Telematics and UPS

Telematics Sensor-Equipped Trucks Help UPS Control Costs

Telematics helps the delivery company determine a truck’s performance and condition, as well as identify ways drivers can make small adjustments that yield major results.

July 2010, Automotive Fleet - Feature

By Shelley Mika

Known for its speed and efficiency, UPS recently announced changes that will improve both. By the end of 2010, the company plans to operate more than 22,000 delivery trucks at 144 locations (including two in Canada) equipped with telematics technology.

An Old Program Learns New Tricks

Since 2008, UPS piloted the technology on 1,500 delivery trucks across the country, testing the equipment in various geographies and climates. In 2009, the company installed telematics in roughly 10,000 vehicles and plans to expand the program to another 10,000 this year. That makes nearly a quarter of the company's 95,000 delivery vehicles equipped with telematics.

As part of the initiative, UPS is installing GPS tracking equipment as well as sensors in key areas, such as brakes and engine box, and on the exterior. These devices will help UPS track the location of its delivery trucks as well as identify ways in which drivers can make adjustments and improve their performance based on collected data. Two key areas the company plans to improve are idle time and route efficiency.

"Telematics isn't new to UPS. We've been using telematics for more than 20 years to improve the efficiency and safety of our tractor-trailer fleet," Donna Longino, a UPS spokesperson, said. "What is new is the proprietary information and sophisticated algorithms we developed to analyze the rich stream of data captured by more than 200 sensors on our delivery trucks."

As drivers complete their routes the UPS telematics equipment captures streams of data via a 900 MHz radio and sends it in real-time to servers for analysis. At the end of the day, drivers return to their centers, and data is uploaded and sent to the UPS data center in Alpharetta, Ga. The telematics devices capture data on more than 200 elements, including speed, RPM, oil pressure, seat belt use, number of times the truck is placed in reverse, and idling time.

The charts shown are to illustrate the range of telematics data reporting solutions from Geotab and do not contain UPS specific information.

Telematics help UPS determine a truck's performance and condition, as well as identify ways drivers can make small adjustments that yield major results. Together, improved data and driver coaching help reduce fuel consumption, emissions, and maintenance costs, while improving customer service and driver safety.

"UPS is always looking for ways to improve efficiency and customer service, slash energy consumption and emissions, and make our drivers safer on the road," said Mike Hance, vice president of fleet operations. "We realized this cutting-edge technology enables quick, fact-based decisions to improve these areas."

Idling Reduced & Maintenance Improved

So far, the telematics initiative has yielded positive results, including reduced idling and fuel consumption, maintenance costs, and waste, as well as increased safety. Through telematics, UPS reduced idling by 15 minutes per driver per day, totaling 25 gallons of fuel per driver per year. While that reduction may seem a small change, on the large scale, it's a major improvement.

"When telematics is fully deployed in the small-package delivery fleet in the U.S., the reduction of idle time by 15 minutes per driver per day would save 1.4 million gallons of fuel annually," Longino said. "Multiply results like that by more than 90,000 drivers worldwide, and you can see the potential."

Maintenance is another key area in which UPS will benefit from the program. Prior to installing telematics, the company performed maintenance at regular time intervals, regardless of a truck's mileage or use. Now, UPS mechanics base maintenance decisions on the actual vehicle use and performance.

Telematics also helps identify which parts to replace. For instance, UPS found, in some cases, mechanics were replacing fuel injectors when the truck simply required an inexpensive "O-ring."

Because UPS can more accurately determine the right time to pull trucks off the road for maintenance, the company can reduce downtime and wasted maintenance expenses. Telematics also allows UPS to more accurately allocate replacement dollars, as the system helps identify trucks performing less efficiently, or when to simply place a vehicle on a shorter route. 

Safety is another critical area of improvement. While UPS already has an exemplary safety record, the company didn't shy away from improving it. One key metric tracked through telematics is seat belt use. Test sites showed that drivers wore their seat belts a nearly perfect 99.8 percent, up from 98 percent.

Likewise, providing drivers with information on the number of times they placed trucks in reverse - behavior UPS drivers are trained to avoid for safety reasons - reduced this behavior by 25 percent.

In addition to reducing idle time, telematics systems provide other environmental benefits. By helping UPS optimize dispatch planning and driver routine, the system reduces overall driver miles, cuts fuel consumption, and reduces emissions. Further, by optimizing vehicle performance and improving maintenance, telematics help UPS increase the useful life of parts and decrease the disposal of parts, including lead acid batteries and tires, Longino said.

