhance your fleet management with the Golfleet motorcycle tracking telemetry system.
What are the types of telemetry?
Understanding what telemetry is is crucial, but an important aspect of this is knowing what options are available to choose the one that best suits your fleet management.
Analog telemetry
With analog telemetry, sensors are manually installed in certain parts of the vehicle. If the intention is to read the rev counter, for example, you need a device attached to that area.
The rotation per minute calculation is made based on a specific calibration for each vehicle and the pulses sent by the sensors. In fact, this process is repeated for each piece of data that the manager wants to analyze, be it the odometer, the fuel level indicator, and so on.
Furthermore, the main advantage of analog telemetry is its accessibility to the vast majority of cars, even older ones. On the other hand, there is a need to calibrate the sensors fairly frequently, every 3 to 6 months, since they lose accuracy over time.
digital telemetry
Digital telemetry is carried out using specific software for this purpose. This way, it carries out the entire analysis process and sends the information directly to the person responsible.
There have been some standardizations in vehicle manufacturing to facilitate monitoring since 2009. Several sensors are installed in the vehicle and, thus, the information is already distributed to the on-board computer.
What are the benefits of vehicle telemetry?
Vehicle telemetry is a great ally in fleet management, and it improves: it doesn't matter if it is small, medium or large. In this way, the system allows better results for operations, such as:
Optimizing operational efficiency
One of the great advantages of telemetry is the ability to bring order and keep everything running smoothly.
By analyzing data from different aspects of the operation, it is possible to identify driving behavior patterns, more efficient routes, and even anticipate maintenance needs.
This results in less idle time, reduced fuel consumption and, consequently, lower costs, essential aspects for competitiveness.
Suggested reading: We Are Specialists: the importance of telemetry to optimize fleet management
fuel economy
The telemetry system works through the integration between technology and the fuel card provider . This allows for accurate information on the fuel expenses of each vehicle in your operation.
This way, you can analyze the difference between actual consumption and previously planned consumption and define an action plan to reduce supply costs.
Another important point is that vehicle telemetry provides data to evaluate the driving profile of your drivers. So, identifying behaviors that increase these expenses and implementing economical driving training for your drivers are simpler tasks.
Some more benefits can be gained from analyzing this specific data:
- Get the accurate cost in reais per kilometer driven
- Get the average consumption per vehicle
- Discover possible fraud and suspicious supplies
- Identify vehicles below or above the average consumption
It is also possible to include your fleet policy within the system, as is the case with Golfleet's telemetry system. In this way, the manager configures what constitutes infractions and implements rules for economical and safe driving, leaving the tool to automatically handle the commands to be sent.
Suggested reading: How to beat inflation and guarantee a reduction in fleet fuel costs using Golfleet
Decrease in accidents
As we saw previously, vehicle telemetry also provides greater safety for drivers and peace of mind for managers, by reducing the occurrence of traffic accidents. All this while monitoring the speed and how the driver is driving.
In this way, it is possible to work on behavioral changes, both generally and in a personalized way, making the operation increasingly safer and more efficient.
Even car theft decreases with the use of telemetry, allowing managers to identify suspicious behaviors such as unannounced route deviations and significant increases in speed.
Suggested reading: We Are Experts: preserving lives is easier with the right tools.
Environmental sustainability
With growing concern for the environment, telemetry can also be a powerful tool for fulfilling its role in environmental responsibility and sustainability in fleet management.
Monitoring fuel consumption and optimizing routes helps reduce emissions of polluting gases, contributing to a more positive environmental impact.
Suggested reading: All about the role of ESG in fleet management
Control and monitoring of the drivability profile
As you have noticed so far, a large part of fleet costs can be reduced with a telemetry system, since most of them are related to the way the vehicle is driven and the consequences of speeding.
Therefore, it is easier to understand how much your management can save, just by improving a driver's driving style with defensive driving training.
This is because it is possible to monitor braking, sudden accelerations, when a vehicle is on and stopped, among other actions that can increase fueling costs.
In addition to controlling activities with the help of telemetry to evaluate drivers and their driving habits and the data made available by the system.
Or even by offering training for those with low scores and awards for those with the highest scores, such as the National Positive Driver Registry (RNPC).
Suggested reading: Driver performance evaluation and productivity indicators in fleet management
Reduction of maintenance costs and fines
Another important point for fleet management involving vehicle telemetry is the reduction of maintenance costs and fines.
With data distribution, you can create and manage your own preventive maintenance plan , identifying mechanical problems or wear and tear on parts in advance and scheduling strategic check-ups.
Suggested reading: Sustainable maintenance: what it is and how to apply it to fleet management.
In addition to identifying patterns of inappropriate behavior and sharing specific guidelines with drivers, encouraging more responsible driving, this directly impacts the number of fines.
It is also possible to analyze factors such as idleness and vehicle runs, inside and outside business hours or on weekends, which generates another positive impact on cost reduction.
The constant supply of data about vehicles makes it possible to find operational bottlenecks. This allows the manager and the team to make more accurate decisions and develop strategies that really work, quickly and accurately.
As a result, all this valuable information makes processes more agile and makes the company increasingly competitive and economical.
What is the difference between telemetry and video telemetry?
It's already clear what telemetry is, but that's just one fleet management system. Video telemetry, for example, is a step further and allows for better identification of drivers through facial recognition.
In addition to all the telemetry features you've learned about so far, there are also bonus features such as video management for events and verbal coaching.
The latter, to be more specific, talks to the driver through alerts when he commits an infraction and gives safety and awareness tips whenever necessary. Other functions of video telemetry are:
- End of the need for driver action for identification
- End of problems related to loss and/or exchange of identification card
- Agility and security in audits of infractions and vehicle use
It's worth noting that video telemetry is recommended for companies that already have a more advanced fleet management system. There's no right or wrong answer, but rather the system that best suits your operational needs.
Suggested reading: Video telemetry: a turning point for road safety
How to choose a vehicle telemetry system?
First and foremost, it's important to define the specific needs of your fleet management. With so many options available, it's crucial to understand what data you need to monitor and whether the provider meets your expectations.
It is also important to evaluate whether the company will assist with more practical issues, such as system installation and configuration, as a complex process may require additional time and resources.
Another factor to be taken into consideration is the compatibility of the vehicle telemetry system, ensuring that there is perfect integration and that data is transmitted accurately.
Finally, it is recommended to do thorough research and compare different brands and models, evaluating the company's reputation, the quality of technical support and, of course, the tool's performance.
Choosing the ideal telemetry system is a strategic investment for the success of your fleet management and Golfleet understands the weight of this responsibility.
With this in mind, we are not only dedicated to developing cutting-edge technology to take care of operations throughout Brazil, but we also make sure to think about everyone involved and make the lives of managers and drivers easier.
To better understand how we translate our purpose into a fleet management system, schedule a free demo and discover the full potential of our tool.
