Telematics Firm Helps Fleets Move From Reactive to Proactive
I spent some formative years in public relations where I learned what’s called crisis communications. Although the old joke about it was “Deny or express concern, then distance yourself from the problem,” that isn’t the proper response. (Coach Vrabel, we're looking at you.)
The proper response is striking first – using and putting real information out – not unlike a fleet using the data it has to stop problems before they become downtime or safety issues.
Consider fleet maintenance software to enhance telematics
In our ongoing look at some of the telematics firms you may not have heard of, Solera is another total solutions provider, meshing hardware and software for a total solution.
“Most fleets today are not struggling with a lack of data; they are struggling with a lack of visibility and action,” said Elana Quast, senior product manager, Solera Fleet Solutions. “The fleets that are winning today have moved from reactive management to proactive operations – and telematics is the foundation that makes that possible.”
Telematics for off-highway fleets
"For construction and off highway environments, our approach is simple: full visibility across powered and non-powered equipment—no matter where it operates," Quast said.
Solera's hardware includes its FL Flex2 powered asset tracker that is designed specifically for heavy equipment. It tracks location, engine hours, and utilization.
It can also provide geofence alerts to protect equipment in the yard, unauthorized movement alerts, and theft recovery support in the event equipment is stolen.
Danish telematics with your morning coffee?
Flex Battery is a non-powered asset tracker Solera markets for generators, containers, job boxes, dumpsters, and tools. "It features industry-leading multiyear battery life spans up to five years depending on the configuration," Quast said.
For theft prevention, managers can use it for movement detection and tamper alerts. The Flex Battery's location data is maintained in the platform to eliminate what Quast calls "yard hunts" – those production-killing excursions across job sites to find assets.
Where's it all go?
The data goes into the company's services platform. The unified FleetLocate platform monitors:
- Equipment location across job sites
- Utilization and engine hours for maintenance and billing
- Inventory accuracy and allocation.
There are also alerts and reporting for:
- After-hours movement
- Equipment inactivity
- Site entry/exit tracking.
Telematics for on-highway fleets
"For on-highway fleets, we deliver end-to-end fleet intelligence and safety," Quast said.
The FL360 tracker is a universal tracker for all vehicles from light-duty to heavy-duty (Class 1-8), including pickup trucks, dump trucks, equipment haulers, and more.
In addition to real-time GPS tracking, movement history, and geofencing, there is advanced-level vehicle data such as:
- Engine diagnostics and fault codes
- Fuel usage and idle monitoring
- Vehicle maintenance notifications
- Driver performance.
As you might guess, there's also a driver safety aspect in the cab. The CamCoach AI dashcam is a dual-facing camera with real-time alerts for risky business and video evidence for incidents.
Integrated coaching workflows are also available to improve driver performance and reduce claims.
"Most fleets deploy FL360 and CoachCam together," Quast said. "[This gives them] operational visibility and safety in one platform, driver scorecards, alerts, and reporting – and compliance like ELD and DVIR is available where needed."
Solera has impressive connected asset stats: