Data Sources

1. Logbook (manual)
   The driver fill in various data (e.g. date, mileage, distance traveled, reason) manually into a book for every trip, which is prone to errors
   For further use, these data must be recorded electronically again.
2. Logbook (In-Vehicle)
   After the driver has marked a trip, the vehicle automatically records all the necessary data as in a manual logbook. These data can be read out and electronically processed.
3. OBD-Dongle
   The relevant data for fleet management, which a vehicle makes available via the OBDOBD – The OBD adapter can read out errors and helps monitor certain vehicle functions. Likewise, you can use the interface for exhaust emission testing, for example. Values such as engine load, temperature or speed can also be displayed in real time. More interface, are queried, collected and, if planned, sent to an external data collection point.
   This data can be processed directly in the corresponding systems and offers the possibility of real-time information.
   The scope of the available data is limited and there are efforts on the part of the vehicle manufacturers to further restrict it.
4. External Devices (Black Box)
   The specifically required data are collected via an external device that the respective operator configures himself and, if planned forwarded automatically. The possibilities for collecting data are limited here by access to the CANCAN- Controller Area Network – is a vehicle bus to allow devices to communicate with each other without a host computer. More bus of a vehicle and by the sensors integrated in the device.
   A major disadvantage here is that the devices have to be installed and maintained individually, which differs from vehicle type to vehicle type and creates additional effort.
5. In-Vehicle-Data
   1. In-Car Interfaces
      Large technology companies establish a connection between vehicles and mobile devices via appropriate applications (Apple Car Play, Android Auto / Automotive). Depending on the contractual agreement with the vehicle manufacturer, in-vehicle data can also be obtained.
   2. Data Service Provider / Marketplace
      Based on the in-vehicle data of the vehicle manufacturers, special providers (e.g. Caruso) can pass on data directly or in an enriched form to interested companies (e.g. insurance companies, fleet operators).
      The price models are very individualized.
      This access to data currently has the problem that, firstly, not all vehicle manufacturers make their data available, secondly, not all of the data recorded in the vehicle is passed on, and thirdly, the data made available are sometimes only updated at long intervals. This further limit the usability of the existing data (e.g. cooling water temperature only once a day).
   3. Vehicle Manufacturer
      They have unrestricted access to all of their brands’ data and therefore have great advantages. The abundance of data points and real-time data updates make data management for e.g. fleet management systems for their brands much more effective.
   4. ISO-Norm ExVe (Extended Vehicle)
      The first version of ISO 20078 was created in 2019 to ensure a uniform standard for access to in-vehicle data. An EU-wide regulation is being worked towards (FIGIEFA is active here). Since then, the standard has been continuously expanded and the number of vehicle manufacturers working with it is growing.
      1. Currently 17 European manufacturers (4 in preparation)
      2. Japan and Korea have their own standard
      3. The status of the Chinese manufacturers is unclear
   5. Linked Data Some fleet management systems also use linked data sources to increase system utility. In this way, missing data from offers in marketplaces can be enriched by e.g. black boxes.

Data that may be available

This is an exemplary overview of telematics data that can be obtained from the vehicle and its users.

1. Engine and vehicle condition data
   1. All engine and vehicle specifications
      e.g. cylinder capacity, performance, equipment, …
   2. Service status
      Depending on the mileage and the condition
   3. operating conditions
      e.g. temperatures, filling levels, door status, …
   4. DTC error codes
      Error memory status
   5. accident report
      Where, what, number of occupants, severity of accidents, …
2. Travel and position data
   1. Start and end point and travel time
   2. Traffic-news
   3. Tank and charging infrastructure
   4. environment variables
      1. Weather
         Snow, floods
      2. Road conditions
         Blockages, bad roads, diversions
3. Driver informationen
   1. Driver profile
      1. Speed
      2. Keeping to the lane
      3. Keeping distances
      4. Acceleration – braking
   2. Driver safety
      1. Seat belt status
      2. Hand on the wheel
      3. Using a mobile phone without a hands-free system
      4. Fatigue detection
      5. Length of the trip

Services for telematics data can be used

At which points are the available telematics data used in the area of fleet management and the mobility transition?

