Telematics Flashcards
What are vehicle fleet telematics?
Combination of computer, IT infrastructure, wireless technology and GPS to provide vehicle tracking and location.
Give some examples of in vehicle telematics devices.
Wireless hardware with antenna for wireless data network, usually dedicated and installed within the vehicle, includes GPS for location, time, and direction information.
It might also be a laptop with wireless connectivity, generally used for navigation, work orders, and emails.
What types of information can be provided through GPS?
Latitude, longitude, time stamp, and direction of travel for vehicle location information.
What does the accuracy of the GPS location calculated depend on?
Depends on the number of satellites in view and the dispersion of their angles relative to the receiver.
What is the minimum number of satellites needed to determine the location of a receiver?
A minimum of 4 satellites must be visible to the receiver.
What is a differential correction system?
Requires a second receiver tuned to the signal of a stationary base station on the ground, even if relayed by communications satellite. It eliminates inaccuracies introduced by the atmosphere, signal noise, and clock drift.
What are the three categories of telematics uses that are typical in a fleet environment?
Vehicle management
driver safety
location-based dispatching
How might the use of telematics benefit the capturing of vehicle odometer readings?
Automatic odometer input
idling reduction
fuel reduction
vehicle utilization
theft recovery
What are the benefits of using telematics over paper-based pre-trip inspection forms?
Compliance to legislation
identify and fix defects more timely and consistently.
What are the advantages to using telematics in order to help dispatch fleet drivers?
Reduction in distance and fuel per job, improved productivity, customer satisfaction.
What are some challenges that should be considered at the beginning of the procurement process?
Many options available
need for clarity on business requirements
evolving technology
significant effort required for vendor research
What is a feasibility study and why is it done?
High-level steps after fact-finding research and business requirements have been completed
done to assess benefits vs cost or the ROI of telematics.
Why is an executive champion needed during the procurement process?
For overcoming organizational challenges
change management leadership
budget allocation.
What should be some of the evaluation criteria for RFP responses?
Price
functionality to meet business requirements
existing customer base with similar requirements
List the five steps in the procurement process.
Feasibility study
Executive and stakeholder review
Executive champion and budget review
RFP
Evaluation: RFP response, demo, interview.
How might you be able to win support from stakeholders?
Define use cases and document business requirements
run a technology pilot to obtain metrics
set achievable goals
quantify benefits.
How might you be able to solve the concerns of employees?
Proactive dialogue with union
clear communication about data retention and use
reassurance about data use for coaching.
What are some approaches to help manage business and operational changes (in regards to telematics)?
Early engagement of impacted groups
change management including training and process mapping
List some approaches that might help with telematics implementation.
Plan for installation during evenings and weekends
ensure SLA is precise
plan time for data validation prior to service launch.
What is a track and trace application?
The display of real-time vehicle location on an electronic map, usually on a web platform.
What are the core functionalities of a track and trace system?
Vehicle location
vehicle speed and location
ability to run a history or ‘snail trail’
identify general vehicle activity.
Why might you want drivers to sign in to use a vehicle?
Difficult to identify which driver is in which vehicle.
RFID tech (keyfobs and cards) and smartphone applications allow drivers to sign into the vehicle.
What is Geofencing and what is its purpose?
A defined area on the map with a given location defined by geo coordinates, capturing information when a vehicle enters or exits.
List examples of Geofencing events.
Tracking when vehicles leave and return from the main yard, receiving alerts if someone leaves a defined service area, tracking arrival/departure times.
What types of vehicle diagnostic data can be accessed through the use of telematics?
VIN
Odometer
engine hours
malfunction indicator lights
fuel levels
battery voltage
oil pressure
RPM
What key areas can telematics help to monitor driver behavior in?
idle time monitoring
speed monitoring
harsh braking/acceleration/swirling.
How can telematics help facilitate vehicle inspections?
A smartphone or tablet can be added to the telematics system for drivers to key in inspection findings with real-time notifications to maintenance staff.
What benefits can access to location data bring to your fleet?
Optimizing utilization of your fleet
improved customer service
driver management.
What are the benefits of using telematics to monitor meter readings?
Eliminate need for manual collection
obtain PM schedule based on accurate meter reading
eliminate costs from over or under maintaining vehicles.
What benefits can come from capturing various vehicle parameters such as RPM and fuel levels?
- Monitoring RPMs allows focus on driver training
- monitoring fuel levels identifies vehicles operating out of normal consumption range.
How will the capture of DTC (diagnostics trouble codes) help facilitate fleet operations?
Real-time alerts to mechanics based on DTC presence, ensuring vehicle issues can be prioritized.
What are premarket telematics solutions?
Telematics installed at the factory level.
What is OnStar and what services does it offer users?
GM product providing subscription-based communications, in-vehicle security, hands-free calling, turn-by-turn navigation, and remote diagnostics.
What is Ford SYNC and what services does it offer its users?
Ford product allowing drivers to talk, navigate, and listen to music hands-free, utilizing sophisticated electronics including GPS.
What is a passive vehicle location device?
Records and stores data but the data stays on the device until retrieved, requires a power source.
What is the main benefit of a passive system?
Eliminates the cost of a monthly data plan, allows for higher resolution of data collection.
What is the disadvantage of passive devices?
Data is always after the fact, general customer service benefits are not available.
What is an active vehicle location device?
Sends data automatically in real-time or programmed intervals
sends data after specific events.
What is a compact telematics device and what are the advantages of it?
Compact hardware that can be installed by plugging into OBDII standard equipment, easier to install in medium and heavy-duty trucks.
What is the disadvantage of a compact telematics device?
Can be easily tampered with by the operator.
What is a ‘Black Box’ event data recorder (EDR)?
Records data such as throttle, brake pedal position, steering angle, speed, and impact sensor, may be integrated into the airbag control module.
What are battery powered only telematics devices?
For non-powered assets, fully self-contained, weatherproofed units with battery life estimated from 3-7 years.
What challenges are presented if using consumer devices as a telematics solution?
Difficult to find compatible devices
technology changes may pose maintenance challenges
devices can be switched off
no sensor inputs are possible.
