Geotab introduces newest-generation fleet management device

With over 860,000 devices operating in 110 countries worldwide, Ontario-based Geotab has been collecting data and helping fleets solve operational challenges for years. Last month, the company debuted its new GO8 LTE fleet management device, and at this week’s American Trucking Associations’ MCE show in Orlando, the company has been offering its expertise in the space to interested fleets.

The GO8 offers advanced GPS technology, G-force monitoring, Geotab IOX expandability (allows the connection of up to 4 additional systems for monitoring and data collection such as tire pressure monitoring systems), engine and battery health assessments, and in-vehicle audible driver coaching.  

Scott Sutarik, associate vice president, Commercial Solutions, told FreightWaves that users of its devices such as the GO8 are not bound to using Geotab’s fleet management software. It’s available, he said, but it’s more important for fleets to work with the data they need in the systems they are comfortable with.

“Our goal is to allow the customer to use the data as they see fit,” he said. Geotab devices integrate with all major systems.

The GO8 is a plug-and-play device capable of pulling a full range of vehicle data.

Geotab is currently pulling some 1.7 billion data points from its connected vehicles each day. Each data point is processed as it is received in the MyGeotab cloud-based software against pre-configured rules and notifications set by the customer. This data analysis has provided further insights into traffic patterns and commercial fleet activity, including the impact of both hurricanes Harvey and Irma on vehicle fleet activity, as well as benchmarking fuel economy by state for trucks, the company explained.

Geotab’s Drive product offers operators an ELD-compliant solution that works with the bring your own device approach some fleets and drivers prefer. Drive’s features include hosting data for hours of service (Cloud ELD), which pairs the vehicle with Geotab’s cloud-based, real-time MyGeotab software.

Sutarik pointed out that when the ELD mandate goes into effect on Dec. 18, violations will be issued, and fines can range up to $500.

Because the ELD data is stored in the cloud, as so much truck data is these days, Sutarik noted the importance of device and system security.

“It’s really important for people to keep in mind that security is a journey,” he said. Data needs to be encrypted at the device level, he explained, before adding that Geotab holds a “blanket security agreement” with the Department of Homeland Security, allowing government agencies to purchase its devices.

“Our goal is to get this data out to our users so they can improve their businesses,” Sutarik summed up.

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