From GPS tracking to AI-controlled fleet optimization: The evolution of telematics

A brief look back at the history of GPS, telematics and IoT in the 20th anniversary year of AREALCONTROL GmbH. Telematics has undergone an impressive development in recent decades. What once began with simple GPS tracking has evolved into a highly complex, AI-supported solution for optimizing fleets and processes.

The basics: GPS and OBD

The liberalization of GPS technology in the USA in 2000 marked the beginning of a new era in vehicle tracking and monitoring. The combination of GPS with global navigation satellite systems such as GLONASS, BEIDOU and GALILEO (GNSS) made precise positioning possible worldwide. At the same time, the on-board diagnostics (OBD) standard became established, which has been mandatory in many vehicles since the early 2000s and provides a wide range of vehicle data.

First optimization steps with GPS data

The first GPS data sets already opened up a wide range of possibilities for optimizing fleet processes:

* Vehicle location and tracking: By continuously recording location data, it was possible to precisely determine driving times, idle times and distances traveled. Example: Electronic logbook.
* Driving style analysis: The analysis of speed data, acceleration and braking maneuvers enabled an objective assessment of driving style and served as a basis for training measures.
* Dynamic dispatching: The ability to locate vehicles in real time enabled flexible and efficient deployment planning.
* Data analysis and optimization: By evaluating the collected data, weak points in the processes could be identified and optimization potential uncovered.

The addition of OBD/CAN data and other interfaces

The integration of OBD data (on-board diagnostics) into telematics systems enabled an even more detailed analysis of vehicle condition and operation. Over 70 parameters, such as engine temperature, fuel level or inspection requirements, were now available. In combination with machine learning algorithms, this data can be used to plan predictive maintenance and extend the vehicle's service life.

Artificial intelligence for a new dimension of fleet optimization

The use of artificial intelligence has taken telematics to a new dimension. By automating routine tasks and optimizing complex planning processes, it has been possible to achieve significant increases in efficiency.

* Intelligent deployment planning: AI-based algorithms enable the creation of optimal deployment plans for large fleets within the shortest possible time, even under constantly changing conditions.
* Dynamic route planning: Automated adaptation of route plans to changing factors such as traffic volume or order situation ensures maximum efficiency.
* Integration into existing systems: The seamless integration of telematics systems into ERP, CRM, TMS and BMS systems as well as IoT platforms enables a holistic view of business processes and comprehensive automation.

Conclusion

The evolution from simple GPS tracking to AI-driven fleet optimization shows how telematics has fundamentally changed the way companies manage their fleets. The continuous development of the technology and the use of innovative algorithms will open up even more optimization potential in the future. In thousands of companies in the trades, retail, distribution, transport, logistics and technical field service sectors, as well as construction and agriculture, telematics is an elementary tool for fulfilling operational tasks. Often even due to legal requirements, depending on the country. In Poland, for example, GPS tracking has been mandatory for transports for a few years now and is currently mandatory in Romania. The new digital tachographs ("EU control device") also use GPS tracking to automatically document border crossings within the EU (European Union) in the future.

KfdM - Kommunikation für den Mittelstand
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84183 Niederviehbach
Germany

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Herr Marcus Walter
0170-7736705

walter@kfdm.eu

AREALCONTROL GmbH, founded in 2003, is a provider of telematics & IoT solutions with optional GPS tracking and tracing as well as software for transport/logistics, trade, craft and construction companies and medium-sized industry. Today, the company offers multiple award-winning solutions for fleet and vehicle fleet requirements in many applications and industries. Most recently, AREALCONTROL won 1st place in the German Telematics Award 2024 and previously in 2022, category "Field Service", 1st place for service cars in 2018 and several 2nd and 3rd places in 2018 - 2020 in truck categories.

This release was published on openPR.