Training & Information Management Keys to Success

With a large-scale implementation of telematics in its delivery truck fleet, UPS anticipated and planned for challenges. Hance said two areas were critical to the company's success: training staff and managing the information.
"We have some of the best-trained drivers in the world, and they are really committed to doing an excellent job. We find that quite often when a supervisor uses the data to coach drivers on improving safety, service, and performance, the response is very positive," Hance said.

In addition to training drivers how to improve driving behavior based on the reports, other UPS employees are also trained how to employ it to get the most from the telematics investment.

"Telematics is information-rich. Our reports and data are profiled to pinpoint what is important to impact results," Hance said. "We invested in training to ensure we leverage this technology to effectively impact service, safety, and cost."

UPS plans to continue using telematics technology, with the next major initiative focused on reducing idling time on its LTL (less than truckload) fleet at UPS Freight. Hance said telematics technology is also used to monitor several test vehicles, such as hybrid electric, hydraulic hybrid, and automatic transmission tractors, in the UPS fleet for efficiency, performance, and reliability.

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Lynx Telematics is an OEM that controls design, engineering, firmware, software development, IT support and manufacturing processes of our product, allowing us to produce the highest quality product in our industry, while offering our customers competitive pricing.

As your partner, we provide ongoing training and support to insure that the product is properly sold to the end user, maximizing the re-sellers profitability.

As one of the pioneers in telematics technologies, Lynx Telematics provides our clients with powerful end-to-end vehicle telematics tools. Our technology offers a real solution that delivers safety, saves money and provides an unprecedented level of peace of mind to our customers. 

 

Our product, Lynxsafe, is the newest and most advanced in-vehicle communication system currently on the market. It combines GPS/satellite and GSM cellular technology to provide users and family members with immediate access to real-time information delivered directly via any internet enabled device including I Phone and Android smart phones.

All of our devices benefit from the innovation of U-Blox technology and a 3D Accelerometer, providing the industry’s most accurate pin point locating technology to within a 3 ft. radius.

Vincent Rush, Lynx Telematics, 

Cincinnati, Ohio

(866)-314-0461

Lynx Telematics and Fleet Management

Lynx Telematics has developed a functionality in its Fleet Equipment Monitoring System, a wireless monitoring and remote tracking solution for off-road equipment and over-the-road trucks.

The new Lynx Telematics technology features include remote access to and real-time delivery of diagnostic fault codes, fuel consumption, idle vs. work time analysis, engine direct hour meter/odometer readings, as well as temperatures and pressures.

The solution allows managers to wirelessly monitor all of their assets from an Internet based software package. The Lynx Fleet Management integration enables fleet owners to remotely receive engine data across multiple brands, directly from their properly equipped machines and larger trucks. This data includes fault codes, which are wirelessly transmitted and archived on the software for remote asset diagnosis from any Internet connected device. Additional machine data includes fuel burn, engine run time hours, idling hours, and RPM. The production metrics are used to properly assess working time and curb excessive idle time. The Lynx Telematics technology also transmits machine health conditions such as critical lamp statuses, temperatures and in real time, so corrective action may be taken to prevent a catastrophic failure.

Telematics is a powerful tool for effective fleet management; however, there is a fear that unique factory installed systems and the deluge of data end can up creating more work for the equipment owner.  

At Lynx Telematics, we have streamlined that process by delivering pertinent fleet-wide information through a single interface and automated reports. and in reality actually reduce the stress and work load of fleet or school bus managers while reducing costs and preserving and extending the life of the fleet.

Re-posted by Vincent Rush of Lynx Telematics.

Lynx Telematics is an OEM that controls design, engineering, firmware, software development, IT support and manufacturing processes of our product, allowing us to produce the highest quality product in our industry, while offering our customers competitive pricing.

As your partner, we provide ongoing training and support to insure that the product is properly sold to the end user, maximizing the re-sellers profitability.

As one of the pioneers in telematics technologies, Lynx Telematics provides our clients with powerful end-to-end vehicle telematics tools. Our technology offers a real solution that delivers safety, saves money and provides an unprecedented level of peace of mind to our customers. 

 

Our product, Lynxsafe, is the newest and most advanced in-vehicle communication system currently on the market. It combines GPS/satellite and GSM cellular technology to provide users and family members with immediate access to real-time information delivered directly via any internet enabled device including I Phone and Android smart phones.

All of our devices benefit from the innovation of U-Blox technology and a 3D Accelerometer, providing the industry’s most accurate pin point locating technology to within a 3 ft. radius.

