11 December 2018
EE, part of the BT group, has launched its first connected cars service for the UK’s five million SMEs who may rely on a fleet of vehicles to run their business.
The mobile operator reckons Auto Mate gives businesses more control over their vehicles by tracking their location, performance and driving patterns.
The service works by simply plugging a compact device into a compatible vehicle.
This collects a “vast array” of telematics and diagnostics data.
This information is then interpreted by a Big Data platform and relayed back to the driver or fleet manager via the Auto Mate app or an online portal.
The company claims that as well as reducing fleet running costs, the service also boosts productivity and safety.
For example, data relating to the vehicle’s speed and braking patterns are fed back to the driver and their manager.
Furthermore, if the built-in sensors detect that the vehicle has been involved in an accident, the service will automatically alert the fleet manager.
“Auto Mate forms part of our plan to create faster, safer, smarter businesses, underpinned by the Internet of Things,” says Chris Sims, MD of strategy, marketing and digital at BT Enterprise.
“We believe that companies such as couriers, hauliers, estate agents, plumbers and electricians will find the service really appealing.”
The service currently costs £11 per month, per vehicle, with a £49 up-front charge, as part of a 24 month offer.