The telematics market is one that continues to grow nation-wide as the demands required of data and technology in our fleets increase.
This was never clearer than at WHG’s TechDrive Roadshow event, where industry leaders got to show off what they’ve been working on in response to these developing needs.
Held in Melbourne by the team behind the telematics company, WHG is continuing to expand its reach and partnerships in the tech space.
Director of Operations Dylan Hartley kicked off proceedings by detailing what has been happening in the past 12 months.
“After our first TechDrive, we wanted to be more active in the Australian space. I can say now we’ve done that,” he said.
“Our partnerships are a really important part of being able to do what we do.
“We have over 65 competitors in the telematics space. In the last 12 months we’ve seen a consolidation of providers, which is a positive move. There’s some restructuring happening in our market around major suppliers.
“It’s critical to highlight that we need to get around our approved providers, which there are only nine of. That approval should give you peace of mind.”
Dylan believes the adoption of telematics at a higher rate than ever before is providing both benefits and challenges for the industry.
While the technology is adapting to the change, that comes with legislation that regulates it, like every other part of the industry.
A trial in Western Australia is currently utilising telematics data through PBS vehicles, making it more specific and targeted.
The growing age of Australia’s truck fleet has also proven to be another factor that must be considered when implementing new technology.
“Our market is becoming more accepting of telematics,” Dylan said.
“The key factors driving growth in our industry are the chain of responsibility, regulatory telematics and harmonisation, performance and predictive maintenance and proactive response and behaviour. The market is moving and advancing in a positive way.
“We have to keep looking at how we engage young people to join our industry. For some of them it’s about making their roles interactive.
“From a regulatory perspective, there’s a massive shift coming. Being able to use that as an operator will bring a number of benefits.
“I used to say the average age of a truck in Australia is 14 years. It’s now 15.8 years, and a new vehicle is now in a fleet for an average of six years.
“It’s increasing the adoption of this technology in older vehicles.”
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