Glossary
Plain-language definitions of the key telematics, fleet tracking, compliance and logistics terms — applied to real fleet management.
Battery State of Health (SoH)
State of Health (SoH) is the indicator of an EV battery's condition: remaining capacity versus new. What it is and why it matters for fleets.
Read the definition ComplianceCabotage
Cabotage is domestic transport carried out in an EU country by a non-resident carrier. What it is, the limits, and why it matters for fleet compliance.
Read the definition TelematicsCAN bus
The CAN bus is the internal network a vehicle's control units use to communicate. What it is, how it works and why it matters for fleet telematics.
Read the definition Cloud OEMCloud OEM
Cloud OEM is the mode where telematics data comes straight from the vehicle manufacturer over the cloud, with no aftermarket hardware to install.
Read the definition PharmaceuticalCold chain
The cold chain is the temperature-controlled handling of a product across the whole supply chain. What it is, why it matters in pharma and how it's monitored.
Read the definition Cloud OEMConnected vehicle
A connected vehicle has built-in connectivity that lets it exchange data in real time with the outside world. What it is and why it matters for fleets.
Read the definition KPICost per kilometre (CPK)
Cost per kilometre (CPK) is a vehicle's total running cost divided by the kilometres driven. What it is, what it includes and why it's a key fleet KPI.
Read the definition KPICost-to-serve
Cost-to-serve is the real cost of serving a customer, product or channel, including all logistics activities. What it is and why it reveals true margin.
Read the definition SustainabilityCSRD
CSRD is the EU sustainability reporting directive requiring many companies to disclose environmental and social impacts. What it is, in brief.
Read the definition Cloud OEMData-as-a-service (telematics API)
Data-as-a-service delivers vehicle data as a service via API, with no hardware. What it is and how it ties to the EU Data Act and Cloud OEM.
Read the definition PharmaceuticalDataMatrix serialization (FMD)
FMD serialization identifies each medicine pack with a unique DataMatrix code to fight counterfeiting. What it is and how it works.
Read the definition PharmaceuticalDIF (pharmaceutical intermediate distribution)
DIF is the Italian intermediate distribution of medicines: wholesalers that supply pharmacies between manufacturer and point of sale. What it is.
Read the definition KPIDigital Proof of Delivery
Digital Proof of Delivery (POD) is the electronic proof that a delivery happened: signature, photo and data captured via app. What it is and its benefits.
Read the definition TelematicsDigital twin
A digital twin is a virtual replica of a physical asset, updated in real time from sensor data. What it is and how it applies to fleet management.
Read the definition ComplianceDriving and rest times
Driving and rest times are the EU limits on how long a driver may drive and when they must stop. What they are, in brief, and how they're recorded.
Read the definition Cloud OEMeCall
eCall is the automatic emergency-call system that contacts 112 after a serious crash, sending the vehicle's location and data. What it is and how it works.
Read the definition SustainabilityEco-driving
Eco-driving is a driving style that cuts fuel and emissions: smooth acceleration, anticipation, less idling. What it is and how much fleets save.
Read the definition TelematicsEmbedded vs aftermarket telematics
Embedded telematics (factory-fitted) vs aftermarket (a device added later): what changes, the pros and cons for fleet management.
Read the definition RoutingEstimated Time of Arrival (ETA)
ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival) is the predicted time a vehicle or delivery will reach its destination. What it is, how it's calculated and why it matters.
Read the definition ComplianceEU Data Act
The EU Data Act (Reg. 2023/2854) gives the vehicle owner the right to access the data it generates and share it with third parties. What it is, in brief.
Read the definition ComplianceEU ETS2
EU ETS2 is the new EU emissions trading system for transport and building fuels. What it is and why it will push up the cost of diesel.
Read the definition ComplianceEU Mobility Package
The EU Mobility Package is the set of European rules on road transport, driving times, posting and cabotage. What it is and what changes for fleets.
Read the definition KPIFirst-attempt delivery rate
First-attempt delivery rate (FADR) measures the share of deliveries completed on the first attempt. What it is, how it's calculated and why it matters.
Read the definition TelematicsFleet tracking (GPS)
Fleet tracking is the real-time monitoring of a fleet's vehicle locations and data using GPS and telematics. What it is and how it works.