Vincent Rush, Lynx Telematics, 

Cincinnati, Ohio

(866)-314-0461

Telematics V2V Predicted to $65 Billion by 2015

With products and services becoming standard for a number of manufacturers, Vehicle-to-Vehicle and V2X telematic solutions are gaining in popularity.
So much so, Telematics Update stated, “The global market for intelligent transportation systems is predicted to grow to nearly $65.4 billion through 2015.”

Reduction in crashes, fatalities, injuries and property damage has to outweigh the economic cost. There’s also a cost to the consumer, because auto makers just pass on the additional cost to the people who buy the vehicles.” – Alrik L. Svenson

With more innovative technology, new laws being put into place, and a growing number of drivers on the road everyday, new solutions to driver safety are being developed.
V2V and V2X technology, along with a GPS tracking device will prove beneficial to fleet management and adding to driver accountability and safety.

By Laura Turner on January 30, 2012 in Telematics

Lynx Telematics is an OEM that controls design, engineering, firmware, software development, IT support and manufacturing processes of our product, allowing us to produce the highest quality product in our industry, while offering our customers competitive pricing.

As your partner, we provide ongoing training and support to insure that the product is properly sold to the end user, maximizing the re-sellers profitability.

As one of the pioneers in telematics technologies, Lynx Telematics provides our clients with powerful end-to-end vehicle telematics tools. Our technology offers a real solution that delivers safety, saves money and provides an unprecedented level of peace of mind to our customers. 

 

Our product, Lynxsafe, is the newest and most advanced in-vehicle communication system currently on the market. It combines GPS/satellite and GSM cellular technology to provide users and family members with immediate access to real-time information delivered directly via any internet enabled device including I Phone and Android smart phones.

All of our devices benefit from the innovation of U-Blox technology and a 3D Accelerometer, providing the industry’s most accurate pin point locating technology to within a 3 ft. radius.

Vincent Rush, Lynx Telematics, 

Cincinnati, Ohio

(866)-314-0461

Telematics Advantages for Auto Dealerships

If you're a Dealer Principle or a GM for a dealership, let me ask you a simple question, what if you had the opportunity to add another $400-500 to every copy with a new F&I profit center?

What if you could put OnStar on every vehicle you sell, 1996 or newer, that 84% of your market wants, according to a survey conducted by Accenture, and it is even more robust than Onstar and costs less?

What would you do with a product like that?

Think about this, if GM has sold more than 6 million OnStar units on select vehicles, what could YOU do with a product that was LESS expensive MORE robust, takes less than 10 seconds to install and increased your profitability in Sales, Service, F&I and Parts?

Could you gain a competitive edge by differentiating yourself from your competition by:

*Providing you with a unique asset management tool to monitor your inventory from anywhere at anytime.

*Test drive notification: Help boost your closing percentage by immediately notifying managers when a test drive leaves and returns to the lot.

*Receiving custom notifications as your customers need servicing, before your competition is working on their car.

*Insurance discounts: Insurance companies have expressed willingness to offer rate reductions on policies to auto dealers who use out product on their inventory.

*Improved Service Department Marketing: Receive custom reports when one of your customers needs service. Large direct mail campaigns for your service department are eliminated allowing for better target marketing, which Dan Walker expressed to me is a need.

And in many cases, with floor planning assistance, commercial lenders are willing are willing to advance the product on the flooring line, thereby making front loading affordable.

What Lynx can provide to your customers: (Via their smart phones or internet device)

*Impact notification: Our emergency call center is immediately notified when the vehicle is in a collision offering peace of mind.

*Anti Theft/Early Theft Detection: Know when their car has been started and track its  current location in real time.

*Road-Side Assistance: Battery service, out of gas, flat tire, towing, lock-out service are all part of the package. With our GPS, the service truck already knows the location.

*Low Battery Notification: Text/Email alerts when the car battery goes below 12 volts.

*Real Time Diagnostics: Whether it’s an oil change, engine problem, or regular mileage check up, they will know what their car needs and when it needs it.

*On-Demand Locates: Know where there car is anytime day or night using any internet enabled device.

*Monitoring Teen Drivers: Receive text/email alerts with pin point location to their smart phone when their teen is speeding, coming to abrupt stops, displaying excessive RPM’s, driving without a seat belt or has been in an accident.

*Keep Tabs on Elderly Drivers: Receive notification when elderly loved ones have reached their destination, allowing them to remain independent longer.

*Safety Zones/Geo Fence: Create a virtual boundary around a selected location and be notified when the vehicle enters or exits these locations via text or email.

*Concierge Service: Turn-by-turn directions, locate restaurants and hotels, make reservations and locate business.

