Telematics is at a critical juncture for the transportation and logistics industry. The shutdown of 2G networks in European markets and the transition to 4G and newer technologies is fundamentally reshaping the way businesses collect, transfer and leverage fleet data.
At the 19th Supply Chain & Logistics EXPO, Frotcom Cyprus CEO, Michalis Christodoulides, highlighted the strategic importance of this transition in an address entitled 'The Future of Telematics: From Vehicle Data to Strategic Advantage,' and focusing on the impacts it is already having on business continuity, cost and security.
The shutdown of 2G networks in countries such as Switzerland and the Nordic markets, and the planned shutdown in other European countries by 2030, marks an irreversible development. The timing varies, but the direction remains the same. With the shutdown of 2G, GPS devices based on this technology will cease to function, creating immediate challenges for fleet management.
Already, according to the expert, transport companies in Cyprus and abroad have moved on to 4G devices, in order to ensure the continuity of their operations and take advantage of new telematics capabilities.
According to Christodoulides, the transition from 2G to 4G concerns the overall way data is utilised. Telematics is evolving from a simple vehicle location recording to a tool for operational forecasting and strategic planning.
Data from vehicles and tachographs, such as distance to service and DTCs, enable preventive maintenance instead of reactive interventions. The result is less unplanned downtime, better workshop scheduling and a substantial reduction in maintenance costs.
Christodoulides emphasised that the use of advanced sensors, such as TPMS systems, adds another level of value. Monitoring tire pressure and temperature contributes to reducing fuel consumption, increasing tire life and improving road safety. The correct operating temperature reduces the risk of damage and unplanned stops, critical elements for fleets operating under time and cost pressure.
Particular emphasis was placed on the transition from static reports to analysis that runs continuously in the background. The real benefit, he says, comes when data is automatically transformed into timely alerts, warnings and action suggestions, without the need for post-processing.
The integration of video telematics and advanced analytics further enhances visibility and allows immediate understanding of critical events, both for safety reasons and to improve driving behavior.
Finally, according to Christodoulides, the future of telematics places vehicle data at the center of strategic decision-making. The message is clear: Technology acts as a multiplier of efficiency, safety and sustainability, transforming the fleet from an operational cost into a source of competitive advantage.
(Source: InBusinessNews)
