💡 Look for a partner who can demonstrate experience working with fleets like yours, but also who understand the specific challenges you face day to day.
10 Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Telematics Partner (APAC)
Amy Clifford
Choosing a telematics provider is a big decision.
Choosing a technology provider is a big decision. Especially if you’re looking at both telematics and software.
It’s not just about hardware installs or fancy dashboards, it’s about finding a provider that understands your fleet operation, supports your team day to day and continues to deliver value long after the initial deal is made.
It’s about being there to grow and learn together – a collaboration, a true partnership.
With so many solutions on the market, asking the right questions upfront can make the difference between a system that simply collects data and one that genuinely helps you improve performance, safety and efficiency.
Before you commit, here are ten smart questions worth asking.
1. Do they get you, your business and your industry?
No two fleets are the same. The right telematics partner, for example, should take the time to understand your sector, your operation and where your specific pain points lie, rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution.
2. Is the platform people friendly?
The most powerful system in the world won’t deliver results if it’s clunky and difficult to use.
Understand how different users will interact with the system; drivers, fleet managers and operations teams will interact differently with the platform. Clear dashboards, intuitive navigation and simpler training requirements all play a big role in user adoption and long-term success.
3. Can the solution grow with your business?
Fleet operations rarely stand still. Vehicles are added, new customers are onboarded meaning routes change and compliance requirements evolve.
The right partner should offer a platform that scales easily – whether that’s supporting your business growth and expansion or offering guidance with new functionality and upgrades.
💡 Like most systems, fleet technology is an evolution. A modular approach can often be the best approach to add enhanced features to your operation, as and when you are ready for it.
"The service provided by Microlise is head and shoulders above what I’ve experienced with other suppliers.
"Our Account Manager knows our fleet operation inside out and is always on-hand to provide support, updates and ultimately makes my job that bit easier. Everyone we meet from Microlise, including customer service and install teams, always want to do a great job."
Adam Robson, Logistics Manager, Fine Lady Bakeries
4. How accurate and reliable is the data?
Telematics insights are only as good as the data behind them.
Ask how often data is refreshed, how missed signals are handled and what processes are in place to ensure accuracy. Consistent, reliable data is essential for reporting, compliance, safety initiatives and performance improvement.
💡 This is often where experienced providers can give you added assurance as opposed to start ups or younger companies.
5. Will it integrate with your existing systems?
A fully integrated fleet solution should be the goal for any sophisticated fleet, with your telematics data feeding your operation.
Check whether the solution integrates with systems you already have in place, such as work diaries, cameras , proof of delivery or temperature monitoring .
💡 Strong APIs and integration reduce manual work, minimises duplication and gives you a clearer, more joined-up view of your operation.
Not sure what good looks like?
We’ve spent 40+ years helping fleets make smart tech decisions. A quick conversation with our team can help you sense-check your current setup and future plans. We can even help you shape evaluation criteria for tenders and procurement.
6. What does support look like after go-live?
Implementation is only the beginning.
Ask what onboarding, training and ongoing support looks like once the system goes live. Ask about response times, access to dedicated support teams and how updates or new features are communicated.
💡 Why not ask to meet the different representatives from across the customer support functions or even ask what their customer satisfaction score looks like?
7. How flexible and useful is reporting?
Every business measures success differently. Reports and dashboards should look great, but they should also be easily tailored to show what’s most important to you.
In those initial phases, lay down what impact you expect to see and ensure these value-driven KPIs are built directly into your reporting.
💡 Regular catch ups and structured conversations also help to keep those business-critical measurables front and centre.
8. How is data security and compliance handled?
Telematics data often includes sensitive vehicle and driver information.
💡 A trustworthy partner should be transparent about data ownership, security standards and how regulatory requirements are met. Clear answers here aren’t optional, they’re essential.
9. What is the true cost over the lifetime of the contract?
Pricing can be more complex than it first appears.
💡 Look beyond headline costs and ask about hardware, installation, upgrades, support, contract length and exit terms. Understanding the full picture upfront helps avoid surprises later on.
10. Are they thinking long term?
Transport technology continues to evolve rapidly.
💡 Ask about the provider’s product roadmap, approach to innovation and how customer feedback influences future development. A strong partner should be focused on where your business is heading, not just where it is today.
Choose a partner, not just a platform
The right technology partner won’t simply provide data. They’ll help you use it to make better decisions, improve safety and run a more efficient operation.
Taking the time to ask the right questions now can pay dividends for years to come.
If you’re not sure where to start, a conversation grounded in the right questions can make all the difference. Take time to explore your options and choose a partner that truly understands your operation.
Get the conversation started
Ready to choose the right telematics partner?
Start a conversation with our team and explore how a solution built around your operation can deliver long-term value.
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