Telematics is an interdisciplinary field that combines telecommunications, vehicular technologies, electrical engineering, and computer science. The term "telematics" is a portmanteau of the French words "telecommunications" and "informatique". At its core, a telematics system includes a vehicle tracking device installed in a vehicle that allows the sending, receiving, and storing of telemetry data. This data can include GPS position, speed, engine light information, and faults, among other things. Telematics systems can be used for a variety of purposes, including:
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Fleet management: Telematics technology can help fleets achieve operational improvements in key areas such as fuel efficiency, driver safety, and vehicle maintenance.
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Insurance risk assessment: Insurance companies can use telematics to monitor driver behavior, allowing them to more accurately determine risk factors and adjust insurance premiums accordingly.
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Vehicle tracking: Telematics systems can be used to track the location and status of vehicles in real-time.
Telematics is primarily used in the automotive industry, but other industries have developed uses for telematics as well. The field of telematics can include a wide range of technologies and applications, and it continues to evolve as new technologies emerge.