1. Vehicle data
   Various services can be used to optimize the timing of planned workshop visits, prevent unplanned breakdowns and justify a turn to e-mobility.
   1. Maintenance status
      Optimization of regular workshop visits
   2. Special case predictive maintenance
      If the relevant data is available, the replacement of a part can be planned before it fails, thus minimizing workshop times.
   3. DTC error codes
      As soon as an entry appears in the error memory, a visit to the workshop can be planned online (see above).
   4. Level indicator
      Optimize routes to minimize refueling and charging times and to refute reservations about range issues.
   5. Vehicle equipment
      In vehicles with optional additional equipment and with an in-car payment function, there can be central control of the type and duration of the activation.
   6. Accident report
      Derived from the sent accident data, assistance measures for the occupants and the vehicle can be initiated either automatically or manually.
   7. Irregularities
      Theft can be assumed if the doors are opened or the vehicle is started without a key. Owners and the police can be informed accordingly.
   8. Vehicle Condition
      Can be used as part of a vehicle evaluation when exchanging a vehicle.
2. Driver and Travel Dates
   The optimization of workflows, schedules and costs will be possible with this data.
   1. Route optimization
      The use of resources and costs is minimized by including all environmental and infrastructure data.
      (Refueling, charging, parking)
   2. Driver profile
      The profile data are used to reduce costs in the areas of wear and tear, consumption and insurance premiums.
      The driver profile can be specifically improved in terms of cost optimization, safety and ecology.
   3. Fleet structure
      Use of the data to achieve the optimized composition of a fleet.
   4. Accident prevention
      Prevent the driver or the vehicle with the help of the data from getting into dangerous situations.
      (overtiredness, danger spots at streets)

Challenges for fleet management

Due to increasing cost pressure, changing work organization, the increasing amount of data available, the shift to e-mobility, ever more effective software support and the emergence of autonomous driving, change is omnipresent.

1. Comprehensive fleet management systems and the data pool required for them
   In many companies, the introduction of extended systems is only possible in small steps.
   1. Obstacles to introducing new systems and collecting more data.
      1. Compliance with the GDPRGDPR -General Data Protection Regulation – European Union regulation on data protection and privacy in the EU and the European Economic Area More excludes certain data constellations from the usable data pool.
         The problem seems to be discussed more intensively in Germany in particular.
      2. Generation problem
         The “baby boomers” generally have a bigger problem with data collection than the following generations.
         With decreasing age (generation -X, -Y, -Z), people are used to disclosing data about themselves to a greater extent through the use of social media, for example.
   2. Decisions about future organization
      1. Fleet composition
         Currently, the use of mixed vehicle fleets to optimize cost efficiency is very common.
         1. Purchased      leased vehicles
         2. Electric      combustion vehicles
         3. Own fleet      complete outsourcing
      2. Use of new technologies
         With the advent of AI-based systems, the possibility of processing large data pools in a meaningful way is significantly improved.
2. Availability of telematics data
   Without a significant increase in available telematics data, the questions in the areas of productivity, cost reduction and environmental protection cannot be answered.
   Therefore, all initiatives that demand free access to telematics data for everyone must be vehemently supported!

Conclusion

The economic and ecological pressure causes that fleet management has to evolve into mobility management that includes all available mobility areas.
From today’s perspective, not all possibilities have been exhausted. In addition, disruptive ideas will lead to many additional questions that we are not yet aware of.

Important note:
These were all some considerations on fleet management in the area of passenger cars. If you take a look at the commercial vehicle sector, you can see that many are the same, but some also have to be considered in addition.
You can also see that the reorientation in the direction of mobility management is going much further there.

Further reading: