In the fast-paced world of fleet management reducing downtime and maintenance costs are essential factors for success. Traditionally, fleet companies have adhered to routine service intervals – often resulting in unnecessary expenses and operational disruption. The advent of a new generation of predictive technologies, powered by AI, present a smarter alternative. And Intelematics’ FailSafe technology is at the forefront of this evolution.
Moving beyond one-size-fits-all
For fleet companies, the challenges associated with maintaining a large number of vehicles are multifaceted. Traditional service models, which rely on predetermined intervals, do not account for the specific condition of each vehicle or individual parts. This leads to unnecessary costs including the replacement of parts before they reach end of life.
Additionally, fixed service schedules do not account for variations in driving conditions, vehicle usage, or individual wear patterns. Consequently, fleet managers are left with a one-size-fits-all approach that neither optimises vehicle performance nor minimises costs.
AI presents a smarter alternative
Predictive maintenance, which leverages AI, offers a smarter alternative. It can be used to monitor vehicle health on both a macro and micro level.
This technology combines telematics with machine learning – collecting and analysing real-time data from systems and sensors. The result is a system than can be used to assess total vehicle health and accurately forecast the failure of parts – enabling corrective maintenance before they do. This is especially important for parts including lead-acid batteries which are the primary reason for roadside assistance calls after tyre punctures in Australia.
Technology for Australian conditions
In 2021 alone, RACV Roadside Assist attended 324,371 dead battery callouts across Victoria, resulting in 216,956 jump-starts and 107,135 battery replacements.
This can be attributed to several factors: internal corrosion, sulfation, and loss of electrolyte. Environmental factors can also accelerate this process. The chemical reaction that car batteries rely on to produce electricity is facilitated by heat, but this also accelerates battery degradation. While a battery can last five years or more in cooler climates, it may only last three years in more extreme climates.
Real-time solution from Intelematics
In response to these challenges, Intelematics has developed FailSafe, a predictive maintenance service that uses real-time data, artificial intelligence and machine learning technology to predict vehicle battery failure.
The service identifies patterns in battery performance and uses this information to train data algorithms, which in turn, help it to identify issues more accurately. FailSafe can also be easily integrated into any telematics solution via an API.
Unlike other applications that rely on a simple voltage reading, FailSafe uses a range of advanced battery-related parameters captured at the time of an engine start.
By ensuring timely imminent failure notifications, FailSafe helps to minimise vehicle downtime and battery-related roadside incidents. This is done using filtered alerts which can be tailored in format and frequency to complement existing workflows and processes. This approach ensures fleet managers are not overwhelmed by unnecessary alerts and are only notified when they need to act – increasing efficiency. Intelligent filtering also means alerts are less likely to be ignored, improving the safety of vehicles on the road.
Importantly, FailSafe goes beyond simple diagnostics. The system also analyses historical data, driving patterns, and individual vehicle characteristics to predict battery failure. This data-driven approach allows fleet managers to plan maintenance activities more efficiently and replace parts only when necessary.
Reducing servicing costs
FailSafe’s impact on reducing the cost of servicing for fleet companies is significant, which is why it has been adopted by multiple large fleet operators in the United States via Intelematics’ partnership with Voyomotive.
By moving away from traditional service intervals and adopting a data-driven approach, fleet managers can extend component life, minimise downtime and improve the efficiency of resource allocation.
The service empowers fleet managers to plan maintenance activities with precision. Instead of conducting routine services based on a calendar, they can address issues as they emerge. FailSafe’s customisable alerts and reporting features also allow fleet managers to allocate resources more efficiently. By directing attention to vehicles or components that genuinely need service, managers can optimise labour and reduce the need for excess spare parts inventory.
“FailSafe is a showcase example of how access to advanced vehicle data provided by Voyomotive enables partners, such as Intelematics, to deliver cost-effective solutions that increase safety while decreasing operating costs,” says Voyomotive CEO Peter Yorke.
Staying ahead of the competition
As fleet managers increasingly seek innovative solutions to stay ahead in a competitive landscape, FailSafe presents a unique opportunity. By leveraging the power of AI, combined with FailSafe, fleet companies can start their transition from a traditional, one-size-fits-all service model to a safer, more intelligent and cost-effective approach.
To find out more about FailSafe, visit: https://www.intelematics.com/failsafe/
