Telogis partners with AT&T to broaden telematics network

Fleet-tracking and truck-telematics firm Telogis Inc. will expand the reach of its services by partnering with telecommunications giant AT&T Inc., the companies said on Thursday.

Distribution and transportation companies use tools from Telogis, headquartered in Aliso Viejo, Calif., to improve visibility over a range of supply chain tasks such as telematics, driver behavior, vehicle dispatch, route optimization, and workforce management. Likewise, Volvo, Mack, and other truck makers rely on Telogis to manage the data generated by onboard telematics hardware in many models, Telogis says.

By partnering with Dallas-based AT&T, Telogis will gain access to a reliable, secure data stream for its global customers. That is a crucial ingredient for Telogis, since the firm's products are built on the Software as a Service (SaaS) model of distributed, cloud-based technology support.

In return, AT&T will gain a chance to diversify the users of its global telecommunications network, adding a new revenue stream outside of its traditional clients in the fields of entertainment, mobile computing, high-speed Internet, and voice services.

"We're offering Telogis a complete wireless network that enables two-way, real-time data communication between the vehicle and office," Chris Penrose, senior vice president for AT&T's Internet of Things (IoT) Solutions, said in a release. "We look forward to driving new innovative services together in the fleet marketplace and offering true global solutions to our mutual customers."

Together, the companies say they will be able to improve fleet efficiency for managers of 18-wheelers, small trucks, and heavy equipment through services including proactive maintenance reporting and vehicle health reports.

At the same time, the communication link can boost safety by helping to track drivers' hours-of-service logs and vehicle-inspection reports and using audible cab alerts to train drivers on speeding, harsh braking, fast acceleration, and even unbuckled seatbelts.