International Truck and Engine Corp. said this week it is the first OEM to offer customers a complete telematics solution that creates visibility into the operation of every truck in a fleet. 

The new International telematics solution delivers all operating information to customers via wireless connectivity. It will be available in July. 

International telematics combines remote vehicle monitoring, performance diagnostics and security elements into a single tool designed and validated to OEM specifications.

"As the first OEM to provide real-time comprehensive, integrated operating information, our new telematics solution lifts the blindfold on productivity and performance management for entire fleets," said Jeff Bannister, director of Truck Electronics for International.

"It’s as if the fleet manager or technician is able to be with every truck in person, with full diagnostic capability." 

Part of a $15 billion growth strategy, the new technology from International builds on the foundation established with the company’s Diamond Logic electrical system, which includes multiplexed wiring, advanced diagnostics, truck-body integration software and auxiliary power sources.

International telematics is designed to integrate with customers currently using the Diamond Logic electrical system, yet also is adaptable to all makes and models in all vehicle classes. 

"Fleet owners, managers and technicians lose control over some of their most important assets when their trucks leave the lot and go to work each day," Bannister said. 

"In most cases, our customers want to know everything about the performance and productivity of these vehicles. International telematics offers a way for our customers to track location, monitor performance, diagnose maintenance issues, and ensure driver and vehicle security by taking advantage of wireless telemetry." 

How International Telematics Works

Like an electronic umbilical cord, International telematics moves wireless data from each vehicle into the office or workstation of fleet and maintenance managers. An in-vehicle device transmits telemetry and location information via cellular wireless technology. 

International telematics software then organizes and packages the information, displaying it through a secure website that provides real-time data reporting and administration on each vehicle in customers’ fleets. 

How International Partnered with IBM

IBM was a key technology provider and consultant for International telematics, providing back-end hardware and software and developing the website for the product. 

"IBM and International’s collaboration in this project sets a new pace for telematics in the commercial-vehicle market," said Jim Ruthven, program director for IBM Automotive and Telematics Solutions. 

"Working with IBM, International has developed a Web portal that integrates wirelessly transmitted data and its back-end IT systems for International’s customers. The result is unprecedented, allowing International to offer fleet managers breakthrough technologies and services to more efficiently manage assets, reduce operating costs and streamline business processes." 

Benefits to Fleets of Telematics

Designed to give customers more confidence in the health of their business, International telematics delivers robust data on asset performance and allows managers to focus on running their business, not operating their equipment. 

Likewise, truck drivers can be more confident in the health and security of their vehicle, as International telematics will reduce downtime, anticipate maintenance needs, and provide an extra connection to their fleets’ security resources and other services. 

"International telematics is a productivity tool for business efficiency that will help our customers understand sources of operational effectiveness – or maybe ineffectiveness," said Bannister.

"Customers using this new tool will see its impact on their bottom line, because it will help reduce fuel and inventory costs, maximize available revenue opportunities, and improve the overall return on their investment in trucks and truck equipment." 

International customers, suppliers and equipment partners can see International telematics at work at the TMC annual conference, which runs through Wednesday in Fort Lauderdale, and at the Mid-America Trucking Show March 25-27 in Louisville, Ky.