Tag: fleet management

Enterprise Ready Software for Logistics Management

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Transportation and logistics are two industries that are though very competitive, but contributes a lot to India’s economy. Being a process heavy industry, keeping track of logistics operations and the flow of work is a very tedious job, thus there is need of enterprise grade software for logistics management. In general, such solutions are known as ERP which stands for “Enterprise Resource Planning.” It is a well-known tool for logistics management that helps in convenient flow of supply and demand. Certainly, the system is able to run different processes smoothly and deal with new, chaotic situations with ease.

 

As software, it can be used to run different business tasks through a single system. Enterprise software are very important because they bring together all the major attributes of a business on single platform. In the same way, it’s a robust solution that helps businesses manage manufacturing, supply chain modules, asset management, maintenance costs, and a lot more.

 

Therefore, Enterprise software for logistics management is a must for the growth and profitability of your business. Your company will be able to manage its assets much more efficiently, resulting in additional cost savings while guaranteeing worker safety and compliance with government regulations. In this article, we discuss in detail the safety, compliance, day-to-day operations, and other benefits that enterprise logistics management may have for your organisation, so that you can choose the enterprise software that works best for your organization.

 

If you own commercial fleets, following questions must have strike your mind:

  • How can I save money on transportation?
  • What is the best maintenance program for my commercial vehicles?
  • Why the overall logistics operations costing me more?

 

You will get the accurate answers to all these questions from leading logistics management software provider Axestrack Software Solutions Pvt. Ltd. who developed SWIFT: India’s First & Most Trusted Unified Digital Logistics Platform.

 

Contact us to integrate Digital Supply Chain Solutions for Seamless Logistics

 

LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT & SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT: THE CONNECTION

 

Logistics management comprises a subset of supply chain management and its all about managing the storage, distribution, and delivery of products, services, and associated data from starting point to end point. This is done in order to satisfy the needs of the end customer.

 

In business, logistics management is applicable across all industries. Its purpose is to oversee the accomplishment of project’s entire life cycle, supply chain, and ensuing efficiency. As organisations become increasingly complicated and expand into worldwide markets, business logisticians have transformed into supply chain logisticians.

 

Logistics management in industry focuses on two aspects: inbound logistics for internal activities and outbound logistics for the external flow from the origin point to the consumption point. The focus of logisticians is inventory management, purchasing, transportation, warehousing, consultancy, and the organisation and mapping of these activities.

 

 

WHICH INDUSTRIES NEED ENTERPRISE SOFTWARE FOR LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT?

 

Logistics management is essential for every company that uses vehicles for any of its operations. While companies in any industry can benefit from improved logistics management, those in sectors like supply chain stand to gain significantly more than their IT service counterparts. One thing that can’t be argued is that a logistics management solution will provide a positive return on investment for any company that operates a fleet of vehicles.

 

Therefore, the following industries and sectors need enterprise software for logistics management the most:

  • Transportation & Logistics
  • Construction and Mining
  • Heavy Equipment’s
  • Pharmaceutical
  • Healthcare
  • Education
  • Security
  • Ecommerce
  • Online Aggregators: cab service, food delivery, package delivery, medicine delivery etc.

 

 

WHAT TYPE OF DATA CAN BE TRACKED BY AN ENTERPRISE LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE?

 

Your commercial fleet, along with heavy equipment’s and smaller assets, all can be monitored with the help of enterprise logistics management software. It can also monitor the whereabouts of assets, the hours of operation of heavy machinery, and movement of the fleets. In doing so, organisation can get the most out of its resources while also streamlining its operations and eliminating waste from business processes. Driver behaviour such as speeding, aggressive manoeuvres, excessive idling, and other factors can be monitored with an enterprise logistics management system.

 

 

The Main Benefits of Enterprise Software for Logistics Management:

 

Here are five of the most important benefits of enterprise logistics management software, although they are many more benefits, click here for other benefits

  1. Vehicle Tracking: It means using GPS systems to keep track of every vehicle in the fleet.
  2. Route Optimization: It involves using data to plan the best route for each delivery or trip, so that less fuel is consumed and each delivery or trip takes minimum possible time.
  3. Fuel Management: It requires constant tracking and analysis of fuel use and the different variables that influence it. It is important because fuel is one of the biggest costs for fleet operators.
  4. Vehicle Maintenance: It means keeping an eye on and evaluating the overall health of a fleet vehicle’s all the time. While normal wear and tear is unavoidable, but overuse can cause extra costs that can be avoided by regular monitoring.
  5. Driver Behaviour Tracking: Telematics are used to keep track of how drivers act. A fleet’s safety record can be made much better with constant tracking, timely interventions, and incentive programmes.

