As a new fleet manager, navigating the world of telematics can be confusing. It is a common misconception that all telematics brands will automatically work together, but this is not the case. Understanding the underlying technology and, most importantly, the concept of a partner ecosystem is the key to choosing the right system. Fortunately, with a little bit of research, you can build a connected fleet that grows with your business.

The Power of an Open Platform

Telematics systems collect vast amounts of data from a vehicle’s onboard diagnostics port. The industry standard for commercial trucks is a protocol called J1939, which allows the telematics device to read information from the vehicle’s Engine Control Unit (ECU). However, this is just the first step. The real value comes when that data is shared with other applications. This is why you should seek out a telematics brand with an open platform. An open platform uses standardized Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) to allow different software and hardware solutions to communicate seamlessly. For instance, this allows a telematics device to send engine data to a separate maintenance management program.

Building Your Fleet’s Technology Ecosystem

Think of your fleet’s technology as an ecosystem, not just a single product. When you choose a telematics provider with a strong partner network, you can pick and choose the best tools for your specific needs. This might include a different brand for in-cab cameras, a third-party for fuel card management, or another for routing and dispatching. Many top telematics providers have a marketplace or app store of integrated solutions. For example, a recent announcement from Geotab highlighted new partnerships with truck OEMs like Freightliner, allowing for cloud-to-cloud data sharing without installing additional hardware. This level of integration is a crucial indicator of a brand’s long-term value.

Making a Smart Choice

Before you commit to a brand, you should always ask about their integration capabilities. Therefore, a good question to ask is, “What other brands or modules does your system work with?” Be sure to check their list of collaborators and read about their partnerships in news articles or on their website. In addition, look for companies that offer cloud-to-cloud data sharing. This technology provides a seamless flow of data between systems and eliminates the need for extra hardware. Ultimately, by choosing a provider with an open, integrated platform, you can create a flexible and powerful telematics solution that perfectly fits your fleet’s unique requirements.

Also read: How Telematics Transforms Fleet Safety  and Fleet Maintenance: Your Key to Safer Operations