Trucking Info

Fleet FAQ

Got Questions? Modern Telematics Best Practices.

Q. How can I prepare for the sunsetting of the 3G Network?

A. As networks are upgrading to accommodate for faster speeds and compatibility through 4G technology, we suggest that fleets consider the 3G sunset as an opportunity to upgrade their fleets to technology that can support them today and can scale to their needs in the future.

Before you even consider updating your telematics hardware to a 4G capable device, it is important to consider your data. Data from your system should be accessible in cloud-based systems and it is crucial that you ensure all of your data is archived for your use.

It is also important to have conversations with your company’s leadership team to understand how the data offered through a telematics solution can extend to all corners of the business. For example, finance and IT may want to take advantage of Geotab’s open APIs to integrate with customer relationship management (CRM) or enterprise resource management (ERP) tools. This example is just one of many proving that the value of telematics extends beyond the fleet manager.

Preparing in advance and an early transition are key for businesses to be impacted as minimally as possible by the sunset. Given that the timing of the sunset varies by each carrier, it is important for fleets to understand the current capability of their hardware and work closely with their providers to understand when and how you could be affected. From our perspective, we recommend planning for a transition as early as possible.

Here are a few best practices for the transition process:

  1. Reach out to your telematics provider to find out if your current devices are 4G capable.
  2. Find out how long it will take to uninstall an old telematics device and reinstall it with a new 4G-capable device in one vehicle. For example, it takes about 15-30 minutes to replace a Geotab GO device.
  3. Calculate the time needed for an installer to switch out all of the devices in your fleet. Use this equation: Installation time X number of vehicles = total fleetwide installation time.
  4. Choose your installer. Will it be an in-house mechanic, a third-party technician, or a driver or member of the fleet team?
  5. Schedule the installation time in a way that doesn’t affect productive uptime.
  6. Communicate with all the internal stakeholders, reviewing steps 1-4 with them, and assign specific tasks for which they’ll be responsible.

Expert Bio

Answered by : Scott Sutarik from Geotab

VP, Commercial Vehicle Solutions

Scott Sutarik is the VP of Commercial Vehicle Solutions at Geotab Inc. He has extensive experience within the truck manufacturing industry, specializing in medium duty and heavy duty trucks. He previously worked in sales and marketing at Navistar Inc. where he supported over 700 dealerships, worked with suppliers and telematics providers, and managed the OnCommand Connection Program. With his expertise in telematics, regulatory compliance, engine diagnostics, and alternative fueled vehicles, Scott provides training and works with Geotab's partners to develop leading-edge fleet management solutions for the trucking industry.

Scott Sutarik is the VP of Commercial Vehicle Solutions at Geotab Inc. He has extensive experience within the truck manufacturing industry, specializing in medium duty and heavy duty trucks. He previously worked in sales and marketing at Navistar Inc. where he supported over 700 dealerships, worked with suppliers and telematics providers, and managed the OnCommand Connection Program. With his expertise in telematics, regulatory compliance, engine diagnostics, and alternative fueled vehicles, Scott provides training and works with Geotab's partners to develop leading-edge fleet management solutions for the trucking industry.

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