 

 

HOW AXESTRACK’S ENTERPRISE GRADE LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE ASSIST IN BETTER DECISION MAKING:

 

Axestrack has been making logistics operations more seamless every day via bringing in more features to the Digital Logistics Platform which help in improved planning and decision making.

 

Enterprise Digital Thread: It seamlessly transports digital data across many stakeholders and organisational systems. Once a customer logs into the system, not need to exit to conduct any manual tasks. The platform enables the customer to “digitally” create, transform, and manage all logistical business information. Our enterprise grade software makes a digital connection between three key components of Supply Chain, Man, Machine and Material.

 

The digital connection is managed via four building blocks –

 

AI Control Tower: Using data science and massive data sets of roads, dhabas, fuel stations, police stations, emergency services, and historical data of truck movements/stoppages across India, the AI module can now anticipate and recommend if an unknown place is a “loading/unloading” point. Similarly, based on data science, it may also forecast and suggest probable “stoppage” locations and potential areas where market fleet trucks would load up.

 

In addition, a review mechanism enables control tower manager to seek guidance from the supervisor in order to finalise their decision-making. Governance and escalation systems have been implemented to monitor the fleet’s overall performance, bringing the fleet’s efficiency close to 99 percent. Such skills have assisted clients in addressing unanticipated events that can endanger the fleet and, in turn, the company’s reputation.

Click here to know more about AI-Powered Control Tower

 

 

LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT: TIPS & TRICKS FOR DEALING WITH DISRUPTIONS

 

Because of the epidemic, businesses have had to rely more heavily on logistics management to meet fluctuating client needs and keep the economy functioning. Supply chain disruptions can be caused by a variety of factors, including natural disasters, political unrest, and continuous innovation. The logistics industry is prone to disturbances, therefore it’s important to create certain best practises to improve scalability, guarantee on-time delivery, and reduce service interruptions. Thanks to ongoing digitalization efforts, the modern supply chain has access to new technologies and tools that promise to increase productivity and precision.

 

Here are a few suggestions for addressing disruptions in logistics management:

  • For agility & cost-efficiency, leverage crowdsourcing capabilities to get the most out of your employees and vehicles. This will save money, help meet demand spikes, and make the last-mile delivery process more efficient.
  • Adopt contactless delivery and payment solutions to protect the health and safety of your customers and employees. Adaptability to several payment methods, such as tap-and-go and digital wallets, can also increase customer happiness.
  • Maintain a backup plan to deal with unforeseen situations. Establish a “crisis team” to guarantee readiness for any logistical crisis.
  • Real-time and dynamic routing features can maximise delivery efficiency, emergency delivery, and various drop-off points along the same route.
  • Consider introducing cost-effective methods and value-added services for customers to maintain price control and avoid unwarranted price increases.
  • Create a “dark store” that can be used as a distribution centre to support a “click-and-collect” service, in which a customer receives his/her online orders, or as a platform for order fulfilment for online sales.
  • Continue to invest in emerging technologies, such as artificial and augmented intelligence, advanced analytics, automation, warehouse robotics, and many more, to enhance the scalability and competitiveness of businesses.

 

 

BUILD YOUR ENTERPRISE LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT WITH AXESTRACK

 

Traditionally, management was entirely defined by vehicles and infrastructure. The playing field has been changed by mobile devices, GPS systems, and continuous innovation in the present day. Therefore, if you want to keep a competitive advantage over your peers, you must invest in a modern logistics management system that is enterprise ready.

 

As a provider of telematics business solutions for more than a decade, we would be delighted to answer any questions you may have, contact us, or mail your queries at: marketing@axestrack.com.

 

 

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The Importance of Supply Chain Management For Your Business in 2023

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What is Supply Chain Management?

Supply chain management (SCM) is an integral part of business as it is responsible for managing and handling the entire production and the flow of goods and services. It encompasses optimal execution of activities beginning from the production processes to delivering the products to the right customers. The importance of supply chain management tends to maximize customer value and help the organizations to achieve operational excellence. 


