Fleet Telematics Glossary
Key Terms for Vehicle Tracking and Fleet Management
Understanding the terminology used in fleet telematics and vehicle tracking systems helps you make informed decisions about your fleet management solutions. This comprehensive glossary explains the key terms and technologies used in modern car tracking systems.
A
Accelerometer
A precision device built into our car tracking systems that measures vehicle movement forces. Our tracking devices for vehicles use accelerometers to monitor driving behaviour, identify harsh braking, and improve fleet safety through real-time feedback.
Active GPS Tracking Device
A powerful component of our GPS tracking system for cars that continuously transmits real-time location data. Unlike passive trackers, active devices provide immediate vehicle tracking information, enabling instant geofencing alerts and live fleet monitoring through both web and mobile apps.
API (Application Programming Interface)
A secure communication protocol that allows our fleet management solution to integrate with your existing business systems. APIs enable seamless data exchange between your car tracking system and other software, helping incorporate vehicle tracking data with your workforce management, accounting, or logistics systems.
Anti-Theft Systems
Security features in our tracking systems for cars designed to prevent vehicle theft or recover stolen vehicles. These include immobilisation capabilities, hidden tracking devices for cars, and alert systems that notify fleet managers of unauthorised movement.
Asset Tracking
The comprehensive monitoring of location, status, and movement of company vehicles using GPS technology. Our asset tracking solutions provide complete visibility of your fleet, with real-time tracking and historical journey data to protect valuable assets and optimise their usage.
B
Bluetooth Tracker
A secondary tracking device that uses Bluetooth technology to transmit location data. In our advanced car tracking systems, Bluetooth trackers serve as backup devices that activate if the primary GPS tracker is disabled or removed.
C
CAN Bus (Controller Area Network Bus)
A sophisticated vehicle communication system that allows our tracking devices for vehicles to access detailed engine performance data. Through CAN bus integration, fleet managers receive precise information on fuel consumption, engine diagnostics, and driving efficiency without any manual input.
Connected Vehicle
A vehicle equipped with telematics technology that shares data with external systems. Our connected vehicle solutions deliver real-time insights on vehicle location, performance, and driver behaviour, helping fleet operators make data-driven decisions to reduce costs and improve safety.
D
Driver Behaviour Monitoring
Features within our fleet management system that track and analyse how vehicles are being driven, including metrics such as speed, harsh braking, rapid acceleration, and cornering. This data helps improve safety and reduce fuel consumption.
Driver Scorecard
A practical performance measurement tool that evaluates driver behaviour based on key metrics. Our scorecards help fleet managers identify training opportunities, recognise top performers, and significantly reduce accident rates through improved driving standards.
Dual-Tracker System
An advanced security feature in our premium car tracking systems that incorporates two separate tracking technologies. If thieves disable the primary tracker, the secondary system continues transmitting location data, significantly improving recovery chances.
DVIR (Driver Vehicle Inspection Report)
A systematic record that documents the condition of vehicles before and after trips. Our digital DVIR tools replace paper-based systems, ensuring all safety checks are completed properly and maintenance issues are flagged immediately.
E
ECU (Electronic Control Unit)
The vehicle's onboard computer that controls electrical systems and engine management. Our tracking devices communicate with the ECU to gather valuable data on vehicle health, performance, and fuel usage, providing early warning of potential mechanical issues.
F
Fleet Management
The comprehensive administration of a company's vehicle fleet. Our fleet management includes vehicle tracking, maintenance scheduling, driver management, route planning, and fuel management to optimise operational efficiency and reduce costs.
Fleet Optimisation
The process of improving fleet operations through data analysis and strategic planning. This may include route optimisation, driver scheduling, maintenance planning, and fuel management to reduce costs and improve service delivery.
Fleet Telematics
The integrated use of telecommunications and informatics for vehicle tracking, fleet management, and mobile asset management. Our telematics systems combine GPS technology, on-board diagnostics, and communication tools to monitor vehicle and driver performance.
G
Geofencing
A powerful feature in our car tracking system that creates virtual geographic boundaries, enabling software to trigger responses when a mobile device enters or leaves a particular area. In fleet management, geofencing can alert managers when vehicles enter or exit designated areas.
GPS Tracking System for Car
A comprehensive vehicle monitoring solution that provides real-time location data, journey history, and driving insights. Our GPS tracking systems offer complete protection through dual-tracker technology, with both hardwired and hidden backup devices ensuring continuous tracking even if the primary system is compromised.
I
Idle Time
The period when a vehicle's engine is running but the vehicle isn't moving. Our tracking systems automatically detect and report excessive idling, helping fleet managers identify wasteful fuel consumption patterns and encourage more efficient driving practices.