*Lifetime Replacement Guarantee: We are an OEM and stand behind the product with free replacement.

There are many other benefits of the Lynx Telematics product, including training your sales teams how to sell the product. At Lynx Telematics, we will be more than happy to set up a meeting with you to demonstrate the product and explain both the financial benefits for sales, F&I and service.

Posted by Vincent Rush of Lynx Telematics in Cincinnati, Ohio (866) 314-0461

Lynx Telematics is an OEM that controls design, engineering, firmware, software development, IT support and manufacturing processes of our product, allowing us to produce the highest quality product in our industry, while offering our customers competitive pricing.

As your partner, we provide ongoing training and support to insure that the product is properly sold to the end user, maximizing the re-sellers profitability.

As one of the pioneers in telematics technologies, Lynx Telematics provides our clients with powerful end-to-end vehicle telematics tools. Our technology offers a real solution that delivers safety, saves money and provides an unprecedented level of peace of mind to our customers. 

 

Our product, Lynxsafe, is the newest and most advanced in-vehicle communication system currently on the market. It combines GPS/satellite and GSM cellular technology to provide users and family members with immediate access to real-time information delivered directly via any internet enabled device including I Phone and Android smart phones.

All of our devices benefit from the innovation of U-Blox technology and a 3D Accelerometer, providing the industry’s most accurate pin point locating technology to within a 3 ft. radius.

Vincent Rush, Lynx Telematics, 

Cincinnati, Ohio

(866)-314-0461

Telematics and Auto Dealers

Telematics is predicted to be a $2 billion dollar market in the U.S. this year, presenting a size-able opportunity for dealers offering aftermarket vehicle theft recovery devices. LYNX TELEMATICS, an OEM located in Cincinnati, offers the latest in aftermarket telematics that offer considerable resell and markup potential for car dealers. 


 More than just a stolen car recovery device, Lynx serves well as a vehicle monitoring service. The Telematics device is a dealer-installed device that uses a combination of GPS and cellular technology to provide nationwide coverage and enable stolen cars to be tracked by all law enforcement agencies. Our product is a brand-new service that works in conjunction with Lynx technology to provide car buyers and dealers with real-time vehicle monitoring and reporting. Through a web-based dashboard, Lynx Telematics users can set speed alerts and GeoFences, as well as monitor car battery levels. 


“The car dealer industry is seeing a growing customer appetite for vehicle intelligence, and there are certain advantages to offering aftermarket products like ours,” said Vincent Rush of Lynx Telematics. “A key advantage is that LYNX delivers a lifetime benefit to the customer, so F&I departments can offer a set price and increase product penetration and overall dealership profitability.”
LYNX TELEMATICS is also useful for auto dealers to keep track of cars while they are being test driven or used by employees. This ensures that cars are always accounted for, and drivers testing the cars are abiding safety rules. Additionally, many dealers use LYNX as an inventory management tool, which gives the dealership access to all of its on-lot and off-lot inventory at the click of a button. Unlimited locates makes it extremely simple to locate a missing vehicle, perform inventory audits or conduct floor plan checks. Dealers can also set GeoFence boundaries for their inventory to travel within, create speed alerts to regulate maximum speeds and receive low-battery indicators for all of their inventory, giving them greater control and accountability.


What’s more, LYNX TELEMATICS provides a select service for buy-here pay-here car dealerships that need an affordable, reliable vehicle tracking service for repossession or default. Already some of the largest national dealership chains have selected telematics for their vehicle recovery needs. 
 

Lynx Telematics is an OEM that controls design, engineering, firmware, software development, IT support and manufacturing processes of our product, allowing us to produce the highest quality product in our industry, while offering our customers competitive pricing.

As your partner, we provide ongoing training and support to insure that the product is properly sold to the end user, maximizing the re-sellers profitability.

As one of the pioneers in telematics technologies, Lynx Telematics provides our clients with powerful end-to-end vehicle telematics tools. Our technology offers a real solution that delivers safety, saves money and provides an unprecedented level of peace of mind to our customers. 

 

Our product, Lynxsafe, is the newest and most advanced in-vehicle communication system currently on the market. It combines GPS/satellite and GSM cellular technology to provide users and family members with immediate access to real-time information delivered directly via any internet enabled device including I Phone and Android smart phones.

All of our devices benefit from the innovation of U-Blox technology and a 3D Accelerometer, providing the industry’s most accurate pin point locating technology to within a 3 ft. radius.

Vincent Rush, Lynx Telematics, 

Cincinnati, Ohio

(866)-314-0461