In most things, variety is good. But not always. For example, there’s a great deal of variety when it comes to telematics providers and how they install their solutions – and it can lead to confusion and headaches for customers.
In our other blogs, my ASCEND colleagues have talked about the process of implementing a telematics solution and the importance of articulating the business case for adopting telematics, establishing objectives, KPIs, and benchmarks, and partnering with the provider to put together a comprehensive implementation plan that covers everything from change management communication to user onboarding and training.
But among the most critical parts of an implementation is the actual installation of the system – the placement of the telematics devices on vehicles and other assets and connecting them to the telematics platform. Proper installation is the difference between the system working as it should, right from the start, or failing to see the expected returns from the investment in the solution.
In installation, the “variety” I mentioned above comes into play with the different approaches providers take. Some providers have their own dedicated installers, while others rely on those who may only do installation as part of their job. Then there are those who leave installation up to customers to handle themselves.
These differences matter, especially when it comes to challenges that can arise during the installation process, including the following:
You might not get the right hardware. Dedicated installers – that is, professionals whose entire job is installing telematics systems – will be familiar with the telematics hardware and have training and experience that will help them ensure they are installing the right device on each vehicle or asset.
Proper installation isn’t a given. Dedicated installers will also know, and have experience with the various installation methods, whether it’s a simple unit that just needs to be affixed to the asset or a unit that needs to be wired into the engine bus. When these pros are doing the installation, it is more likely to be done right.
You might be on your own to troubleshoot. No matter how good the telematics product, customers sometimes will encounter glitches or devices that don’t work. These instances are likely to be minimized if the providers dedicated installers do the work and can work with the providers customer support team to address issues.
Ask Questions During the Sales Process
All these issues can be avoided if you work with a provider that does the installation and relies on trained, dedicated installers.
The best way to find out if this is what your provider does? Ask questions during the sales process. That’s the best way to get this critical information you need to avoid installation challenges.