The role of telematics and data in local government

In 2022, COVID-19 restrictions have eased, but the way we operate has changed permanently; the pandemic created a permanent shift towards the digital and a greater reliance on data. Now, local governments are far more aware of the value of new technology — and that’s created a flood of opportunities for local government and the public sector to make the most out of data.

The maturing public sector is moving beyond simply tracking vehicles with GPS. This has led to enthusiasm about the benefits telematics can offer, from field safety and efficiency to financial sustainability. We’re also seeing greater adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) as local governments respond to the community’s demand for environmentally friendly operations and reduced carbon footprints.

The world is evolving, and technology is helping local government fleets evolve with it. Here’s how local governments are using telematics to improve services in 2022.

Contextual asset knowledge

Local government fleets are no stranger to technology; GPS is widely used in government vehicles. However, helping organisations understand that telematics is much more than just GPS is key to its uptake and success. Following the digital shift kick-started by COVID-19, local governments have become increasingly open to exploring the possibilities that telematics offer.

With Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity, telematics can collect real-time, second-by-second information and seamlessly integrate this data with fleet management platforms, giving organisations invaluable contextual asset knowledge. Essentially, the data from vehicles and equipment helps managers understand exactly what’s happening in and around the asset, wherever it is. This improves driver safety, increases efficiency and productivity, and, most importantly, keeps costs down.

Financial sustainability comes first

Speaking of keeping costs down, financial sustainability will always be local government’s number one issue. They operate within strict budgets, so ensuring assets are used efficiently is critical. Telematics provide insights into vehicle idle time, asset maintenance, utilisation and fuel consumption to give an accurate picture of how assets are used. Organisations can use this data to streamline asset use, reduce fuel costs and avoid costly equipment breakdowns.

To further leash costs, councils are using telematics to manage their Fuel Tax Credit (FTC) claims. With Teletrac Navman technology, the FTC process is completely automated while still adhering to ATO rules. Off-road travel and auxiliary fuel use are calculated using high-definition GPS location data and telematics installed in vehicles and equipment, allowing councils to record accurate FTC rebates. Telematics eliminates the guesswork, ensuring that rebate funds are funnelled back into council projects and services.

Telematics paving the way to EVs

While financial sustainability comes first for councils, in 2022, communities are demanding more from their local governments. People want to see action on climate change and expect the public sector to adopt more environmentally sustainable practices and lower its carbon footprint. Electric fleets and plant offer a perfect chance to create change, but while local governments have the appetite for new products and technology, ensuring ROI is key.

Teletrac Navman’s telematics-based EV readiness tool removes barriers for councils and government organisations looking to make the switch. It collects data to analyse existing usage patterns, taking into account where the fleet is going or how the equipment is being used. It looks at the cost of a replacement and recommends what vehicles or equipment should be swapped out as a priority to maximise efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The tool shows which vehicle swaps will give local governments ROI and ensures they can act in the community’s best interests by improving sustainability.

Where to now?

The adoption of telematics extends beyond local government into the public sector as a whole, where we’re seeing greater maturity in terms of technology acceptance.

As we move through the latter half of 2022 and into 2023, telematics usage within the public sector will continue to expand, helping organisations better manage projects and services under the public eye while operating within tight budgets.

The public sector is moving towards efficient, modern, sustainable and safe services — and telematics data is key to achieving that.

Image credit: iStock.com/metamorworks