Feb-March 2003

It seems we at m.logistics aren't the only ones to have recognised that fleet operators need help in finding out more about telematics systems. The Government's TransportEnergy Best Practice team has now produced a Guide to Telematics, which includes advice on selecting the right system for a given transport operation.

TransportEnergy is run by the Energy Savings Trust on behalf of the Department of Transport. The Government's Sustainable Distribution strategy includes encouraging best environmental practice in the distribution industry.

TransportEnergy acknowledges the role telematics can play in using vehicles more productively, but says aggressive marketing by suppliers can make it difficult for operators to find objective information about telematics. We wouldn't disagree.

The Guide, GPG341, gives examples of the type of technology available; describes the real benefits associated with particular applications; and advises on which issues to watch out for when buying a system.