The Internet of Things, cyber-physical systems, as well as cloud and software technologies, have made completely new opportunities in our lives, from self-driving vehicles to smart buildings and factories. At the same time, this created a need for systematization and software for their control, which helps to optimize all kinds of processes.
Today, the term “telematics” is widely spread in the business environment, and it has already become a unique solution for the remote management of IT processes.
Euristiq, which created an excellent telematics fleet management and driver behavior monitoring solution, helped us understand this topic better and provided a detailed answer to the question: how does telematics work?
What is Telematics?
Telematics, in the broadest sense of the word, combines telecommunications systems and computer science. It can be said that this term is used to describe the complex use of telecommunications and information technologies to transmit, store and receive information from telecommunications devices to remote objects over a network.
Types of Telematics Systems
Often, telematics is indicated as applicable only to the automotive industry, without dividing the scope of its application. However, it is not limited to use in that one industry. There are the following types of telematics systems:
- transport telematics
This is a set of possible technical solutions (software, hardware, technological, scientific, etc.) in the field of information technology, which make it possible to achieve optimal indicators of transport work and the production process in terms of logistics and supply chain management.
Transport telematics includes intelligent transport systems that enable the exchange of information between a vehicle and transport infrastructure (positioning and navigation systems and a traffic control system).
- security telematics
This includes the creation and implementation of systems that combine the security and safety of industrial and information facilities based on a single software and hardware complex with a common information environment and a single database.
- building automation
This is an integrated automated complex for the control and management of building systems. In turn, it offers a wide range of services:
– systematization of access control and management;
– design, implementation and maintenance of security systems;
– management of video surveillance and security & fire alarm systems;
– integration into a single system.
The integration of control systems may include the following functions: elevator control, home theater, lighting control, personal security, climate control, water and wastewater treatment, parking management, fire safety, control of electric motors and pumps, terrestrial and satellite television, background sound system, local area network (or LAN), telephony, and others.
- telematics for distance education
This includes services, resources, tools and technologies for electronic learning (e-learning) and mobile learning (m-learning), as well as applied Internet technologies.
- telematics of services
Here, the key role is played by telematics services, manufacturing, commerce, logistics, government and agriculture.
- telemedicine (or telehealth)
This is an activity that includes services and systems associated with the provision of medical care at a distance through information and communication technologies. Such actions are also aimed at carrying out epidemiological surveillance and promoting the development of global health.
Moreover, telemedicine is an excellent aid for teaching, managing and conducting scientific research in the field of medicine.
Nano-telematics (control of ultra-small objects) can also be included in the same list of types of telematics.
How does telematics work?
Consider the example of the application of this technology in cars. The transport telematics system is a complex set, which includes:
- satellite navigation chip, GPS (Global Positioning System)
It can easily locate a vehicle where the equipment is installed.
- a gyro (gyroscope)
It measures the angular rates of the vehicle.
- accelerometer sensors
These are acceleration sensors in various directions that measure a number of characteristics (turns, acceleration, rebuilding of the lanes, etc.).
- batteries or accumulator
They provide the device with power for its continuous operation.
- mobile communication module with a SIM card
It is necessary for the transmission of statistics.
And transport telematics works in the following way:
- Tracking devices are installed right in the car.
- The transmitter sends the received data to the server.
- The processed information is displayed to selected users (for example, managers, administrators, car-sharing operators, logisticians, and others).
In accordance with these telematics data, it is possible to analyze specific moments and identify patterns in order to further use this information to improve vehicle safety, cost reduction, business development and, accordingly, increase the company’s income.