Immobilisation
A security feature in our car tracking system that allows fleet managers to remotely disable a vehicle's engine, preventing theft or unauthorised use. Immobilisation can be triggered manually or automatically in response to specific events or alerts.
In-cab Coaching Device
Dashboard-mounted hardware that delivers real-time feedback to drivers about their driving style. Our in-cab coaching solutions provide immediate alerts for harsh braking, rapid acceleration, or excessive speeding, helping drivers develop safer habits.
O
OBD (On-Board Diagnostics)
The vehicle's self-diagnostic system that monitors performance and provides standardised diagnostic trouble codes. Our OBD-connected tracking devices for vehicles tap into this information to deliver comprehensive insights about vehicle health and efficiency.
OBD-II Device
A plug-and-play tracking device that connects to the standard OBD-II port found in most vehicles manufactured after 1996. Our OBD-II trackers install in seconds without special tools, providing immediate access to vehicle tracking and driver behaviour reporting.
P
Predictive Maintenance
A proactive approach to fleet management that uses real-time vehicle data to forecast when components might fail. Our predictive maintenance tools analyse patterns from engine diagnostics, mileage, and driving conditions to help prevent breakdowns and reduce costs.
R
Real-Time Tracking
The ability to monitor vehicle locations as they update, typically with minute-by-minute or second-by-second location data. Real-time tracking is essential for efficient dispatch, customer service, and theft recovery in our car tracking systems.
Route Optimisation
The process of determining the most efficient route for a vehicle to take between multiple stops. Our advanced route optimisation considers factors such as traffic conditions, delivery time windows, vehicle capacity, and driver hours.
T
Tachograph
A device placed in large commercial vehicles to automatically record speed, distance and driving time. Our fleet management systems integrate with tachograph data to ensure compliance with driving hours regulations and improve fleet efficiency.
Tachograph Manager
A complete digital solution that allows remote and manual data downloads from vehicle tachographs. Our system enables analysis of driver performance data, from driving time to rest periods, with secure archiving for easy retrieval.
Telematics
The branch of information technology that deals with the long-distance transmission of computerised information. In vehicle management, our telematics solutions combine telecommunications and informatics to improve fleet operations and security.
Telematics Box (Black Box)
The physical tracking device installed in vehicles to monitor and record driving data. Our dual-tracker system includes both primary and hidden backup devices, offering unmatched fleet security with a 91% recovery rate for stolen vehicles.
Telematics Control Unit (TCU)
An advanced onboard system that enables two-way communication between vehicles and fleet management platforms. Our TCU solutions facilitate remote monitoring, software updates, and emergency assistance, ensuring your fleet remains connected and secure.
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
A comprehensive financial analysis on the complete lifecycle of fleet vehicles. Our car tracking systems help reduce TCO through improved fuel efficiency, reduced maintenance costs, and extended vehicle lifespan.
Tracking Devices for Vehicles
Hardware installed in vehicles to monitor location, movement, and sometimes vehicle diagnostics. Our modern tracking devices for vehicles include GPS receivers, cellular modems, accelerometers, and connections to the vehicle's diagnostic systems.
V
Vehicle Recovery Services
Professional services that work to locate and retrieve stolen vehicles. Our services typically work in conjunction with car tracking systems and law enforcement to achieve our 91% recovery rate and reduce the time taken to recover stolen assets.
Vehicle Tracking
The process of monitoring the position, movement, and other events of a vehicle in real time. Our vehicle tracking systems provide fleet managers with comprehensive visibility of their entire fleet through intuitive web and mobile platforms.
Vehicle Tracking App
A mobile application that complements our vehicle tracking devices and allows real-time tracking from anywhere. Our apps provide complete fleet visibility with user-friendly interfaces for both managers and drivers.
Vehicle Tracking Device
A GPS-equipped device installed in a vehicle that enables real-time tracking and monitoring. Our tracking devices for vehicles come in various forms, from hardwired solutions to discreet hidden units for enhanced security.
Vehicle Tracking System
A comprehensive solution that combines tracking devices, software, and communications technology to monitor and manage vehicles. Our tracking systems for cars provide the visibility, security, and efficiency tools you need to manage your fleet effectively.
W
White-Label Platform
A fully developed service or product that's purchased by a business and rebranded to make it appear as if they created and own it. Our white-label platforms allow businesses to offer tracking services under their own brand.
Workforce Management
A set of processes and features that help organisations improve the productivity of employees on the road. Our fleet telematics systems improve communication between drivers and the office, enhancing overall operational efficiency.