Despite the huge strides being made in the telematics sector, far too few fleets are recognising the benefits, argues ALLAN RASMUSSEN, database operations manager at Tele Atlas UK

Digital map databases that power navigation devices are most often associated with passenger vehicles and consumer applications, but in fact, map database makers are equally busy developing and refining offerings for commercial vehicle applications.

The initial launch of products for commercial vehicles occurred around two years ago – a virtual lifetime in the fast paced technology world.

Since then considerable advances in the robustness of map databases for commercial vehicles have occurred – with improvements to geographic coverage and strong enhancements to the range of attributes maintained.

However, take-up of commercial applications running digital map databases by fleet managers remains relatively moderate in comparison to the unprecedented growth experienced in consumer markets.

Take-up on this level is a little surprising given that map databases supporting navigation with truck-specific data can help generate compelling, quantifiable, benefits for carriers.

For example:

* Leveraging the right GPS-based systems, fleet managers can achieve significant savings on transport costs by managing the routing and monitoring of drivers and vehicles

* Vehicle-appropriate routes help drivers avoid dangerous driving situations and potential damage to vehicles and road infrastructure

* With current price of fuel, the number of miles driven per year and MPG, even slight reductions in out-of-route miles can yield significant fuel savings and driver productivity improvements

* Qualitative benefits to consider include enhanced customer satisfaction with more accurate estimated times of arrival (ETAs) and the ability to attract and retain qualified drivers with better tools.

In today’s highly competitive transportation environment, tools delivering such comprehensive benefits should be considered as part of an overall fleet management system.

With the expansive truck-specific content and continued enhancements available through well-established map databases, applications utilising this data can provide a compelling, continuous return-on-investment to fleet and haulage-based businesses.

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Email trevor.gelken@emap.com