The future of telematics for off-highway OEMs

Go beyond tracking and discover how OEMs can leverage advanced telematics for smarter, more profitable operations.

1. Introduction

In today’s fast-paced, data-driven world, telematics has become a game-changer for industries that rely on heavy machinery and equipment. For off-highway OEMs, telematics is no longer just about fleet management—it’s about unlocking new levels of efficiency, productivity, and innovation. 

But not all telematics solutions are created equal. While basic telematics provides foundational insights, advanced telematics takes it a step further, offering real-time data, predictive analytics, and remote control capabilities that can transform your operations. 

This white paper explores the key differences between basic and advanced telematics, highlights the benefits of advanced solutions, and provides actionable steps to help your business stay ahead of the curve.

Ready to future-proof your business? Let’s dive in.

Basic vs. Advanced Telematics

Learn how OEMs are upgrading from basic to advanced telematics to boost efficiency and unlock new revenue. 

Watch Webinar

2. What is telematics, and why does it matter?

Telematics is the technology that combines telecommunications and informatics to transmit, store, and analyze data from remote assets. In the off-highway industry, this means collecting data from construction machinery, agricultural equipment, mining vehicles, and more. 

But telematics isn’t just about tracking location or speed—it’s about gaining actionable insights that drive smarter decisions. From optimizing maintenance schedules to improving safety and reducing operational costs, telematics is a powerful tool for OEMs looking to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market. 

Key applications of telematics in off-highway OEMs: 

  • Remote monitoring and diagnostics
  • Predictive maintenance to reduce downtime
  • Enhanced safety through real-time equipment monitoring
  • Improved customer service and support
  • Data-driven product development

3. Basic vs. advanced telematics: What’s the difference?

The key difference between basic and advanced telematics lies in how deeply they integrate with the machine. Basic telematics, often installed after manufacturing, provides limited insights such as GPS tracking, speed, and general usage data. These systems rely on external sensors to estimate performance metrics, making them a quick retrofit option but restricting the depth of available insights. 

Advanced telematics, on the other hand, is built directly into the machine during manufacturing, connecting to its internal systems for precise, real-time data. Instead of estimating fuel consumption or engine performance based on external factors, advanced telematics pulls data straight from the machine’s core components, enabling remote diagnostics, predictive maintenance, and deeper operational insights. While basic telematics offers a broad overview, advanced solutions unlock the full potential of data-driven decision-making—boosting efficiency, reducing costs, and driving innovation. 

4. The benefits of advanced telematics for off-highway OEMs

Advanced telematics go beyond tracking – they deliver real-time machine insights that cut costs, prevent downtime, and boost efficiency. OEMs can detect issues early, enable proactive maintenance, and strengthen customer relationships with predictive service offerings. By integrating with fleet management and asset tracking, they unlock new revenue streams and expand their product portfolio. Looking ahead, telematics will drive automation, remote control, and smarter operations, shaping the future of the off-highway industry. 

Imagine a future where your machines are smarter, your operations are smoother, and your customers are happier. Advanced telematics make it possible.

Machine Performance Monitoring

Avoiding major problems and optimize machine performance.

Predictive Maintenance

Reducing downtime and maintenance costs.

Remote Diagnostics

Reduce the need for costly on-site visits.

Improved Customer Service

Proactive and efficient customer service.

Data-driven Decision Making

Informed decisions on product development.

Increased Efficiency and Productivity

Improved business operations and profitability.

5. How to get started with advanced telematics today

The future of off-highway OEMs lies in data-driven innovation, from predictive maintenance to automation. But before these advancements become the industry standard, a strong foundation must be built. This starts with accurate data collection through reliable TCUs and CAN Bus integration, ensuring clean and precise insights. Next, robust infrastructure is needed to process and store this data, making it accessible for real-time decision-making. Finally, an intuitive platform is essential to visualize and manage data, enabling OEMs to unlock actionable insights. While the full potential of advanced telematics is still evolving, solutions like Proemion’s Global Telematics Solution already provide the essential data needed to drive innovation – helping OEMs optimize operations today while preparing for the future. 

Transitioning to advanced telematics doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting started: 

Step 1: Data Collection 

Data Science is an interdisciplinary field that involves extracting insights and knowledge from data using scientific methods, processes, algorithms, and systems. It encompasses several fields such as statistics, mathematics, computer science, and domain-specific knowledge to make sense of the complex data collected. By leveraging various techniques to identify patterns, trends, and relationships in data, it enables organizations to make data-driven decisions. These techniques include data mining, machine learning, statistical modeling, visualization, and predictive analytics. Data Science also involves data cleansing, processing, and preparation to ensure that data is reliable, accurate, and consistent. 

Proper data science creates the baseline for the three following examples of beneficial innovations in the off-highway OEM industry. 

Automating off-highway vehicles and equipment through advanced telematics solutions could transform the industry. With the advent of self-driving vehicles, human operators would become less necessary, leading to improved efficiency and productivity. By using a combination of GPS, sensors, and advanced algorithms, these vehicles can navigate and operate autonomously, reducing the need for human intervention. Moreover, this automation technology enhances safety by reducing the risk of accidents caused by human error. As a result, advanced telematics solutions are eagerly awaited by the off-highway industry and are already heavily discussed during industry-relevant exhibitions. 

Advanced telematics solutions can revolutionize the way off-highway vehicles and equipment are controlled and monitored. Remote control capabilities provided by these solutions can enable organizations to operate and monitor their machinery from anywhere in the world. This makes this feature particularly useful for organizations that have multiple sites or locations, as it allows them to manage their assets centrally. Already today, remote machine monitoring is possible with Proemion’s Global OEM Telematics solution for OEM, which opens the way for remote control.  

