Telematics: meaning and examples
Telematics is the use of a device in a vehicle that sends data such as location, speed and engine readings to software over a mobile network. It is used for tracking, driver behaviour and automatic usage data.
How it works
Telematics is a device in the vehicle plus software. The device reports data such as position, speed and sometimes engine readings over a mobile network, and the software turns that into maps, trip logs and alerts.
It is most common in commercial fleets, for tracking, driver behaviour and automatic mileage or hours. It usually needs hardware, a data plan and a subscription.
You can keep good maintenance records without it. Reading the odometer or hour meter at each service and writing it down gives you the numbers a service schedule needs.
Automatic or by hand
Illustration: a tracker can report a truck's mileage automatically. In a plain logbook you read the odometer when you service it and enter that figure. For a 5,000 mile interval, either way gets you the same number.
How to track it in Loggy
Loggy does not use a tracking device. You enter readings and services yourself, which suits owners and small teams who want a clear record without hardware.
- Read the odometer or hour meter when you service the vehicle.
- Enter the reading on the log entry.
- Set a date reminder for the next service.
Loggy is a free maintenance logbook app for iOS and Android. The free plan has unlimited vehicles, reminders, PDF export and vehicle transfer, and no ads.
Frequently asked questions
Does Loggy use telematics?
No. Loggy does not use a tracking device. You enter readings yourself.
Do I need telematics to track maintenance?
No. A reading written down at each service is enough for most vehicles.
What does telematics mean?
A blend of telecommunications and informatics: sending vehicle data over a network.