All components of the supply chain serve diverse business functions and processes which are considered to be essential for logistics management. Also, it allow organizations to gain sustainable competitive advantage. 


The major components of supply chain management are planning, sourcing, manufacturing, delivering and return. Therefore, smooth-functioning of the supply chain provides end-to-end visibility of the operations.

 


The 5 Major Components of Supply Chain Management

Supply chain management ensures sustainability of the business as it leads to strategic decision making and better visibility of the operations. Therefore businesses must invest in an SCM to achieve greater agility that helps organisations thrive amid disruption. Here are the core elements and components of supply chain management: 


Planning

It is essential to optimize the manufacturing processes by planning every aspect of the supply chain processes. Monitoring the supply and demand is an important activity for the smooth functioning of operations.  


Sourcing

Choose the right vendor to procure the raw materials in another component of SCM. The quality and price of raw materials can majorly impact the business. Therefore, the supply chain process is useful for reducing the cost and delivering valuable services or goods to the end customer. 


Inventory Management 

Carefully managing the inventory is another crucial element of the supply chain otherwise can cause unwanted expenses. Inventory analysis helps businesses to perform all the activities strategically.


Production & Transportation

It is the process where raw materials are transformed into finished goods. A well-managed logistics and supply chain management ensures timely delivery of those goods and services to the end customer. It is advisable to choose the best mode of transportation as per your needs. 


Return of Goods

It is one of the most important components of supply chain management. The post delivery process such as returning of goods should be easy and convenient for the customers. Therefore, customer satisfaction is imperative for businesses. 

 


10 Importance Of Supply Chain Management That Helps Businesses to Grow

 

1. Higher Efficiency

Supply chain management uses various strategies to optimize the overall operations by improving the flow of products, materials, and information. It enhances the efficiency of businesses by accurately analyzing the demand and sales forecasting. Therefore, investing in SCM leads to the timely delivery of finished goods or services to the customers. The delivery that is strategically planned and executed also improves customer satisfaction. In addition, supply chain management enables seamless information flow which is beneficial for business growth.

 

2. Reduced Overall Operational Cost

Organizations are investing in effective supply chain management as it can minimize the expenditure by analyzing the real-time data to decrease the purchasing and production costs. The supply chain tends to monitor financial inflows and outflows which is a major advantage for the smooth running of businesses. Therefore, realizing the importance of supply chain management can allow the organization to keep a watchful eye on the operations to control costs and allocate resources. 

 

3. Risk Assessment and Mitigation 

Identifying and assessing the risk beforehand can allow companies to handle the disruptions efficiently. The supply chain tends to deploy predictive analysis which offers end-to-end visibility which detects the issue and mitigates the risk. Businesses can take corrective actions to enhance flexibility, accuracy, and efficiency across the processes like product development, demand, and supply planning, etc. Therefore, it optimizes the value-chain nodes which can create a positive impact on business. 


4. Enhance Customer Experience

Supply chain management is important to effectively manage and execute the tasks to help businesses enhance customer experience. It is focused on driving better customer services by responding to their needs in real-time and providing on-time delivery. Prioritizing the customer’s wants is foremost essential as it is useful in customer retention and even establishes the strong reputation of the company. Moreover, having an interconnected network of suppliers and distributors can allow the quick and accurate delivery of products and services to customers.

 

5. Improved Relationships

Fostering synergic and profitable relationships through effective communication is one of the major benefits of an effective SCM. In volatile market conditions, businesses should seamlessly share the information in real-time to build a growth-based environment with suppliers or vendors. Therefore, retaining productive relationships is valuable to control the cost and ensure the long-term sustainability of the business. 


6. Quality Control

Managing the supply chain efficiently can ensure strict quality control. It tends to monitor the most essential tasks such as timely delivery, the quality of the final product, conducting supplier quality assessments, checking compliance, and so on. Maintaining the quality of a company’s products and services is crucial for providing a delightful customer experience. SCM enables businesses to follow government standards and guidelines for ensuring that quality control problems can be detected and resolved. 


7. Reduced Delays

A smooth functioning of the supply chain can result in reduced logistical errors and make the distribution process more consistent. SCM provides you with real-time data to minimize delays of goods and services to the customers. Reduced delays are one of the most important benefits of supply chain management processes as businesses should remain agile and resilient. Also, effective coordination and collaboration can optimize the shipping processes.


