The Internet of Things (IoT) has revolutionised various industries, but it has perhaps proved to be the biggest game changer in the telematics sector. Telematics – the long-distance transmission of computerised information – is a technology that supports vehicle tracking and monitoring. Now integrated with IoT, telematics offers increasingly sophisticated capabilities, galvanising a new and exciting period of advancement for the rail and transport industries.
As leaders in locomotive manufacturing for over ninety years, we at Clayton Equipment have recently incorporated the benefits of IoT Telematics with LocoWatch™, which is installed as standard on all suitable locomotives. This step is set to introduce a number of developments to locomotive technology. Below, we’ll present a brief overview of telematics and IoT and discuss the key benefits of harnessing it for the locomotive industry.
Telematics: An Introduction
Telematics has long been a crucial component in sectors such as logistics and transport. It utilises sensors, GPS and telecommunication technology to monitor and gather transport data. Telematics platforms then compile and analyse this data in order to produce insights into automobile operations, leading to improvements in safety, efficiency and cost management.
While in the past telematics systems relied on hardware and software, it now benefits from improved scalability and flexibility thanks to the incorporation of the Internet of Things to create an integrated telematics IoT platform.
IoT in Telematics
IoT has brought in a new era of innovating in telematics, improving connectivity, scalability and adaptability in vehicle tracking. Through incorporating IoT, the transport industry – not least the locomotive sector – is able to make huge strides in operational efficiency.
Below is a short exploration of some of the many benefits of IoT Telematics –
Provides Real-Time Data -A Telematics system utilising IoT technology, such as LocoWatch, continually reports on hundreds of different parameters in real-time.
Improved Maintenance Planning –With IoT, operators can plan maintenance based on use rather than on time. This can lead to more efficient use of resources and reduced downtime.
Reduced Operating Costs -By providing real-time data on various parameters, IoT can help reduce operating costs.
Improved Safety and Fault Finding -IoT improves safety and assists in fault finding by providing on-board connectivity and access to online services.
Operational Efficiency – The real-time data provided by IoT can be used to improve performance, remote troubleshooting, connectivity and overall operational efficiency.
Improved Visibility – IoT allows real-time reporting on five hundred parameters, making it an essential tool for managing locomotives optimally, reducing operating costs, improving safety and finding faults.
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