Total Operations Visibility No Matter the Terrain

By Sue Rutherford, Director of Marketing, SkyWave

Telematics is not new to fleet and logistics firms. For years they have been transmitting data over wireless networks to help lower costs, provide timely deliveries, and better manage operations. Many firms are also using the technology for analytics in an effort to improve fleet efficiency and reduce theft. 

Applications require connectivity. Without it, the result is an incomplete picture leading to inefficient work processes and fleet management and ultimately, lost revenue and increased costs, According to Aberdeen Group’s July 2011 report, Field Service 2011: Mobility and the Extension of the Service Enterprise, nearly 30 percent of field service tasks are conducted in areas with little or no wireless coverage. It is vital that mobile applications function even when outside of cellular coverage.

Satellite-based communication equipment offers the functional benefits of cellular-based equipment, with the advantage of filling in the gaps with little or no wireless coverage.  Driven by competition, Satellite communications has evolved from being an expensive and unpredictable choice to a highly available, dependable and cost-effective solution. 

Fleet Utilization Optimized

Businesses can capitalize on the operational and cost-benefits of cellular service and the reliability of satellite service with dual-mode communications solutions.  Users of this form of communication take advantage of the best of worlds: high-bandwidth allowing for more data to be communicated at lower cost data transmission in cellular areas, and secure and uninterrupted satellite communication in areas with no cellular coverage.  

When operational decisions and actions can be made in the moment, lag costs can be eliminated. Immediate communications can prevent excessive downtime for a truck. Additionally, trucking companies are better equipped to reduce risks and increase employee safety by minimizing the number of visits to remote areas.

Benefits for trucking companies using a dual-mode cellular-satellite communications system include:   

• Lowered Operating Costs. On-board diagnostics monitor the performance of the engine’s major components and malfunctions and emission.  Data helps reduce maintenance and repair costs.

• Improved Asset Utilization. Dual-mode communications can track, locate and verify availability of vehicles, trailers and containers, which helps reduce the distance travelled by vehicles when empty.
• Reduced Fuel Consumption. ATRI found that fuel and oil costs account for 31% of the total marginal costs for motor carrier operations. Fleet managers can significantly reduce fuel consumption by actively monitoring events like excessive idling, excessive over-revving, speeding, and proper routing.
• Enhanced Customer Service. Satellite-cellular communication helps locate shipments and notify customers of delay. This provides a competitive edge that can lead to increased revenue.
• No roaming charges. For companies that cross country borders, satellite can be more cost-effective than paying roaming fees.

Driving Workforce Success

Legislation that affects motor carriers continues to increase.  A satellite-cellular communication system can support compliance to regulatory and distracted driver legislations that are necessary to keep vehicles on the road and drivers safe.

Driving habits can be more precisely analyzed and immediately acted upon. For instance, if a driver is speeding, braking harshly or shifting improperly, a message can be relayed and rectified immediately.

The exchange of in-cab or text messages between dispatchers and drivers regardless of location can also prove beneficial when job assignments are modified, environmental conditions change or more efficient routing is available.  The benefits not only include reduced use of fuel, but can also lower the number of insurance claims, increase in labor efficiency and gain revenue for the business.

The ability to connect in real time any place and at any time allows remote workers to transmit time sheets, work orders, service call notes etc. By sending data back and forth, intelligence from the field is immediately integrated with enterprise back-office systems. This positively affects office operations related to ERP, Service Management and Parts Management. It also automates billing, scheduling and time and expense reporting.

Actionable intelligence is imperative to achieve the greatest returns. Having the right information at the right time -- no matter when or where -- maximizes productivity, utilization and profitability.

About The Author

Sue Rutherford is Director of Marketing at SkyWave, the global provider of wireless data communications for dependable communication, tracking, monitoring and remote management of fixed and mobile assets. To learn more the benefits of SkyWave products and services, visit www.skywave.com.