Hello and welcome to another true story from the telematics industry. Today, our topic is data. Not just any data, but data accuracy.

Have you ever installed a device, received some data, but felt like the reality was different? Let me share a situation I experienced with a big company, which led me to the conclusion in the title. I won’t use real names to avoid creating any panic.

I was in charge of sales and had just finished office discussions, moving to the next phase—the most crucial one when choosing a telematics solution: field test and POC (Proof of Concept). This is a real-life situation, not marketing and sales speech. I always recommend a field test before making a big decision—it’s the only way to see how your future partner supports you when needed.

I delivered the units to the telematics service provider (let’s call it TSP), and their engineers started the installation process. My colleagues offered support for installation and configuration; nothing seemed unusual so far. Then the first test results came in and were compared with the current solution the TSP was using. Given their history with that supplier and its devices (let’s call them “Simple” devices), these were taken as a reference.

Surprise! The test results were different. Not just “not as expected,” but different (as sometimes the expectations might be wrong). What would you do next if you were in my position? What would you say to the TSP when they tell you the data are not correct? Before going further, take a moment and think of a solution. Ready? Let me tell you what I did.

The only solution I found was to put the two devices in the same vehicle and compare the results—not just between them, but with the reality, the vehicle’s dashboard. This was a huge surprise. The “Simple” device, the one used for many years, was either missing some data or providing fake data in other cases.

Now, imagine a fleet management system with data and parameters that do not reflect the reality in the field. Imagine a report made with incorrect data. Imagine the adjustments the fleet owner was making based on those reports. Were there any savings using a solution with inaccurate data? Hard to say!

It was quite a challenge for the TSP to realize and admit that the data they were using so far were not accurate but just random numbers. Was it hard for me to convince them to switch to my solution? Well, I proposed installation in a new vehicle with a proprietary protocol. This was conclusive and enlightening. Indeed, it’s hard to swallow such a result. But better late than never.

When it comes to telematics, the accuracy of your data is paramount. Inaccurate data can lead to misguided decisions, inefficiencies, and potential safety hazards. It’s essential to choose a telematics solution that prioritizes data accuracy, ensuring that the information you receive is reliable and precise.

Why Data Accuracy Matters

1. Informed Decision-Making: Accurate data allows you to make informed decisions about your fleet management, from route optimization to maintenance scheduling. Misleading data can lead to costly mistakes and operational setbacks.
2. Operational Efficiency: Reliable data helps streamline operations, reducing fuel consumption, improving driver behavior, and minimizing vehicle downtime. Inaccurate data can negate these benefits, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
3. Safety and Compliance: Precise data is critical for maintaining safety standards and regulatory compliance. Inaccurate data can result in safety violations and legal issues, putting your business at risk.

In the world of telematics, data accuracy is not just a nice-to-have; it’s a necessity. Better no data than fake data, as inaccurate information can cause more harm than good. When choosing a telematics solution, prioritize data accuracy to ensure you make informed, effective decisions for your fleet.

Stay tuned for more insights and tips in our ongoing series on choosing the best telematics solution! If you need personalized assistance or advice on data accuracy or any other aspect of telematics, feel free to reach out.

#Telematics #DataAccuracy #FleetManagement #BusinessSuccess