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“There are many, many solutions to similar problems out there. Some of them play well with others; some don’t,” Grosfield says. “We see a lot of tactical fixes. Companies will slap something in, as cheaply as they can, to address a specific problem. It may solve one problem, but could introduce many others. That’s how a heterogeneous environment evolves.”

By contrast, the two companies chose technologies with the proven ability to communicate with one another. The result is an integrated system that keeps things from getting lost in translation.

2. Find a way to automate communication
A really useful telematics solution is one where no one needs to ask for information; instead, it’s communicated automatically.

Some systems (including the one designed for TransPro) can provide multiple parties with information in real-time—not just the driver and the dispatcher. In Prosia’s opinion, this option is worth its weight in gold. His customers no longer have to chase down information by e-mail or phone, and he no longer has to devote resources to answering status queries.

“As soon as we get notification, our customer gets notification.”

3. Focus on security
The sheer amount of sensitive information transmitted between shippers, carrier companies and truckers—things like purchase orders, bills of lading and Customs invoices—can make telematics daunting for shippers.

“When you start embracing different technologies, you really are exposing your company to lots of different security risks out there,” Prosia says.

Companies must have faith that the telematics technology is secure. TransPro achieved this by adopting a security management plan with clearly-defined protocols. Once it determined who should have access to what, it applied firewalls and secured-access portals to enforce the rules.

“The right people need access to the right information with no barriers, and that requires security,” Grosfield explains. “You don’t want the wrong people able to delete or modify the wrong things.”

4. Remember the consequences of inaction
Both Prosia and Grosfield believe that the effort of installing a real-time communications system properly is worth it, and will only become more valuable to shippers and carriers alike as supply chains evolve.

“Visibility of freight is at all times very, very important,” Prosia explains. “At the beginning, it was a selling feature; today, it’s expected.”