Read the definition KPIFleet utilization rate
Fleet utilization rate measures how much vehicles are actually used versus their availability. What it is and why it's a key fleet KPI.
Read the definition ComplianceGeneral Safety Regulation (GSR) / ADAS
The GSR is the EU regulation making ADAS — advanced driver assistance systems — mandatory on new vehicles. What they are and when they apply.
Read the definition TelematicsGeofencing
Geofencing means drawing virtual boundaries on a map that trigger alerts when a vehicle enters or leaves an area. What it is and what it's used for.
Read the definition PharmaceuticalGood Distribution Practice (GDP)
GDP (Good Distribution Practice) are the EU guidelines on the correct distribution of medicines: storage, transport, traceability. What they are.
Read the definition Cloud OEMHardware-free fleet tracking
Hardware-free fleet tracking means monitoring vehicles in real time with no device installed: the data comes straight from the manufacturer over the cloud.
Read the definition KPIIdle time
Idle time is how long a vehicle keeps its engine running while stationary, without moving. What it is, what it costs and how to reduce it in a fleet.
Read the definition RoutingLast-mile logistics
Last-mile logistics is the final stage of delivery, from depot to customer. What it is, why it's the most expensive and how to optimize it.
Read the definition ComplianceLow-emission zone (LEZ / ZTL)
A LEZ limits urban access by vehicle emissions class; a ZTL limits it by time and category. What they are and why they matter for urban deliveries.
Read the definition PharmaceuticalMean Kinetic Temperature (MKT)
Mean Kinetic Temperature (MKT) is a single temperature that summarises a product's cumulative thermal stress over time. What it is and what it's for.
Read the definition TelematicsOBD-II
OBD-II is the standard vehicle diagnostic port, also used as the data access point for aftermarket telematics devices. What it is and how it works.
Read the definition Cloud OEMOEM telematics
OEM telematics is the telematics system built into the vehicle at the factory by the manufacturer — no aftermarket device. What it is and how fleets use it.
Read the definition KPIOTIF (on-time in-full)
OTIF (on-time in-full) measures the share of deliveries made on time and complete. What it is, how it's calculated and why it's a key service KPI.
Read the definition ComplianceOwn-account vs third-party transport
Own-account is carrying your own goods; third-party (hire and reward) is carrying for others for payment. What changes and why it matters for compliance.
Read the definition TelematicsPredictive maintenance
Predictive maintenance uses vehicle data to predict failures before they happen. What it is and how it differs from preventive and corrective maintenance.
Read the definition RoutingReverse logistics
Reverse logistics is the flow of goods moving back up the supply chain: returns, packaging, refurbishment. What it is and why it matters for costs.
Read the definition RoutingRoute optimization
Route optimization is calculating the most efficient routes for a fleet given constraints and goals. What it is, how it works and what it enables.
Read the definition ComplianceSmart tachograph G2V2
The smart tachograph G2V2 is the second version of the second-generation digital tachograph, with GNSS border-crossing recording. What it is, in brief.
Read the definition ComplianceTachograph card
The tachograph card is the smart card that identifies the driver in the tachograph and records their activity. What it is, the types, and what it's for.
Read the definition TelematicsTelematics
Telematics is the technology that collects a vehicle's data — location, fuel use, diagnostics — and sends it remotely to a platform for analysis.
Read the definition Cloud OEMTelematics Control Unit (TCU)
The TCU (Telematics Control Unit) is the module that manages a vehicle's connectivity, collecting and transmitting its telematics data.
Read the definition PharmaceuticalTemperature data logger
A temperature data logger is a device that records temperature over time during transport and storage. What it is and what it's for in the cold chain.
Read the definition PharmaceuticalTemperature excursion
A temperature excursion is a deviation of temperature outside a product's allowed range. What it is, why it matters in pharma and how it's managed.
Read the definition KPITotal Cost of Ownership (TCO)
TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) is the sum of all of a vehicle's costs across its life cycle, not just the purchase price. What it is and what it includes.
Read the definition Cloud OEMVIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
The VIN is the unique 17-character code that identifies a vehicle. What it is, where to find it, and why the VIN alone activates Cloud OEM tracking.
Read the definition RoutingVRP (Vehicle Routing Problem)
The VRP (Vehicle Routing Problem) is the optimization problem of assigning and ordering a fleet's stops at minimum cost. What it is and why it's hard.
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