Choosing a Telematics System
The combination of telecommunications and informatics, telematics systems often come in the form of a global positioning system (GPS) integrated with computers and mobile communications technology. For any company that operates a fleet of vehicles or for whatever reason needs to keep track of its own cars, choosing a telematics system is therefore an important business decision. However, there is more to telematics than vehicle tracking - the technology has the potential to be the force behind self-driving cars in the future.
Choosing a telematics system will also give drivers the freedom to browse the internet, send and receive emails and receive live, accurate traffic information hands-free, cutting down on journey times. Internet browsing and email can be carried out safely if the telematics system includes a voice-activated function that allows the driver to interact with the vehicle through verbal instructions.
Additionally, choosing a telematics system gives greater safety in emergency situations, as a GPS unit can tell operators where to send the police and ambulance if required within seconds. In a similar way, they can also be used to track and retrieve stolen vehicles or act as an warning system if there is a safety problem with the vehicle.
Before choosing a telematics system, it is important to first assess which features and functions will be needed. Many of these will be familiar to people who have used GPS devices before, such as text-to-speech capabilities, back-up cameras, radar-based cruise control and integration with other vehicle systems, such as radio.
