We take a look at some of the most important things to consider before you choose a telematics solution for your fleet.
Welcome to our guide on the key aspects of your fleet that can help you make a decision on which telematics solution suits you best. In our previous articles, we have explored why you should consider telematics for your fleet as well as some of the different solutions that are available.
In this post, we’ll look at some of the key things to consider when it comes to choosing the telematics device that suits your fleet best.
Which telematics benefits matter to you?
As we mentioned in our previous article on why you should consider telematics for your fleet, you can access a wide range of benefits, depending on the type of telematics software that you choose to install.
Whether you want to improve the security of your vehicles, better manage your claims or optimise your fleet’s logistics, you should always approach your decision with a clear view on what you want to get out of your chosen product. That way, you’ll be able to make an informed choice regarding your telematics, so you can access the benefits that are important for your fleet.
What is your budget for a telematics solution?
There is a big range in terms of the price of different systems and in some cases you may need to pay a rolling monthly data cost on top of the upfront amount for the devices. Often, you will have the option to pick from a variety of payment options. As an example, you can purchase an OBD solution (device, data and software) upfront for year one at £96 with £60 annual data cost for year 2,3, etc. or it can be direct debited on a monthly subscription of £8.
But before you make a decision on your chosen solution, it’s important to establish how much you’re willing to spend. It’s also worth your time speaking to different providers to find out how much they charge for their devices and data and what kind of payment options they have available.
How much data will you need to collect?
Not only will different solutions vary in terms of their cost, but also in terms of how much data they collect and the quality of that data. Whereas some devices are only able to collect basic information, such as the location of your vehicles and at what times they are in use, others can provide you with more detailed information about vehicle health and performance.
You should aim to collect as much data as you can use to better manage your fleet, but at the same time, try not to fall into the trap of overpaying for data that doesn’t offer you helpful insights.
It’s also worth noting that different devices communicate in different ways, which can have a big impact on the reliability of your data. For example, some devices will not be able to relay information in areas where there is a poor signal, such as a tunnel, whereas others are able to store data until a connection is reestablished.
How many vehicles do you have?
The size of your fleet should play an important role in your decision about the kind of telematics that works for you. If you operate a large fleet with thousands of vehicles, choosing to set up a system that requires professional installation, such as black box technology, can compromise your efficiency until the process is completed.
In the long run, a short period of increased vehicle downtime may be worth your while in return for the insights that you can access later on. However, your number of vehicles should still play a role in your decision.
What type of vehicles do you have?
If you have a fleet that is made up of different types of vehicles, you should make sure that your chosen device is compatible with your whole fleet. If you end up in a situation where you have different telematics in place for different vehicles, it can be difficult to achieve a holistic view of your fleet operations.
How reliable is your chosen solution?
Simply choosing the cheapest solution on the market can end up costing you more in the long run if you find that you’re having to replace the devices regularly. At the same time, there’s no guarantee that a more expensive device is more reliable. Instead, more reliable indicators of reliability include whether the device comes with any warranty as well as which parts are used.
It’s also a good idea to look into whether a telematics device has any certifications, which indicate that they comply with defined performance standards. In particular, ISO certifications are a good indicator of reliability.
At Zego, we understand that every fleet is different. That’s why we provide fleet insurance products that are as unique as your business. You can find out more about how we can help you get the most out of your telematics solution, optimise your efficiency and manage the risks associated with your fleet and drivers by visiting our Fleet insurance page