8. Manage Supply & Demand

Getting deep insights into the overall supply chain ecosystem enables organizations to predict demands better and adequately. Crafting innovative strategies has now become necessary for businesses to respond to the changing market trends. In the contemporary world, an overview of everything across your supply chains enables businesses to be agile and highly responsive.

 

9. Embrace Technologies

New-age technological trends have the ability to enhance the functionality of supply chain management. Managing the overall operations using automation tools can be extremely beneficial to scaling your business. Undoubtedly, implementing the new-age technology can optimize the processes and provide your businesses with a competitive advantage. Technology plays a vital role to strengthen the overall functionality of supply chain management which allows businesses to scale. 


10. Business Agility

Supply chain management enables businesses to be more resilient and adaptive to opportunities. Nowadays, forward-thinking companies are focused on creating the logistics process efficient by growing with changing market trends and providing enhanced value to customers. Supply chain agility tends to meet actual and unexpected demand changes as it implements new-age technologies like Internet of Things, Big Data, Artificial Intelligence in Logistics and so on. Therefore, understanding the importance of supply chain management can enable stronger cash flow and shipping optimization enabled with the right technology.

 


Final Thoughts

In the contemporary world, businesses are highly dependent on a well-versed supply chain strategy. It deals with potential problems and allows organizations to make meaningful decisions. Therefore, optimal execution of all the events and real-time transparency in the supply chain ensures organizations’ growth. Businesses should understand the importance of supply chain management as it reduces production costs and increases responsiveness to customer needs.


Having an enhanced supply chain is important in the long run as it helps the organizations to prepare beforehand for any deviation. It eliminates the lack of synchronization in workflow by increasing transparency and strengthening the relationship between suppliers and buyers. Therefore, effective supply chain management can improve revenue and enable businesses to gain a competitive edge. 

Rahul Yadav – Promising Business Leaders of the Asia Award 2022 by ET Edge

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Mr. Rahul Yadav, director & founder of Axestrack has been felicitated as one of the Promising Business Leaders of the Asia Award 2022, organized by ET Edge – An Economic Times initiative. The virtual event was aimed at recognizing the industry leaders who have given a strategic direction to businesses & created a valuable impact by transforming the enterprise models.

 

At the conclave, the business leaders interacted with industry veterans in candid interactive sessions to gain a better understanding of how enterprises and leaders from diverse industries can collaborate to realize the dream of Asia becoming a truly global business destination.

 

Rahul Yadav is venturing beyond conventional business approaches and powering the supply chain industry with breakthrough technologies. With a digital vision to propel, he has leveraged design thinking methodology to efficiently manage and optimize the logistics operations. He has a value-based business approach and is focused on implementing pioneering ideas of Digital-First Strategies. Being a true pioneer, he is at the helm of several initiatives in technology and processes. The precision & passion of our thought leader has enabled Axestrack to envision and deploy future-fit supply chains. 

 

He has earned a coveted place among other promising business leaders of Asia viz. C. P. Gurnani (CEO – Tech Mahindra), Manu Kumar Jain (Global Vice President – Xiaomi), Anil Chaudhry (Zone President – Schneider Electric India), Anup Rau (MD & CEO – Future Generali India Insurance), Mohit Malhotra (CEO – Dabur India), Vishal Bhola (MD – Whirlpool), Prashant Doreswamy (President & CEO – Continental India), Sindhu Gangadharan (SVP & MD – SAP Labs India), Vijay Chandok (MD & CEO – ICICI Securities), Vivek Chopra (Sr. Director – DB Schenker), Sanjiv Navangul (MD & CEO – Bharat Serums & Vaccines), Lav Chaturvedi (Ex. Director & CEO – Reliance Securities), Nishchal Shetty (CEO – WazirX), Rohit Jain (MD – Lionsgate Asia), Sandeep Aggarwal (Founder & CEO – Droom), Surajit Roy (MD & CEO – IDBI Intech), Lynette Tan (CEO – Singapore Space & Technology), Amit Kalyani (Deputy MD – Bharat Forge).

