Continued innovation
Telematics specialists are competing in ingenuity to offer fleet managers ever more efficient tools, including the integration of embedded cameras. These innovations aim to optimize the use of vehicles and to rationalize costs.
Focus on major players
- Coyote :
A European specialist in connected driver assistance services, Coyote particularly targets SMEs, SMIs and ETIs. Since the acquisition of Tracker in 2018, Coyote has been offering solutions combining driving assistance, tracking, fleet management and recovery of stolen vehicles (via Coyote Secure). BtoB represents 10% of its turnover. Coyote is also innovating in big data and artificial intelligence, developing self-learning predictive models. - Impact of the health crisis (Covid-19) :
Despite the pandemic, players such as Optimum Automotive have continued their development and expanded their interconnections with rental companies, repairers, oil tankers, insurers, etc.
Masternaut has strengthened its fleet, responding to the increased need for efficiency and cost reduction. Ocean has ensured the continuity of its services thanks to teleworking.
The crisis has also made businesses aware of the need to control the use of vehicles and the vulnerability to theft, increasing interest in solutions such as Coyote Secure.
Geotab and Webfleet Solutions analyzed the impact of Covid-19 on mobility via data from over 3 million vehicles, helping decision makers track economic recovery. - Ford and road safety :
Ford shares anonymized vehicle data (use of fog lights, emergency braking, airbags) with BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo, to detect and locate dangers on the road via the Date for Road Safety program. These alerts are sent in real time to nearby vehicles. - Masternaut (Michelin) :
Acquired by Michelin in 2019, Masternaut is positioned as a specialist in fleet management (more than just telematics), by analyzing and retrieving data to improve customer processes.
Michelin has strengthened its offer through the acquisitions of Sascar, Nextraq and Masternaut, and manages 600,000 vehicles in 70,000 companies.
Masternaut is innovating with embedded cameras in the United Kingdom, useful as evidence in case of claims and for road safety training. She collaborates with Stellantis and Ford. - Ocean (Orange Business Services) :
An Orange brand specializing in IT and telecommunications services, Océan is banking on the Internet of Things to develop its embedded telematics, with a strong focus on innovations for businesses.
The highly competitive embedded telematics market is changing rapidly, with permanent innovations, strategic alliances, and increased digitalization. The tools are evolving to meet the needs of sustainable mobility, safety, security, cost optimization, and efficient fleet management, while integrating the challenges posed by the health crisis.
Embedded telematics: major innovations and 2021 trends for fleet management
Embedded telematics continues to evolve rapidly in 2021, with numerous innovations aimed at optimizing fleet management, strengthening road safety and improving business efficiency. Faced with a very competitive market, specialized players are competing in ingenuity to offer ever more efficient solutions, integrating the latest technologies such as embedded video, artificial intelligence, and advanced connectivity.
The main trends in embedded telematics in 2021
Professional fleet management is now based on the collection and detailed analysis of vehicle data, which makes it possible to rationalize their use, reduce costs and improve driver safety. At the same time, the health crisis linked to Covid-19 has reinforced the interest of companies in these solutions, with an increased awareness of the need to control and secure vehicles, in particular in the face of the risk of theft.
1. Ocean (Orange Business Services): GDPR compliance and technological innovations
The Ocean brand, a subsidiary of Orange Business Services, now connects more than 160,000 vehicles, machines and equipment, with a strong international presence, especially in Africa via local distributors. In response to the requirements of the General Data Protection Regulation (RGPD), Ocean has developed a privacy calendar, an innovative feature that deactivates the transmission of data outside of working hours, thus guaranteeing respect for the privacy of drivers.
Ocean solutions are also enriched with modules dedicated to the management of tolls, fuel cards, and fines thanks to a direct connection with the National Agency for Automated Offence Processing (ANTAI). Among the new features is also theDriver ID and an offer without geolocation that meets the specific expectations of customers.
To ensure robustness, reliability and speed, Ocean has migrated its servers to Orange Cloud for Business, with secure accommodation on French soil. In 2021, the brand plans to launch a new generation of boxes, integrating innovations around carsharing, fleet electrification, eco-driving and optimizing total cost of ownership (TCO). The enrichment of data from manufacturers of light vehicles, machines and heavy vehicles will also strengthen the precision of the tools offered.
2. Sud TéléMatique: embedded video at the service of security
Sud TéléMatique focuses on security thanks to its solution Road Link Video Connect, which allows the instant capture of video sequences or geotagged and time-stamped images, which can be viewed at any time via a web account or a Mobile app. This digital evidence is valuable in the event of disputes or incidents.
The solution offers alerts in real time to report aggressions, suspicious behavior or accidents, via pop-up windows visible by the operator. Among the specific modules, some are designed for commercial, commercial and heavy vehicles, with a clear objective: to prevent drowsiness and to reduce risky behaviors such as using the telephone while driving.
This system is based on several cameras, including a double vision (road and driver) and another dedicated to the study of blind spots, doors or the rear of the vehicle, with the integration of an accelerometer. In addition, the analysis of CANBUS data makes it possible to monitor fuel consumption, engine speed, real mileage, door openings or even passenger counting.
3. Geotab: world leader in open telematics platforms
Founded in 2000, Geotab is now a major player, connecting more than 2 million professional vehicles on a secure and open platform. This solution allows businesses to easily integrate vehicle data into their IT systems, making it easier to make decisions and optimize fleets.
With over 40,000 customers worldwide and 40 billion data points processed daily, Geotab has shown average annual growth of 40% over the past five years. In 2020, the company signed numerous partnerships with car manufacturers such as Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo Trucks or Mack Trucks, in order to extract and offer data directly from vehicles on its platform.
A flagship innovation launched in 2020 is the solution Geotab Keyless, which integrates a digital key into the fleet management. Designed for carsharing in the public and private sectors, this technology allows the unlocking of vehicles without a physical key, the scheduling of reservations, and the authorization of remote access, thus optimizing resource management.
4. Webfleet Solutions (Bridgestone): comprehensive solutions and advanced connectivity
Operating under the name Webfleet Solutions since its takeover by Bridgestone in 2019, this specialist now claims 850,000 connected vehicles. Telematics allows Bridgestone to access additional data and to develop sophisticated algorithms to provide added value to its customers, while participating in the transformation of the distribution network towards comprehensive mobility solutions.
Recent case renewals Link 740 and Link 240 (equipped with an internal battery to ensure traceability even when disconnected) offer better coverage thanks to a GNSS antenna compatible with the Russian Glonass system. The platform is enriched quarterly with new functionalities, including the management of data specific to electric vehicles, such as the state of charge and the remaining autonomy.
Webfleet Solutions has also improved its Pro8 line of tablet computers and is preparing to launch a tire pressure monitoring system for heavy-duty vehicles.
In addition, a partnership with Lytx now makes it possible to offer a video solution integrated into the Webfleet platform, giving complete visibility on driver behavior. This system helps companies prevent accidents, strengthen the safety of their employees, optimize fleets and limit the use of insurance.
Present in 50 countries and serving 55,000 customers, Webfleet Solutions is also developing its program. OEM.connect, which facilitates the direct connection of vehicles to the management solution without installing additional boxes, via the vehicle identification number. BMW, Mini CarData and Mercedes-Benz are among the first manufacturers to join this program.
Conclusion
In 2021, embedded telematics is becoming an essential lever for the efficient management of car fleets, combining technological innovations, compliance with regulations and adaptation to new business requirements. Whether through embedded video, digital keys, big data or the integration of manufacturer information, leading service providers are committed to offering complete, secure solutions adapted to the current challenges of mobility, security and economic optimization.
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