Digital telematics systems for controlling modern logistics processes

The world of telematics is a prime example of the profound change that transport and logistics companies are currently undergoing. Today, logistics is no longer a linear process, but a complex interplay of data, vehicles, drivers and digital systems. To make these processes manageable, solutions are needed that not only map individual steps, but also take into account the entire transport process – from order entry to final delivery.

This is exactly where modern telematics systems come in. They digitally map the various processes within transport and logistics companies and combine dispatching, vehicle data and driver information to form a comprehensive overall picture. The aim is to create transparency, automate processes and identify deviations at an early stage before they have operational or economic consequences.

Telematics as a platform for integrated transport processes

Telematics understands logistics as a coherent process. It starts with order entry in the dispatching department. From there, the entire transport is tracked and digitally documented. This involves not only the movement of vehicles, but also a variety of parameters that are crucial for a smooth process. A central component is the collection of driver-related data. Driving and rest times are taken into account, as is information from driver cards. This data is automatically fed into the systems and enables continuous monitoring of compliance with legal requirements. At the same time, it provides an important basis for resource planning and the evaluation of day-to-day business processes.

Real-time vehicle monitoring and positioning

In addition to driver data, the vehicle itself plays a crucial role. Modern logistics solutions must be able to answer at any time whether a vehicle is in the right place at the right time. Telematics systems therefore continuously record position and status information and make it available in operational processes. Particular emphasis is placed on minimising driver intervention. Data collection is largely automated in the background. This reduces sources of error and relieves the burden on drivers. At the same time, data quality improves because information does not have to be added or interpreted manually. The data obtained in this way can be integrated directly into customer processes. Deviations from planned routes or time windows are detected at an early stage, allowing dispatchers to react before supply chains come to a standstill.

Hardware, apps and software-based solutions working together

In practical implementation, telematics relies on different technological approaches. Depending on the requirements, permanently installed hardware components are used in the vehicle to collect and transmit relevant data. In addition, apps are used to capture or forward information on the move. Purely software-based solutions also play an important role. They enable the integration of external data sources and create interfaces to existing system landscapes. For example, information from other providers or data from shippers' ERP systems can be integrated. On this basis, orders can be accepted and compared with the current vehicle and position data.

• Digital order entry in dispatching
• Automated recording of driving and rest times
• Integration of vehicle and driver data
• Connection of external systems and ERP data

Early warning systems for deviations in the transport process

A key added value of digital logistics solutions lies in their ability to detect deviations at an early stage. If a vehicle does not arrive on time, deviates from the planned route or unforeseen events occur, systems can generate warnings and forward them to the responsible parties. This function is particularly important in complex transport chains, where delays can quickly have knock-on effects. Automated warnings enable customers to take active countermeasures instead of reacting to problems after the fact. This makes logistics more predictable and resilient to disruptions.

Data integration as the basis for better decisions

The strength of telematics solutions lies not only in the collection of data, but above all in its integration. Individual pieces of information only become useful when they are placed in a larger context. By linking scheduling data, vehicle status, driver data and external systems, a holistic picture of the transport process is created. This picture forms the basis for informed decisions in day-to-day operations as well as for strategic evaluations. Companies can identify where processes are running efficiently and where there is potential for optimisation. At the same time, legal requirements can be better met and documented.

Automation as the key to modern logistics

The trend is clearly moving towards automation. Systems should generate, process and pass on data independently, without the need for human intervention. Telematics solutions meet this requirement by mapping processes in a largely automated manner and only requiring intervention where decisions are necessary. In an industry characterised by time pressure and high complexity, this automation is increasingly becoming a competitive factor. Transport and logistics companies that rely on integrated digital systems are creating the conditions to remain operational even in a challenging market environment. Mapping the entire logistics world in one system is not an end in itself, but a decisive step towards more stable and transparent transport processes.