Vehicle tracking system in the context of Asset tracking

A passenger information system, or passenger information display system, is an automated system for supplying users of public transport with information about the nature and the state of a public transport service through visual, voice or other media. It is also known as a customer information system or an operational information system, often integrated with fleet management systems. Among the information provided by such systems, a distinction can be drawn between:

• Static or schedule information, which changes only occasionally and is typically used for journey planning prior to departure.
• Real-time information, derived from automatic vehicle location (AVL) systems or vehicle tracking system and changes continuously as a result of real-world events, which is typically used during the course of a journey (primarily how close the service is running to time and when it is due at a stop, as well as incidents that affect service operations, platform changes, etc.).

Static information has traditionally been made available in printed form though route network maps and timetable booklets at transit stations. However, most transit operators now also use integrated passenger information systems that provide either schedule-based information through a journey planner application or schedule-based information in combination with real-time information.

Vehicle location data is the big data collection of vehicle locations, including automatic vehicle location data, a core feature of any vehicle tracking system. This usually includes times and often photographs as well, a practice known as video telematics. The process of collecting this data from remote assets via telemetry is a core component of telematics, often managed by a telematic control unit. Its application in the commercial sector forms the basis of fleet digitalization and is central to any fleet telematics system.

Common methods of data collection include automatic number plate recognition from cameras, such as a Dashcam, and radio-frequency identification (RFID) from transponders. In commercial contexts, a dedicated GPS tracking unit is often used for this purpose, forming part of a wider tracking system. Databases of this information are maintained by both government and private entities. For businesses, this data is essential for fleet management tasks like Track and trace, enabling vehicle repossession, and consumer profiling through methods like Driver scoring. Government databases have been subjected to legal orders for location data, and access may be granted in both criminal and civil cases.

A fleet telematics system is a method for managing vehicle fleets by combining in-vehicle hardware with a centralized software platform. This integration facilitates the real-time collection and analysis of data related to a vehicle's location, its mechanical health, and the performance of its driver. While it uses vehicle tracking for foundational automatic vehicle location, a comprehensive telematics system goes further by tapping into a vehicle's onboard diagnostic systems. It is a component of fleet digitalization, transforming raw data into insights for improving efficiency, safety, and lowering the total cost of ownership (TCO).

These systems are used in modern fleet management, providing data on everything from fuel consumption and engine maintenance to driver scoring and route planning. A common challenge that modern platforms address is the consolidation of data from a mixed fleet of vehicles and machinery from various manufacturers into a single, unified system. The technology is used in commercial industries and for consumer services like carsharing and ride-hailing platforms such as Uber and Bolt.

Fleet digitalization is the process of leveraging digital technology to improve the discipline of fleet management. While fleet management encompasses the entire lifecycle of a company's vehicles—from procurement and maintenance to disposal—digitalization transforms these processes from manual or analog methods to data-driven, optimized operations.

Although often associated with modern fleet telematics and vehicle tracking systems, fleet digitalization is a broader concept. It includes a wide array of specialized software and platforms that address various aspects of the fleet lifecycle.