Geotab takes fleet management to the next level

Australia’s trucking industry is facing high fuel and maintenance costs, tightening regulations, increasingly demanding customers, and a fiercely competitive environment. These factors are placing further pressure on already slim profit margins – meaning trucking businesses need all the help they can get.

What transport operators lack is visibility – a fleet manager might not know which truck is using too much fuel, or which vehicle has been idling for hours at a time. They may not be aware of the Fuel Tax Credit benefits they’re leaving on the table, or which of their drivers are cornering and braking too hard, depreciating their prized assets. Luckily, vehicle telematics offers solutions for all of these issues.

“By providing visibility over a fleet, managers can find ways to reduce costs and their environmental impact,” says David Brown, Geotab Associate Vice President APAC.

Geotab, a global leader in the Internet of Things (IoT) industry, has devices installed in 4.3 million vehicles globally. The tech company specialises in providing advanced telematics solutions for vehicle and asset tracking. With a presence in over 150 countries, Geotab offers a comprehensive suite of tools that enable businesses to monitor and manage their fleets efficiently. Their cutting-edge technology delivers real-time data and analytics, helping organisations optimise operations, enhance safety, and improve overall productivity.

Telematics has emerged as a game-changer for commercial fleet managers. Among the leading providers in this space, Geotab’s GO9 Series of telematics devices stand out for their sophisticated data collection and transmission capabilities.

“Real-time analytics allow for immediate adjustments, leading to a reduced carbon footprint and a move towards hitting environmental targets. Detailed data on maintenance, fuel consumption and driver behaviours can help businesses save money, and by reducing unnecessary idling and optimising routes, telematics can help reduce emissions and operational costs,” says Brown.

Efficiency is a cornerstone of successful fleet management. Geotab’s software systems excel in streamlining operations through data-driven solutions like route optimisation, with systems like real-time GPS tracking allowing fleet managers to monitor vehicle locations and plan the most efficient routes. This minimises travel time and fuel consumption while ensuring timely deliveries. Furthermore, Geotab’s software can seamlessly adjust routes based on traffic conditions, road closures, and other factors through dynamic routing. This adaptability enhances operational efficiency and reduces unnecessary travel.

Geotab’s asset utilisation function is a powerful tool that helps fleet managers allocate vehicles based on demand and usage patterns. This helps make sure that resources are utilised effectively, reducing downtime and maximising productivity. Moreover, detailed performance metrics enable fleet managers to assess the efficiency of their operations, providing them with the necessary data to make informed decisions and enhance overall efficiency.

Geotab software helps reduce emissions by promoting fuel-efficient driving practices. Training programs based on driver behaviour data also encourage habits that lower fuel consumption and minimise environmental impact.

“Geotab offers great flexibility for all kinds of projects,” Brown says. “Our devices can be attached easily to any vehicle – regardless of manufacturer – and they can send the data to the same digital platform. Installation is simple, which means it is possible to attach a device to contractor and subcontractor vehicles, giving you visibility over the whole project, and enabling you to track fuel efficiency, fuel burn, RPM, battery, oil, engine health, and other key indicators.

“Furthermore, through the multi-streaming function, subcontractors can be granted access to a database for the length of their contract. When the contract ends, their access to the site will cease, and the contractor can reassign it to someone else.”

Geotab’s advanced GO9 Series of products elevates and enhances fleet management in many ways, including…

The GO9 devices offer precise GPS tracking, allowing fleet managers to monitor the real-time location of each vehicle. This feature enhances route planning and ensures timely deliveries, improving overall efficiency.

The ability to access detailed engine diagnostics helps in proactive maintenance. Fleet managers can schedule repairs and maintenance based on actual vehicle performance data rather than relying on routine schedules, reducing downtime and costs.

By tracking driving habits such as speeding, harsh braking, and rapid acceleration, Geotab’s GO9 devices help identify areas for improvement. This leads to safer driving practices, reducing the likelihood of accidents.

The devices monitor fuel consumption in real time, helping fleet managers identify inefficiencies and implement strategies to reduce fuel costs. This feature is particularly beneficial in large fleets where fuel expenses constitute a significant portion of operating costs.

The seamless integration with other Geotab products, including in-cabin cameras and sensors, provides a holistic view of fleet operations. This integration enhances data accuracy and provides valuable insights that drive informed decision-making.

The GO9 series allows for customising alerts and reports based on specific fleet requirements. Fleet managers can set up notifications for various parameters, such as maintenance reminders, driving behaviour alerts, and fuel efficiency reports, helping give them the necessary information to manage their fleets effectively.

“It’s very quick and very cost-effective to install if you’re using the installer to do it,” Brown says. “You could probably do five or six installs as opposed to one wired install, which our competitors have. We can pretty much get a fleet of 100 vehicles done in a fraction of the time and at a fraction of the cost, which means you get more and more data because it’s plugged into the computer on the vehicle, which gives you all of the vehicle’s raw diagnostic information.

“In addition to that, you have the future-proofing of the unit itself, so the unit doesn’t change. If you want to bring anything into your solution, whether it’s a camera, whether it’s tyre pressure monitoring, driver ID, or whatever it is, you don’t need to change the unit for anything. Even if you move to an electric vehicle, you don’t need a new unit for that, you just basically plug in a new harness which is around $20 and then it’ll start reading the information from the battery on the vehicle. So you never have to change the technology until its end of life or the end of 4G LTE, whenever that will be.”

Geotab also helps fleets with electric vehicle (EV) integration with its EV Suitability Assessment dashboard. In this way, Geotab can assist in evaluating the suitability of electric vehicles for specific fleet needs. By analysing driving patterns and operational requirements, fleet managers can determine the optimal integration of EVs into their fleets. Geotab’s software supports the management of EV charging infrastructure, ensuring that vehicles are charged efficiently and ready for use. This enhances the feasibility of transitioning to electric fleets.

Geotab’s software systems are indispensable for modern fleet management, offering robust solutions that enhance vehicle and driver safety, improve operational efficiency, and promote sustainable transport practices. By optimising routes and reducing idle times, Geotab contributes to more sustainable fleet operations. Efficient resource use minimises waste and supports environmental stewardship. Furthermore, Geotab’s data-driven insights enable fleet managers to implement green initiatives, such as reducing paper usage through digital reporting and encouraging the use of alternative fuels.

By leveraging advanced data analytics and real-time monitoring, Geotab empowers fleet managers to make informed decisions that drive performance, reduce costs, and contribute to environmental sustainability. As the transportation industry continues to evolve, Geotab remains at the forefront, providing innovative tools that meet the dynamic needs of fleet management, both in this country and around the world.

To learn more about how Geotab can smooth the road for your fleet, head to the Geotab website.