In the future, the remote control feature could also improve safety by omitting the need for personnel to be physically present on-site. Additionally, it can help to reduce operating costs by allowing for more efficient use of resources.   

Machine learning algorithms will be essential to advanced telematics solutions in the off-highway industry. These algorithms can provide valuable insights and predictions by analyzing vast amounts of data collected from vehicles and equipment. This enables organizations to optimize operations, reduce costs, and improve efficiency. Machine learning algorithms can also identify patterns and anomalies that might not be visible to the human eye, helping to identify potential issues before they become significant problems. By harnessing the power of machine learning, organizations can improve the reliability and safety of their equipment while maximizing their productivity.  

This process can be supported by storing all the data collected on one singular platform. For example, Proemion’s telematics solution includes the DataPlatform, a secure and scalable platform that allows you to manage and store all the data the CANlink ® mobile devices collect. You can learn more about the DataPlatform here.

Step 2: Data Integration 

Data integration combines data from different sources, formats, and locations and transforms it into a unified and consistent view. Data integration aims to provide a comprehensive view of data to support business intelligence, analytics, and decision-making. This involves extracting, transforming, and loading data from various sources into a common data model. Data integration can be achieved through various methods, such as manual data entry, data warehousing, data migration, and data virtualization, and allow for the introduction of beneficial features such as interoperability.  

Already today, Proemion uses the REST API to make this possible. As the standard interface between Proemion’s DataPlatform and various web interfaces, it delivers the data where you need it.  

Interoperability offers integration with other systems and technologies, enabling organizations to access more comprehensive data and insights. This integration capability helps organizations maximize their data's value, as they can combine telematics data with data from other systems, such as ERP or maintenance management software. The resulting insights can provide a holistic view of operations, enabling organizations to make better-informed decisions. Interoperability also helps organizations to future-proof their investment in telematics solutions by ensuring compatibility with new and emerging technologies.  

Proemion’s DataPlatform offers seamless machine and third-party data integration into other suppliers’ web interfaces through the standardized AEMP API, simplifying data sharing without additional effort. The DataPump securely streams machine data directly into your existing systems, enabling efficient analytics and data consolidation in your preferred on-premise or cloud environments. You can read more about them here.

Step 3: Data Analytics 

Data analytics is the process of analyzing and examining large and complex data sets to extract insights and draw conclusions. It involves using various statistical and quantitative methods to identify patterns, trends, and correlations within the data, providing valuable information for decision-making. Data analytics encompasses several fields, including business intelligence, data mining, and predictive analytics. With technologies like real-time data analysis, organizations are able to identify and solve problems, improve operations, and optimize performance.   

Proemion offers the DataPortal as a means of visualizing and managing the collected data and making it easily assessable for OEMs.  

Harnessing real-time data analysis allows OEMs to monitor operations as they unfold, enabling instant, data-driven decisions that boost efficiency and productivity. By continuously analyzing incoming data, businesses can detect potential issues early and take immediate corrective action, ultimately minimizing downtime and maximizing uptime. 

Beyond just problem-solving, real-time insights unlock new opportunities. Tracking key performance indicators like fuel consumption and equipment utilization helps optimize operations and reduce costs. This also creates new revenue streams, particularly in after-sales service. With continuous visibility into machine performance, OEMs can proactively link maintenance needs to spare part sales, offering timely, data-backed solutions that drive customer satisfaction and business growth.

6. Service excellence: Elevate customer support with advanced telematics

In a competitive market, exceptional service sets OEMs apart. Reliable support, expert guidance, and proactive maintenance not only build trust but also ensure peak equipment performance. By embracing advanced telematics, OEMs can automate service processes, optimize uptime, and enhance customer satisfaction – turning  service excellence into a true competitive advantage.

Predictive maintenance takes service excellence to the next level by using real-time machine data to anticipate and address maintenance needs before failures occur. Instead of reacting to breakdowns, OEMs can proactively schedule service, reducing costly unplanned downtime and optimizing fleet performance. 

By continuously analyzing equipment data, predictive maintenance helps detect wear patterns, identify potential issues early, and prevent minor concerns from escalating into major failures. This not only lowers maintenance costs but also extends the lifespan of machinery, improving overall efficiency and reliability. 

For OEMs, this translates into a powerful value proposition: fewer emergency repairs, increased operational efficiency, and stronger, long-term customer relationships. Offering predictive maintenance powered by advanced telematics enables OEMs to stand out in a competitive market while delivering real, measurable benefits to their customers. 

By offering proactive, data-driven support, you can increase customer satisfaction and drive repeat business. Read our white paper on "4 Ways to Achieve Service Excellence" and learn more about how advanced telematics unlocks new opportunities.

4 Things you should be doing to achieve service excellence

A guide for off-highway OEMs' after-sales strategy

Read more

7. Conclusion: Future-Proof your business with advanced telematics

The future of the off-highway industry is here, and it’s powered by advanced telematics. From predictive maintenance to remote control and beyond, the possibilities are endless. 

But the time to act is now. By implementing advanced telematics today, you can: 

  • Improve operational efficiency
  • Reduce costs
  • Enhance customer satisfaction
  • Prepare for future innovations

Don’t get left behind. Take the first step toward a smarter, more connected future with Proemion’s advanced telematics solutions. Our solution covers all three steps integral to advanced telematics by collecting, processing, and visualizing clean machine data. Moreover, since they are built into the machinery, they collect first-hand data from the machine, making it clean and reliable. 

Basic vs. Advanced Telematics

Learn how OEMs are upgrading from basic to advanced telematics to boost efficiency and unlock new revenue.