{"id":2836,"date":"2020-08-07T14:10:00","date_gmt":"2020-08-07T14:10:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tyt.webpagefxstage.com\/?p=2836"},"modified":"2022-03-29T12:10:14","modified_gmt":"2022-03-29T12:10:14","slug":"gps-vs-telematics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.trackyourtruck.com\/blog\/gps-vs-telematics\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is the Difference Between GPS and Telematics?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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If you\u2019re familiar with modern technology, you may already be familiar with GPS and its usefulness for vehicles and mobile devices. Meanwhile, a less well-known term that\u2019s starting to pick up traction in fleet companies is \u201ctelematics.\u201d While telematics relates to GPS technology, the two terms can be challenging to differentiate if you\u2019re unfamiliar with their processes and unique characteristics. Let\u2019s take a look at GPS vs. telematics to find out how they compare and what their roles are in fleet industries.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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GPS and Telematics: How They Relate<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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As you may already know, GPS is the use of satellite technology<\/a> to track location and other pieces of data relevant to a vehicle or device. It can come in handy for drivers if they need help finding a destination while making a delivery or responding to a service request.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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On the other hand, telematics is a type of solution that uses GPS and telecommunications technology to gather and report on a comprehensive set of data. Telematics systems often come with tracking devices that collect data on location, speed, acceleration, braking, idling and more. Then, it sends that data back to the user. Using telematics will allow you to monitor the status of a company vehicle from anywhere. Whether you\u2019re in charge of two vehicles or 50, a reliable telematics solution can provide live, accurate information within seconds.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Telematics software will also provide readings on the vehicle itself, helping you speed up diagnostics and manage maintenance strategies more effectively, and keeping track of fuel usage and odometer readings that could warn you when repairs are needed.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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What Does Navigation From Telematics Mean?<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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At a telematics system’s core is a tracking device with a built-in GPS receiver that compiles data about a vehicle’s location and status in real time. Telematics software takes the GPS data and transmits it through a cellular network to the main servers. At that point, the servers process and convert the data to usable information visible to fleet managers.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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This data provides accurate accounts of your vehicle’s location at any given point in time. It can identify driver behaviors that lead to operating inefficiencies and increased costs, like sudden stops, speeding and quick acceleration. Secondary data like fuel consumption, engine diagnostics and odometer readings can improve your fleet’s operation even more. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Fleet managers can access this data from smartphones, computers or other internet-enabled devices. They can also export this information into a document or spreadsheet to create company presentations. You can then evaluate this data to track patterns, establish trends and develop a plan of action. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Unlike a GPS that provides information on a single driver in one vehicle, a telematics system gathers and stores data on all your fleet’s vehicles. This feature allows managers to see the big picture of an entire operation rather than just one driver. Still, it’s essential to understand that GPS and telematics work together and do not compete with each other.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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If you implement a telematics system that’s Smart Tracking enabled<\/a>, you can receive specific notifications whenever your drivers meet certain parameters. These features prevent you from becoming overwhelmed with information that might be irrelevant to your fleet. Systems like these allow you to customize settings to show results that matter most to you, like when your vehicle reaches a standstill or if there’s a problem in the engine.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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How GPS and Telematics Solutions Enhance Businesses<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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A telematics system combined with GPS enables you to manage your vehicle fleet with an eye on increasing profitability. Together, GPS and telematics can:<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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