 

The award acknowledges his zeal for creating India’s First Unified Digital Logistics Platform. Axestrack is paving the way for future innovation by offering a “Single Window of Digital Truth”. We are thrilled to receive such an esteemed award and will continue our efforts & hard work to keep the momentum going.

 

Click here to know more about the award and full list of eminent business leaders.

Axestrack: Bringing Intelligence to the Logistics Operations

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Our executive director, Mrs. Priya Chaudhary has been in conversation with IFSEC India to talk about the endearing journey of Axestrack into the logistics and supply chain domain. Being India’s first unified digital logistics platform, we have given rise to more connected and self-orchestrating logistics processes by infusing breakthrough technologies. Our groundbreaking services have led to an agile culture which has made tracking and operations management more efficient in terms of security.

 

Priya has been instrumental in leading strategic mergers and acquisitions with strong leadership qualities. She is a high-spirited pioneer, who is responsible for managing multi-functional responsibilities which range from undertaking administration responsibilities, managing marketing departments to maintaining strong client relationships. She has built a philosophy of growth by opening up to new ideas, possibilities, and perspectives in the organization. Therefore, providing Axestrack’s associates with the best possibilities and opportunities to assure their development.

 

Learn more about the Axestrack from the maker herself…!

 

Click Here to read the full article

What is Fleet Maintenance? Definition, Benefits & FAQs

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What is Fleet Maintenance?


Managing fleet operations is an essential part of businesses to maximize profits and avoid unexpected costs. Fleet maintenance management is the process of maintaining your organization’s vehicles to ensure that they work in good condition. Streamlining your vehicle maintenance helps them to be fully operational. Improving vehicle uptime and providing real-time telematics with preventative maintenance can ensure that the fleet stays on the road for the optimum amount of time. You can manage your entire maintenance lifecycle in one place with efficient fleet management software.

 

Embracing a proactive approach to fleet maintenance is necessary for a smooth-running and cost-effective business. Managing and tracking activities like vehicle diagnostic work, real-time reminders and notifications of repairs, predicting engine health, scheduling and planning ensures the profitability of businesses. Choosing the best fleet management software allows you to evaluate all the aspects of your fleet operations with ease. 


Crucial Benefits of Fleet Maintenance Software


Creating and optimizing a successful fleet maintenance program can be extremely beneficial to compliance inspections and reduction in costly emergency repairs of commercial vehicles. Moreover, preventing the causes of vehicle wear and tear can help you extend the vehicle’s longevity. Here are a few benefits that you should consider while investing in efficient fleet maintenance software:

 

Lower Maintenance Cost

Preventative maintenance is an essential way of addressing the issues before they occur. Fulfill the proactive approach of the operational requirements of your fleet and schedule the maintenance program as per the needs. Managing and monitoring the information such as fuel usage and idling, malfunctions, engine health, hours of service, etc cab reduce the repair costs. Getting alerts about maintenance issues in real-time can eliminate unnecessary operational expenses. 

 

Ensure Safety

Ensuring the safety of fleet operations should be the foremost priority of the fleet owner. Maintaining a vehicle’s health and keeping a check on brakes, steering & suspension, tires, and other mechanical systems is necessary to improve the safety of your fleets and drivers. Testing and inspection of vehicles are crucial for operating the vehicles safely. Also, the drivers should perform their duty efficiently as there are numerous factors that affect safety that need to be monitored such as driver’s fatigue, harsh driving, speeding, and so on. 

 

Fleet Reliability

Fleet maintenance programs eliminate mechanical problems of commercial vehicles. Therefore, effective inventory management is useful to keep your vehicles running reliably. Proactive maintenance is considered to be an extremely important process as damage to goods and equipment can lead to a loss in productivity and man-hours spent during the delivery operations. It leads to fewer mechanical problems 

 

Customer Satisfaction

An efficient fleet management software can enhance customer satisfaction as it tends to reduce vehicle breakdowns. Timely deliveries are one the most vital components of meeting customer expectations. Preventative routine maintenance is incredibly helpful to streamline your fleet operations. Providing reliable services to customers by achieving timely deliveries can help organizations to gain a competitive edge. 


Why is Fleet Maintenance so Important?


Comprehensive vehicle inspections, allow organizations to make informed decisions in real-time. Embracing fleet management software ensures that your vehicles are in prime working condition over longer periods. Every fleet owner should implement preventative maintenance to prevent unavoidable major repair work and unscheduled downtime. Maximizing vehicle uptime with the help of f vehicle maintenance can work wonders for your business. In addition, it is known to be an effective way to enhance a company’s long-term sustainability and financial health.

 

Adopting fleet management software can allow you to gain valuable insight into things like repair and maintenance history, conditions of brakes, tires, fluid levels, etc. Moreover, this also helps in maintaining the resale value of fleets. Managing all key areas of a vehicle’s performance is vital for fleet safety and to deliver maximum efficiency. Installing vehicle maintenance software can make fleet operations much easier for drivers and managers. Moreover, it is also necessary to maintain your vehicles well maintained and in good health to ensure fleet compliance and safety. 

 


Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of maintenance in fleet planning?

Fleet maintenance is a vital activity for monitoring and tracking the vehicle’s condition. It includes activities such as predictive maintenance, inventory management, remote diagnostics, and so on. Implementing good vehicle maintenance procedures has the ability to quickly fix an issue when one comes up.

How do you manage fleet maintenance?

Managing vehicle maintenance programs should be the most important consideration in your daily operations checklist. You can manage by maintaining the scheduling process, streamlining the workflow, and following up for inspection. It is an important aspect to ensure cost-effective, reliable, and safer functioning of the operation.

How to reduce fleet maintenance costs?

You can reduce the fleet maintenance cost by adopting practices such as managing inventory, controlling vehicle scheduling, maintaining vehicle records, embracing new-age technology, etc. Tracking these factors tends to promote fleet efficiency and reduce operational costs.

What is the best fleet management software?

Axestrack has the most cost-effective fleet management software that can keep track of your vehicle's operating condition. Managing the entire maintenance lifecycle of vehicles tends to improve fleet efficiency and avoid vehicular breakdowns.

How does API Integration Benefit your Logistics Business?

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The phenomena of digital transformation in the logistics sector are all set to accelerate in the coming years. Application program interfaces (APIs) tend to connect people, businesses, and things. The potent aspect of modern APIs is sharing real-time data to enable and enrich a range of features of the software to make operations completely automated. Therefore, API integration with your business platforms is useful in developing an ecosystem.


APIs are a key component for seamless communication between various applications. The modern APIs connectivity promotes innovation and collaboration. Utilizing the information and data provided by API technology can enhance the sheer speed and scalability of businesses. 


10 Ways API Integration can Benefit your Logistics Business:


Some of the advantages of incorporating APIs into the logistics industry are:


1. Automation

APIs are becoming indispensable for simplifying communication through automation strategies. Eliminating the manual process by automating the task can help organizations to stay ahead of the curve and streamline operations. Automated workflow enables quicker and more informed decisions.


2. Flexible and Dynamic Ecosystem

The integration allows effective interaction between businesses, platforms, applications, and systems. As part of a larger vision, APIs are known to be a critical link within this ecosystem. API is crucial for logistics operators as it is considered to be a useful and powerful mechanism for faster development.


3. Encourage Innovation

Embracing a comprehensive API strategy can also drive new products and innovation. Companies are transforming digitally, the API strategy should align with the business goals expediting the development process. It even synchronises the operation to keep pace with the evolving technological trends such as Artificial Intelligence in logistics, Big Data, Internet of Things and so on.


4. Enhance Customer Experience

Building a successful API program can open up new avenues for growth and fulfil customer demands. Deploying predictive analytics technology promotes experimentation and innovation which is useful to make improvements in business operations. APIs also allow customised solutions to meet customer expectations.


5. Saves Costs and Time

APIs tend to improve transparency in the operations as different platforms can connect and share information with each other. With this modern technology, organisations and customers can identify delivery dates, times, and any complications in the logistics process. Unique capabilities of API integration can reduce the cost and save a lot of time. 


6. Real-Time Data

You can have access to accurate real-time data to track and monitor the movement of the fleets. A freight API provides shipping quotes, equipment capacity, location and route tracking information. Therefore, this real-time responsiveness can improve resilience and optimize processes of fleet management software.


7. Improves Connectivity and Collaboration

An API-powered network improves connectivity across the supply chain. It is known to be the backbone of modern connectivity as it enables greater transparency and reduces potential vulnerabilities in operations. The use of API integrations helps you communicate between applications to deliver a meaningful-user experience. 


