Let me start with a short story shared by a client I have a great relationship with. Imagine having a telematics solution that was promised to do many things, but reality hit hard. So, what’s the usual solution? Fix it or change it, right?

If you choose to fix it, you’ll likely turn back to the person or company that sold it to you and ask for repairs. But in most cases, they’re unable to deliver because if they could, the solution would’ve been complete from the start. So, you decide to change it. But what do you call the previous solution that didn’t deliver as promised? The answer is: EXPERIENCE.

When choosing the best telematics solution, after setting up the objectives, it’s crucial to conduct an assessment to determine how that solution will address your problem or fulfill your requests.

Now, we’re not talking about the price here. Let’s not fall into the same trap as the character in the story I shared earlier. A cheap telematics solution may do exactly what the description says – but that’s about it. And what does “cheap” mean in telematics? It can be easily translated to missing or fake data, lack of support, errors, and no scalability. I’ve just touched on some of the critical aspects of this assessment. Let’s “delve “gossip” a bit about each of them..

1. Data Accuracy and Reliability: A reliable telematics solution should provide accurate and real-time data to support informed decision-making. Missing or inaccurate data can lead to flawed analysis and poor business outcomes. I also have some stories and examples here, but it is not the right time. What is for sure is that if the data are not accurate, then the reports are not good, so the fleet owner will lose money instead of saving them.

2. Customer Support: A responsive and knowledgeable customer support team is essential for resolving issues quickly and ensuring smooth operation of the telematics system. Lack of support can result in downtime and frustration for users. The idea with 24/7 support is a nice one, which is why I salute the launching of CANbus Academy.

3. Scalability: As your business grows, your telematics solution should be able to scale with it. This means accommodating an increasing number of vehicles, users, and features and functionalities without compromising performance or reliability. Imagine choosing a cheap solution doing one thing, and when you need an update, everything is locked, and you need to buy a new device. New unit=new installation costs + new integration + new warranty issues.

4. Integration Capabilities: The telematics solution should seamlessly integrate with your existing systems and processes, such as fleet management software, CRM systems, or ERP systems. This integration ensures data consistency and avoids duplication of effort. Also, make sure you get all the details you need, and the onboarding process will be a smooth one. Do not necessarily take it on your side as it might take longer. And time is money!

5. Customization Options: Every business is unique, and a one-size-fits-all solution may not meet your specific requirements. Look for a telematics solution that offers customization options to tailor the system to your business needs. Look for a telematics solution that offers you the flexibility you tell your client you are offering too.

Conclusion: Assessing compatibility is a critical step in selecting the right telematics solution for your business. By considering factors such as data accuracy, customer support, scalability, integration capabilities, and customization options, you can ensure a seamless integration with your needs and avoid the pitfalls of choosing a subpar solution based solely on price. In order to make sure all these boxes are checked, you need to find the right person to discuss the solution that you need and to guide for the perfect choice. Consulting activity is the key for a successful collaboration and partnership.

Stay tuned for more insights! And if you have a project that you need some tips and trick, some advice in the market or some help in choosing the perfect solution, do not hesitate to contact me!