Telematics resources have become indispensable in construction and fleet management as companies turn to data-driven decision-making to increase operational efficiency. As legislation tightens around compliance and reporting, the industries are also leveraging telematics solutions to navigate regulatory requirements seamlessly.

Far more than simply tracking assets, telematics solutions play a pivotal role in addressing the challenges of productivity. They’re essential for optimising the use of assets, leading to cost savings to counter increasing labour expenses and tightening margins.

This article explores the benefits of telematics in construction and fleet management and how it is empowering businesses to thrive in a competitive landscape.

Understanding data management in construction

Telematics data can offer several significant benefits to construction sites, enhancing overall efficiency and productivity. 

• Telematics systems enable construction companies to monitor the location of machinery, vehicles and tools. IoT solutions for equipment tracking help prevent theft and enhance project managers’ ability to allocate resources. 
• By monitoring fuel consumption across construction equipment, companies can analyse data to identify efficiencies. This leads to reduced fuel consumption and cost savings. 
• Telematics systems can predict maintenance needs accurately and spot potential issues early by gathering data on equipment performance. This leads to more efficient maintenance schedules, extends the life spans of equipment and prevents costly repairs. 
• By identifying underutilised equipment or overworked assets, companies can make informed decisions to improve efficiency, reduce operational costs and maximise the return on investment for their equipment.

Angus Kennard, Co-CEO and Co-Founder of Inauro, says many businesses think of telematics as merely tracking and recovering devices if lost and stolen. “But telematics offers much more than that. 

“While location tracking is important, it’s just one aspect. The real value lies in leveraging data for operational benefits such as asset utilisation, fuel management and other data points that improve efficiency and productivity. Telematics helps businesses optimise operations and make informed decisions.”

Telematics in the construction industry is hugely beneficial for asset management. Angus explains. “We saw this recently in relation to a company that was tracking data on two demolition saws. The data told us, through the vibrations of the saws, that one was used for just 17 minutes on average a day, and the other was used for an average of five hours. But the company treated these tools the same. They serviced and replaced them at the same time.”

Telematics data revealed that one saw was still reliable, and the other was unreliable because of overuse. These insights proved invaluable for the appropriate management of these assets.

Fleet managers can use telematics to gather a range of data points that extend beyond the location and speed of their vehicles

Harnessing telematics for fleet management

Fleet managers can use telematics to gather a range of data points that extend beyond the location and speed of their vehicles. Data points include:

• If the operator is driving erratically or aggressively
• Information on load, fuel consumption and distance travelled 
• Operation of  equipment outside its specified operating conditions, such as operating through an e-stop or running equipment at higher than recommended speeds
• Dashcam footage
• The vehicle’s emissions and idling time
• Operator (working) hours vs equipment (actual) hours

Using this telematics and logistics data can lead to significant savings and efficiencies, improve driver behaviour, and highlight areas where further training is needed.

Gathering data and analysing after the fact is one thing, but telematics can also offer immediate insights into vehicle and driver performance. For example, telematics can monitor the health of machinery, like temperature, pressure and engine performance in real-time, alerting the company of potential breakdowns before they occur, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.

It’s crucial that the data collected is comprehensive, actionable and readily accessible

Overcoming challenges in data utilisation and compliance reporting

Telematics systems can generate vast amounts of data from various sources, such as vehicles, equipment, sensors and GPS devices. However, on its own, this data may be meaningless. 

To realise the significant potential of telematics data, businesses must have a robust data management system. It’s crucial that the data collected is comprehensive, actionable and readily accessible. This approach enables informed decision-making and streamlined operations.

“Integrating existing assets and devices with the data management systems will give companies meaningful information,” says Angus.

The challenge for business leaders is identifying the devices and data management platforms that will meet their needs. 

When working with businesses, Angus says the team at Inauro first looks at what problem needs to be solved. “Businesses don’t want to be overspending by fitting out a piece of equipment or vehicle with a device that gives them too much or the wrong information,” says Angus. “For example, if you have a $2000 piece of equipment, you don’t want to spend $300 on a device. On the other hand, if it’s a generator that’s running a hospital, investing in a comprehensive IoT device is worth it.

“Those in the construction and fleet management industries want solutions that are going to give them the insight they need and not a lot of data that they can’t use.”

That’s why more and more fleet management and construction companies are turning to Inauro. Leveraging our Perspio™ platform,  the Inauro team comprehensively analyses the needs of your entire operation. We can then suggest a telematics approach that works for you.  

Discover the telematics solution for your business

Telematics technology offers significant benefits by enhancing flexibility and responsiveness in the ever-evolving construction and fleet management industries. Interested in discovering more? Inauro can assist.

Get in touch with our experts today.