Telematics

Telematics is the technology that collects data from a vehicle remotely and sends it over mobile networks to a software platform. The name combines telecommunications and informatics. For a company fleet, it means knowing where each vehicle is, how far it has driven, how it is driven and what alerts it raises, without relying on manual reports.

How telematics works

Every telematics system links three building blocks:

• A data source in the vehicle: either a tracker fitted after purchase, often plugged into the diagnostic port, or the manufacturer's built-in module, known as embedded telematics. Both combine a GPS receiver with access to the vehicle's internal network, which uses the CAN protocol.
• A network: mobile data links, part of wider vehicle connectivity, carry the data to servers.
• A platform: the software that turns raw data into maps, trip logs, dashboards, alerts and reports.

What data telematics brings back

• Location: live position, trip history, stops and speed, the basis of GPS tracking.
• Vehicle data: odometer, fuel or battery level, engine hours, warning lights and fault codes, depending on the source.
• Driving events: harsh braking, sharp acceleration, speeding, idling.
• Usage: who drove which vehicle and when, and how much each vehicle is really used.

Uses for a company fleet

• Operations: dispatching jobs, proving visits to customer sites, answering "where is the van?" instantly.
• Costs: accurate mileage for leases and servicing, fuel monitoring and right-sizing an underused fleet.
• Safety: driver performance indicators that support coaching rather than blame.
• Security: alerts when a vehicle moves outside permitted hours or zones.
• Sustainability: usage data to decide which vehicles can switch to electric.

Telematics and privacy

Location data linked to a driver is personal data. A fleet must define a legitimate purpose, inform drivers, limit retention and respect private use. Our guide on telematics and GDPR details the rules.

How Dadycar helps

Dadycar is a French fleet management software that includes real-time telematics tracking. It works without a box on compatible connected vehicles, with an optional tracker for others, so mixed fleets share one map for geolocation and fleet tracking, trips, mileage, geofencing and driver performance. Data is hosted in France with OVHcloud. The Fleet plus Telematics plan costs 16 € excl. VAT per vehicle per month; see pricing.

FAQ

Do I need to install a box to use telematics?
Not always. Compatible connected vehicles can share data directly through the manufacturer; a tracker covers the other vehicles.

What is the difference between telematics and GPS tracking?
GPS tracking is one part of telematics: the position. Telematics also brings vehicle data, driving events and usage information.

Can employees be tracked outside working hours?
Tracking must match a legitimate purpose and respect private life. Drivers must be informed, and private trips should be protected, for example with a private mode.