Living Telematics
WHY SIZE DOES MATTER
DATA IS THE GOLD OF THE 21ST CENTURY. AND THE STREETS ARE LITERALLY PAVED WITH IT – IDEM TELEMATICS OPENS UP SIGNIFICANT PRODUCTIVITY AND EFFICIENCY GAINS FOR THE TRANSPORT INDUSTRY. THIS IS DUE TO AN OPEN SYSTEM AND THE COMPANY’S SIZE AS THE EUROPEAN MARKET LEADER.
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DATA DRIVES SUCCESS – IF YOU ARE OPEN TO IT
According to a large-scale study conducted by Commerzbank in 2018 on behalf of Germany’s Association of Large and Medium-Sized Enterprises (Bundesverband Groß- und Außenwirtschaft), German SMEs struggle to systematically leverage data as a raw material for their business success. According to this study, most companies do not have a problem with the knowledge, however, but rather with the implementation of mining the gold of the 21st century. This is where idem telematics comes in – with personalised consultations and an open system architecture, the BPW subsidiary supports transport companies in starting to use data in their own individual way and in refining their methods with flexibility.
In the future, telematics will form a platform for new partnerships and joint business models. And will be quite successful:
“Over a period of more than 20 years, we have acquired a profound understanding of transport processes and our customers’ needs,”
explains Jens Zeller, managing director of idem telematics, “this experience has led to the development of an open platform that can be used for every conceivable application in transport and logistics. This is why we also integrate data from external systems and sensors – and conversely, we support data sharing between truck, van and trailer manufacturers via open interfaces.” And idem telematics has been quite successful with this approach, creating networks through broad-based partnerships with Daimler Fleetboard, but also with RIO, the digital brand of the TRATON Group (formerly Volkswagen Truck & Bus), Schmitz Cargobull – and all relevant manufacturers of refrigeration units.
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Building bridges, connecting all of the different elements together and even integrating competing systems is a philosophy that has made idem telematics the European market leader. A philosophy deeply rooted in the reality of the transport business, explains Jens Zeller: “Transport companies mainly operate mixed fleets with a wide variety of vehicle types and brands. With trailers and swap trailers, the possible combinations are practically endless anyway. This is an extremely complex, heterogeneous world that has shaped our mindset and technology. Transport companies want to maintain their independence and not be dominated by individual manufacturers. We are successful because we understand and support them.”
So successful that idem telematics continues to expand its lead as the European market leader.
The “digital seal” from idem telematics was awarded the 2018 Telematics Award at the 2018 IAA Commercial Vehicles trade fair. It replaces the cumbersome leaded seal used to secure the trailer door with an invisible protective barrier. The digital seal saves time, secures the cargo on the basis of individual specifications – for example via geofencing – and enables the documentation of the transport in a legally enforceable manner.
idem telematics is the preferred partner of leading trailer rental and leasing companies, including PEMA, EURO-Leasing and Fraikin. In the summer of 2019, the world’s leading logistics company Deutsche Post DHL announced that it would be connecting its trailer fleets throughout Europe with idem telematics. With the largest individual contract in the company’s history, idem telematics is significantly expanding its position as European market leader. But it isn’t just the major players who are benefiting from this – idem telematics’ market dominance offers small and medium-sized transport companies the certainty of relying on a strong partner and future-proof systems established throughout the industry. The fact that idem telematics, as a subsidiary of the BPW Group, can also guarantee service and a supply of spare parts throughout Europe is
not only appreciated by global corporations such as DHL.
idem telematics also focuses on integration and open systems when it comes to its hardware. As such, the next generation of the “TC Gateway” on-board computer integrates hardware for the first time that previously had to be installed separately – and communicates with sensors and the towing vehicle via five different wireless standards. Eliminating the need for cabling drastically simplifies installation. Commissioning, configuration, garage service and driver communication will also be wireless in future.
