Telematik
Also: Fahrzeugtelematik, Flottentelematik, Telematiklösung, Telematiksystem, Telematikplattform, Fleet Telematics
AI-generated
Telematics refers to the collection, transmission and analysis of vehicle and transport data in real time. It connects on-board electronics, GPS tracking and IT systems to provide transparency on vehicle status, position and driver events.
Key facts
- Telematics systems transmit vehicle data such as position, driving times and temperature to central IT platforms in real time.
- API connectivity to TMS or ERP is crucial to whether telematics information can actually feed into operational processes.
- Driver data is classified as personal data and requires GDPR-compliant processing grounds as well as works agreements.
- Network coverage and roaming costs are an often underestimated cost factor, particularly in international transport operations.
- Telematics is a data supply source — the planning and management of transports is handled by TMS and dispatch software.
What is telematics?
Telematics is an umbrella term for systems that transmit vehicle data to central IT platforms via mobile networks or satellite. The term combines telecommunications and information technology, and describes the combination of in-vehicle sensors, wireless data transmission and software-based analysis. Typical data points include GPS position, speed, engine running time, fuel consumption, driving times, rest times, door contacts and temperatures in refrigerated vehicles.
How does telematics work in practice?
An on-board unit (OBU) installed in the vehicle reads data via the vehicle interface (typically OBD or CAN bus) and transmits it via SIM card to a cloud platform. There, the raw data is processed and passed on via APIs or direct integrations to transport management systems (TMS), fleet management software or customer portals. The transmission frequency varies depending on the use case: short intervals of under one minute are useful for accurate ETA calculations, while hourly transmission is often sufficient for compliance reporting.
Typical use cases in intralogistics and transport include:
- Real-time shipment tracking and dynamic ETA calculation for customers and dispatchers
- Temperature monitoring in cold chains with automatic alerts when threshold values are exceeded
- Driving and rest time monitoring in accordance with EU social regulations (FVO, AETR)
- Analysis of driving behaviour to reduce fuel consumption and prevent accidents
- Geofencing, i.e. automatic event notifications when entering or leaving defined zones
What matters when making a selection?
When implementing a telematics system, you should carefully weigh several factors. First, the depth of integration: how well can the system be connected via API to your TMS, ERP or customer portal? Proprietary data formats can significantly increase the cost of switching systems. Second, hardware costs and installation effort: some vendors rely on permanently installed OBUs, others on plug-and-play solutions. Third, data protection requirements: driver data is personal data within the meaning of the GDPR; works agreements and deletion concepts must be clarified before rollout. Fourth, network coverage and roaming costs for international use, as mobile network gaps can affect data quality. Finally, SLA commitments regarding data availability and system downtime play an important role, especially when telematics information feeds directly into operational planning processes.
It is also important to distinguish telematics from adjacent systems: telematics primarily supplies raw data. The interpretation and use of this data for route planning, order management or capacity optimisation is handled by TMS or specialised analytics platforms. Telematics is therefore a data source, not a complete management system.
Related terms
- API
An API (Application Programming Interface) is a defined interface through which two software systems can exchange data in an automated and standardized way. In intralogistics, it connects systems such as WMS, ERP, or TMS with one another and with external services.
- Carrier
A carrier is a transport service provider that physically moves goods from a point of origin to a destination. It assumes operational responsibility for the actual transport – as opposed to freight forwarders or logistics service providers, who often only coordinate.
- Disposition
Disposition refers to the operational planning and control of resources, quantities, and orders in logistics – for example in transport or materials disposition. It encompasses capacity assignment, scheduling, prioritization, and response to disruptions.
- Dispositionssoftware
Dispatching software is a software solution for the operational planning, control, and optimization of transports, routes, and resources in logistics. It helps dispatchers efficiently coordinate orders, capacities, and time windows.
- Distributionslogistik
Distribution logistics encompasses all processes that move goods from the manufacturer or warehouse to the end customer – from network planning through storage and transportation to order fulfillment.
- Track-and-Trace
Track-and-Trace refers to the seamless tracking of shipments throughout the entire transport and handling process. Status events such as pickup, handling, and delivery are recorded in real time and made visible to all parties involved.