Telematics is bringing about a revolutionary change in the auto-vehicle value chain and is enhancing driver experience while ensuring driver safety, be it fleet management or mobility management, telematics will play a significant role going forward.

Over the last couple of years, there has been much talk on how driver experience and safety can be enhanced. Many technology vendors have been experimenting and have come up with technologies to enhance driver safety and driving experience, and telematics is that umbrella of technologies and services that promises to change the way driving is perceived. As per Statista estimates, the global vehicle telematics market will almost double to $103 billion by 2022 from an estimated $55 billion in 2018 projecting a huge demand for telematics technology over the next five years.

What is Telematics?
Telematics is simply the method of transmitting, receiving, and processing of information through the use of telecommunications, vehicular technologies, and internet via sensors and devices.

The objective of telematics is to track vehicle data and other measurements like location to ultimately enhance its performance and life. As automakers get more competitive and try out various ways to differentiate their product offerings, telematics stands out as the technology that can bring about a comprehensive shift in the auto and transportation industries value chain. The commercial impact of integrating telematics system into vehicles can be tremendous given the fact that telematics covers a host of services that create an invaluable proposition for both OEMs and customers.

So how does telematics system integration enhance driver experience?
Enhanced vehicle performance: Telematics technology is connected directly to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) and has access to everything that goes in the vehicle during its static and movement phases. With the latest telematic technology, vehicle performance can be monitored and even corrected in real-time. Driving aspects such as accelerating, revving, fuel consumption, and idling time are monitored and thus enables drivers to track these parameters. Telematics can streamline vehicular performance and facilitate improved driving experiences.

Vehicle repair and safety: Since telematics pulls out information directly from the ECU it can provide real-time information on the vehicle running status. Drivers are alerted on the condition of various components and parts in the vehicle, and telematics combined with latest technologies can also suggest on the repairs. With more advancement, telematics will be able to predict potential repairs (with the help of predictive analytics) and even suggest nearby and credible repair shops.

By virtue of providing real-time status of the functioning of the vehicle, telematics ensures driver safety. It can also enhance driver safety by keeping drivers informed on the conditions of the road ahead and even alerts them on the speed limit. Advances in telematics can bring in options such as—automatic dialer during accidents, one-push button for help during breakdowns, recording of all events during any mishap – all of which can help provide immediate assistance and ensure driver safety.

Cost savings:
By leveraging real time vehicle data, drivers can take action to avoid adversities and reduce the possibility of any potential accidents. Another characteristic feature of telematics is that it helps drivers monitor fuel consumption, mileage, and driver behavior. This invariably allows drivers to modify their driving style and monitor fuel consumption costs and unnecessary wear and tear.

Enhanced Driving:
Under the current traffic conditions, driving has become more pain than pleasure. Telematics is bound to change that perception by ensuring drivers have relevant real time driving information. From traffic conditions, anticipating jams, finding alternative routes, finding repair shops or food places—telematics ensures better comfort at the wheel for drivers.

Feature-rich telematics takes driving experience a level up by capturing driver preferences and needs via social media pages, smartphones and wearables. This provides a host of options for drivers to select be it music, routes, locations, road conditions, altitude or weather.

For the driver, telematics system is just a visible dashboard that provides on-demand information, alerts and messages with the objective of ensuring enhanced driving experiences. But beyond this sleek looking digital dashboard lies a whole lot of advanced vehicle control systems, components,, programming and codes that deliver an enhanced driving experience. Auto makers in collaboration with technology vendors are even looking at advanced programs that are built around sub-routine programs to help connect with software programs to form a comprehensive integrated system.

What is interesting to note is that up until now telematics was largely restricted to detecting issues and monitoring vehicle and driver behavior, but going forward this will change. Telematics is moving up the automotive value chain and will soon revolutionize not just driver experience but also the entire auto value chain from manufacturing to delivery, service like car sharing, usage-based insurance and most importantly, driver safety. Combined with emerging technologies such as IoT, Machine Learning and Analytics, Telematics will redefine the vehicle, the driver and the experience.

Author: Debashis Panigrahi, Specialist (Telematics and V2X), Automotive Portfolio