8. Builds New Opportunities

API integrations work effectively to grow your logistics business by offering“on-premises” custom solutions to cloud-based applications. It can build new opportunities by enhancing the mechanism and providing custom user experiences. 


9. Improved Services

An API allows users to improve the efficiency of logistics services. As, it can be activated through an internet connection and provides a smooth, quick, and efficient flow of data. Moreover, leveraging state-of-art technology can work wonders for your business. In time-critical logistics operations, it is necessary to achieve end-to-end supply chain visibility.


10. Better Decision Making

Analyzing and determining the foundation of API programs help businesses to provide a seamless experience to the end-users. Integrating APIs with internal & external systems plays a major role in the digital transformation of modern business for informed decision making. Furthermore, orchestrating or combining business services is also beneficial to generate a good return on investment.


API integration is becoming a key to success in the logistics industry as it bridges the gap between supply chain partners. The efficient flow of data to the other programs can enhance the organisation’s functionalities and provide better technology value. As API integration is a direct productivity boost, we can conclude that implementing APIs can extend the business capabilities.


Frequently Asked Questions

What is an API and how is it used?

API stands for Application Programming Interface, which is a software intermediary that simplifies the apps to seamlessly communicate with one another. APIs are versatile and provide opportunities for innovation. The integration is used to share the data and information between applications, systems, and devices.

What are APIs in the supply chain?

APIs offer a tremendous amount of value in supply chain management by streamlining the management process. The adoption of API has helped the enterprises to meet customer demands and to streamline the logistics process.

What is the value of APIs for business?

An effective API integration tends to streamline operational efficiency, and provide strategic value to the organisation. APIs are essential for business growth as it tends to create new revenue streams and allow companies to expand into new markets.

What are the different types of API?

APIs tend to interact with customers and partners speed and connectivity over multiple systems in the enterprise. There are four different types of APIs that have a range of protocols and standards- public, partner, private and composite. An effective API, ensures transparency across the operational process.

Fleet Telematics: About, Definition and FAQ | Axestrack

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Telematics about

Telematics is a technique to remotely monitor vehicles, equipment, and other assets making use of GPS technology to track the movements of assets on an electronic map. Popularly called fleet tracking or GPS vehicle tracking, it is an essential tool in the management of numerous fleets of government and commercial vehicles.

 

Telematics definition

In its wider sense, telematics is the merging of two sciences – telecommunications and informatics. Nowadays, the term is often applied in management of commercial fleet vehicles.

According to Gartner, Telematics refers to the use of wireless devices and “black box” technologies to transmit data in real time back to an organization. Typically, it’s used in the context of automobiles, whereby installed or after-factory boxes collect and transmit data on vehicle use, maintenance requirements or automotive servicing. It can also provide real-time information on air bag deployments or car crashes and locate stolen vehicles by using GPS technology. In addition, telematics can serve as the platform for usage-based insurance, pay-per-use insurance, pay as you drive (PAYD) insurance, pay how you drive (PHYD) programs for fleet insurance, or teen driving programs for retail business.

 

Basics of telematics systems

Commercialization of Global Positioning System (GPS) and the internet lays the very foundation of telematics, which makes the satellite location tracking data available for both commercial and private usage. The development of GPS technology has allowed greater accuracy in the location of vehicles and related data also internet and point-to-point communications between machines allowed the collected data to be converted into useful information that could be passed onto the end-user.

 

Components of telematics systems

Telematics device also known as Black Box is the most important element of a fleet management system. The black device mounted in the fleets can record and transmit vital details about the vehicle as well as its driver to the telematics system, some of information include:

  • Drive times
  • Driver behavior analytics
  • Fuel usage
  • GPS location
  • Mileage
  • Other data related to vehicle utility
  • Speed
  • Time on location
  • Trip recordings

The type of Black Box installed results in the collection of other relevant information about the vehicle. It (Black Box) is very important for claiming insurance in the event of an accident, thus opening another dimension of telematics referred to insurance telematics as it provides additional information:

  • engine load
  • engine temperature
  • cruise control
  • use of seatbelt
  • vehicle door status (open or close)

 

Telematics and GPS fleet tracking

Fleet telematics is a collection of information using Global Positioning System (GPS) technology sensors, as well as vehicle engine data to give managers the information they require for fleet management.

