TELEMATICS: THE COUNTDOWN TO MARKET TAKE-OFF HAS BEGUN

The market for telematics applications in the UK road transport industry is growing. There is stiff competition between telematics providers. Telematics systems can be used to determine where vehicles are in relation to where they are supposed to be, revealing areas for improvement. They can be used to determine how a vehicle is being driven and when deliveries are made. The advent of digital tachographs will increase the need for better information management. Telematic systems are offered by Orchid, ThreeX, and BT Pinpoint. BT Pinpoint (a venture between BT and Tracker) is used by Glanbia Food services. The future for telematics in road transport in Europe is considered. Telematics are being used in Eurowatch, developed by TRI-MEX International Ltd to link electronic freight security with emergency services in 18 countries. Isotrak has developed business solutions integrating trucks into invoicing, delivery notification and routing and scheduling management.