Understanding the challenges of on-board computing in road transport

On-board computing is profoundly transforming the road transport sector. Thanks to intelligent systems integrated into vehicles, transport companies are gaining in efficiency, safety and competitiveness. But what exactly is on-board computing? And how is it revolutionizing the daily lives of road transport professionals? This article takes you to the heart of this essential technology. 
 

What is on-board computing ?

In-vehicle computing refers to all IT systems integrated directly into a piece of equipment - in this case, a vehicle - to ensure compliance, monitoring and communication. Unlike conventional IT, these systems are designed to operate in real time, in environments that are often highly constrained (temperature, vibrations, energy autonomy, etc.).  
  

What are they used for ? 

On-board computing is used to control, collect and transmit information on equipment, facilitating real-time data monitoring and decision-making. 
 Very present in the road transport sector, it is closely linked to the Internet of Things (IoT). We find it in the form of beacons, trackers, probes or boxes - devices that are often discreet but essential to logistics and fleet management. 

Often battery-powered, these devices use a variety of communication modes, such as SIM cards, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. They record data which they regularly transmit to dedicated applications or software platforms, ensuring reliable, continuous feedback.
 

Telematics in the road transport sector: a key issue for connectivity and performance  !  

In a sector where every kilometer counts, on-board telematics is a strategic lever for optimizing road transport operations. By combining sensors, communication systems and analysis software, these solutions connect vehicles, drivers and fleet managers in real time.
 

Much more than a simple monitoring tool, telematics transforms the data collected into usable information: fuel consumption, driving behavior, preventive maintenance, geolocation, real-time alerts... These are all indicators that can be used to improve operational performance, enhance safety and reduce operating costs.
 

Let's discover the concerted benefits of on-board solutions :
- Optimizing social management with tachograph data


On-board systems enable automatic feedback of tachograph data, facilitating the monitoring of driving times, compliance with social regulations (CSR) and the generation of alerts in the event of anomalies. The result is smoother, more compliant management of driver schedules.
 

- Real-time fleet tracking for greater transparency and responsiveness

Thanks to live geolocation, managers can visualize the exact position of each vehicle, track the progress of rounds, estimate remaining driving time and inform customers in complete transparency. This improves traceability and service quality.
 

- Technical analysis of vehicles for more economical driving and a better-maintained fleet


On-board data can be used to analyze driving behavior, detect excess fuel consumption, and plan preventive maintenance. Alerts can be set according to defined thresholds, helping to reduce costs and extend vehicle life.
 

- Monitoring goods to ensure compliance 

On-board sensors can record door openings, monitor temperature or other critical parameters, ensuring compliance with transport standards, particularly for sensitive goods (food, pharmaceuticals, etc.). 
 

STRADAWORLD: an ecosystem of interconnected solutions to manage your transport activity 
 

In a world where data is becoming a strategic lever, STRADA offers much more than a simple geolocation tool. It's a veritable ecosystem of interconnected solutions, designed to support transport operators in the complete digitization of their business. Thanks to on-board computing, data collected on board vehicles is automatically centralized, analyzed and transformed into key performance indicators. 
 

STRADA Tracking, one of the key tools at the heart of this system, enables real-time tracking of vehicle positions, driving times, routes and tour events. But the real value of the STRADA system lies in its ability to cross-reference this data with our other solutions: social management and compliance, with STRADA Time, planning, invoicing with STRADA Attelage... Each piece of information collected becomes a source that enables us to manage the transport activity in a global, fluid and intelligent way.
STRADA Time, planning, facturation avec STRADA Attelage… Chaque information collectée devient une source qui permet de piloter l’activité de transport de manière globale, fluide et intelligente. 

This interconnection between tools enables : 
• A unified vision of operations, in real time.
• A reduction in manual tasks thanks to automated information flows.
• Faster, more reliable decision-making based on field data.
• Better coordination between teams (operations, HR, maintenance, management).
 

By centralizing all on-board IT data, STRADA offers carriers a unique world of solutions for managing their business from end to end, while meeting the challenges of performance, compliance and profitability. 
To find out more about this ecosystem, book an appointment with one of our experts today!
prenez rdv dès maintenant avec un expert !