  1. Global Positioning System (GPS) technology provides real-time surveillance of vehicle’s location and speed, as well as movement around the area of interest via geofencing.
  2. Sensors allow the collection of information on the activities of drivers such as speeding, hard brakes, and unpredictable cornering, however, sensors can be used to track any vehicle-related activity like the opening of doors or tail lift raising, or even temperature changes inside vehicle.
  3. Engine diagnostics – these tools derive information directly from the car diagnostics system. They data points are used primarily to gather real-time information about fuel efficiency as well as vehicle odometer readings to help drive digital fleet maintenance solutions.

The data is stored temporarily in a telematics device that is installed into fleets; which then transferred via mobile network to the secured servers of the service providers. This central hub of information thus enables the fleet management software to display easy-to-understand visual data that aid fleet managers in optimizing their operations.

 

GPS tracking and Telematics: Difference

GPS tracking in telematics system allows managers to track their fleet assets at all times, giving them a complete overview of the resources at their disposal. Telematics is not only limited to vehicle tracking as already mentioned it offers many other capabilities. This versatility is the reason why telematics has been so important to fleet management over the past few years. Data points captured by telematics devices include:

  • Dashboard camera footage
  • Electrical or sensor activity (via PTO)
  • Geofencing Data
  • Vehicle status (customizable)
  • Vehicle speed
  • Vehicle location
  • Data related to Vehicle Activity (speeding, hard brakes, and unpredictable cornering)
  • Vehicle diagnostics (e.g., EPM, MPG, odometer)
  • Remote vehicle inspection reports
  • Panic alerts
  • Job dispatch and messaging

In addition, telematics system combines vehicle maintenance and routing with the driver activities, delivering an all-inclusive solution to the key challenges faced by fleet managers

 

Vehicles where telematics can be used

Telematics is a multifaceted technology as it can perform a variety of functions and can be used with a wide range of vehicles and assets like:

  • Cars: Telematics is used for vehicle maintenance and productivity functions, as well as to track private mileage, ensure safety compliance, and perform important tasks which is an important part of employers’ duty.
  • Pickup trucks/cargo vans: These are used for job dispatching and routing, time on site reporting and time sheet reporting. They also provide proof of delivery solutions and allow monitoring of unauthorized vehicle usage and driver behavior.
  • It is used to optimize and schedule single axle/tractor units, manage driver hours, and report driver behavior.
  • Buses and coaches: Telematics assist with driver hour management, route optimization (including engine idling), fuel management (including driver refueling), integration (such as time of arrival notifications and driver behavior reporting).
  • Heavy equipment: Telematics are used in construction for heavy earthmoving equipment. It helps to improve jobsite productivity by tracking equipment usage, enabling preventive maintenance, and reducing fuel use.
  • Telematics is widely used for specialist vehicles like dump trucks, tow trucks, cement trucks etc. The technology allows for a better understanding and monitoring of vehicle activity via power take-off.

Telematics’ versatility has made it an integral part of fleet management over the long-term. Already, it has made major improvements in safety, productivity, and profitability. It will only continue to be more important over the next few years. Businesses that incorporate telematics systems in their operations around the globe can expect to reap substantial rewards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is telematics system?

Telematics is a communicative and informatic technology for the automotive industry based on data flow in and out of vehicles through wireless networks. It's the integration of wireless communication with location technology, in-vehicle electronics that are pushing the automotive industry into the new age of information.

What is integrated telematics?

Integrated telematics provides a more real-time communication between fleet managers and vehicles in which TSP (telematics service supplier) equipment is fitted.

How does a vehicle telematics system work?

Telematics systems function by connecting a device like a GPS tracker, or any other data tool to an asset. The device then gathers important performance information about the asset. After acquiring the data, the device will transmit the data into a central server, where it can be collected to be interpreted and analyzed.

What is the function of telematics?

Telematics gives a digital outline of each aspect of the vehicle's operation and helps fleet managers to understand the areas for improvement in the prevention of accidents and safety standards for drivers.

What are the benefits of telematics?

Telematics solutions are able to integrate with existing systems to allow a wide range of use-cases for fleets with all kinds of sizes, which includes Tracking Vehicles, Asset Tracking, Minimizing Maintenance Cost, Driver Behavior Analytics and Risk assessment for Insurance.