As fleet telematics systems evolve from basic vehicle tracking to comprehensive fleet intelligence platforms, selecting the right partner has become a strategic decision. The right telematics solution can reduce operating costs, increase safety, and enhance asset utilization, but only if it meets your operational needs and scales with your business.
Based on ABI Research’s latest competitive assessment and industry benchmarks, here are eight essential questions every fleet manager should ask before choosing a telematics partner.
1. How comprehensive and customizable is the hardware and services portfolio?
Not all fleet telematics systems offer the same depth or breadth. Look for vendors that support a wide range of hardware types—sensors, dashcams, diagnostic tools, and environmental sensors. Concurrently, your ideal partner should support various service levels to match different fleet sizes and use cases. Cybersecurity must also be built into the solution to protect sensitive operational data.
Example: Powerfleet supports a wide range of operational contexts through its Unity platform. Its solutions extend across vehicle types, trailers, warehouse environments, and lone worker applications, giving fleet managers the tools they need to adapt as business needs evolve.
2. Is the user interface accessible and intuitive for all users?
Usability plays a vital role in solution adoption. A good telematics platform should be intuitive for both drivers and back-office staff. Dashboards must be easy to navigate, mobile-friendly, and accessible across job functions. An ideal platform should allow for role-based access and offer tools that reduce training time, while promoting consistent data usage.
Example: Samsara excels in user experience with its low-code interface and modular dashboards. These features enable users to customize their views without technical expertise, making the platform usable across frontline and managerial roles alike.
3. Is the platform open and integration-friendly?
Flexibility is critical when choosing a fleet telematics system. A truly open platform will support data interoperability through public Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), Software Development Kits (SDKs), and a robust third-party ecosystem. This openness ensures that the telematics platform can integrate smoothly with existing Information Technology (IT) infrastructure and fleet systems like maintenance software or supply chain platforms. In contrast, “walled garden” solutions often hinder long-term agility.
Example: Geotab’s commitment to openness is exemplified by its Marketplace, which offers over 430 third-party solutions, and its widely adopted public APIs. This level of flexibility allows customers to build a tailored telematics stack that evolves with their business.
4. What use cases does the solution support beyond basic tracking?
Fleet managers should assess how well a commercial telematics platform supports real-world efficiency gains. Does the solution offer features like route optimization, fuel consumption tracking, driver behavior monitoring, or maintenance scheduling? These capabilities go beyond visibility to deliver tangible operational benefits such as reduced downtime, improved driver safety, and lower fuel costs. The broader the use case coverage, the more value the platform can deliver across the organization.
Example: Samsara’s Connected Operations Cloud supports a range of use cases, from Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled driver coaching to proactive maintenance alerts and fuel management. These features are designed to improve both safety and cost performance.
5. How easily does the platform integrate with existing systems?
To avoid data silos, a telematics solution must integrate smoothly with the organization’s existing enterprise tools. Assess whether the vendor offers APIs that connect with your Fleet Management System (FMS), Transport Management System (TMS), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) platform, or other critical systems. The ease and reliability of these integrations often determine how quickly value can be realized.
Example: Verizon Connect has 50+ integration partners. These partners span accounting, compliance, dispatching, Electric Vehicles (EVs), field service management, fuel management, safety, supply chain visibility, transportation management, and vehicle maintenance.
6. How quickly can the solution deliver ROI and scale?
Time to value is another important factor that cannot be overlooked. A fleet telematics solution should deliver noticeable benefits, such as cost savings, operational efficiency, or improved safety within a reasonable period. The best telematics platforms require minimal adjustments and support rapid onboarding. Fleet managers should also consider the ease of scaling across regions or departments.
Example: Geotab customers often see Return on Investment (ROI) in under 3 months, thanks to rapid deployment options, customizable dashboards, and simplified onboarding processes.
7. Can the platform scale across geographies and verticals?
Global and multi-industry supply chains need fleet telematics platforms that work without regional limitations. Consider whether the vendor supports multi-language interfaces, has certifications in various countries, and can serve fleets operating in sectors such as food & beverage, trucking, Less-Than-Truckload (LTL), or pharmaceuticals. The ability to manage different vehicle types—from refrigerated vans to heavy-duty trucks—is also crucial when choosing a telematics company.
Example: Powerfleet serves over 48,000 customers in more than 120 countries, with offerings tailored to a broad spectrum of industries and fleet types. Its ability to scale across regions and business models makes it a compelling partner for global operations.
8. How strong are the platform's reporting and analytics capabilities?
A modern telematics system should do more than collect data—it should transform it into actionable insights. Look for platforms that integrate AI tools, diagnostic data, Global Positioning System (GPS) information, and third-party inputs into unified dashboards. Advanced reporting tools should support predictive analytics and scenario-based planning, and identify optimization opportunities such as ideal load placement or energy usage patterns. For fleets pursuing electrification, analytics should also support energy management and sustainability tracking.
Example: Samsara provides real-time diagnostics, customizable dashboards, and a drag-and-drop report builder that empowers fleet managers to visualize trends and detect issues before they exacerbate. These tools are especially valuable in enterprise-scale operations where fast decisions are critical.
Leveraging Market Research for Technology Investment Decisions
Choosing a fleet telematics partner is not just a procurement decision—it’s a long-term investment in operational visibility and efficiency. These eight questions offer a reliable framework to help supply chain managers assess which vendors align best with their performance goals and organizational strategy. Whether your fleet is regional or global, these criteria will help ensure that your next telematics investment delivers on the capabilities your organization requires. ABI Research’s global team of analysts have deep experience in consulting businesses regarding their technology investments. Our body of research has identified key use cases, best practices, demand forecasts, and leading vendors in 30+ technology categories. For fleet telematics solutions specifically, we provide the following resources:
- Commercial Telematics Vendors Competitive Ranking
- Commercial Telematics, Video Monitoring, and Cold Chain Management: A Global Outlook Market Data Overview: 1Q 2025
- Platform Science Consolidates Trimble's Telematics Business: Clarity on Value Proposition Is Critical
- Five Must-Have Features of a Fleet Management System for U.S. Enterprises
- Video AI for Fleet Management: Improving Safety and Helping Reduce Insurance Costs