an interview with Geotab's Senior Regional Manager in the Asia-Pacific Region
Telematics is a method of monitoring cars, trucks, equipment, and other assets using GPS technology and on-board diagnostics (OBD) to plot the asset movements on a computerized map. Life in our world today is not as simple as it was decades ago when population was low and traffic congestion was unheard of in some cities. Through the years, vehicles on the road have also increased significantly in most developed cities. Technology and economic progress have expanded our horizons; thus, daily business operations have a wider scope now. This is where telematics becomes an essential part of our daily lives as it assures efficiency and safety for everyone.
Geotab is a multi-awarded, global company that specializes in connecting telematics to business and making roads safer for everyone. The Company is a global leader in IoT and connected vehicles. Their head office is in Ontario, Canada, with regional offices in Australia, Singapore, United States, United Kingdom, Mexico, Spain, France, Germany, Italy, and China.
Established in 2000, Geotab is now one of the largest telematics outfits in the world and have become the first to surpass two million connected vehicles built on a single, open platform.
I recently interviewed Geotab's Senior Regional Manager in the Asia-Pacific Region, Ms. Ezanne Soh. In this interview, Ms. Soh discussed the many ways on how Geotab can make a difference in Southeast Asia.
Ezanne Soh, Senior Regional Manager, APAC – Geotab
PRJ: How is Geotab addressing the specific challenges faced by fleet operators in Southeast Asia?
ES: Southeast Asia is one of the most dynamic and diverse markets in the world. Most fleet operators face complex challenges—from urban congestion, rising fuel costs, and inconsistent infrastructure. At Geotab, we are leveraging telematics technology to give fleet managers the visibility they need to tackle these issues with data-driven insights.
PRJ: Can you elaborate on how Geotab’s telematics solutions are improving driver safety and performance across Southeast Asian markets?
PRJ: What role is Geotab playing in supporting the shift towards EVs in Southeast Asia / the Philippines, and what regional challenges still need to be addressed?
ES: The appetite for electrification is growing in the Philippines. Geotab supports fleet managers in building data-driven EV transition plans. One example would be our EV Suitability Assessments (EVSA) which we could use to identify which vehicles can be switched over cost-effectively today. These tools can assess which vehicles in the fleet are ready to switch to electric in a cost-effective way. However, the market continues to see challenges such as limited charging infrastructure, range anxiety, and upfront vehicle costs. Multiple organizations and public government sectors need to work together and suggest policies in order to navigate these challenges.
PRJ: How is Geotab applying AI and data analytics to help fleets across SEA make smarter, more sustainable decisions?
ES: Geotab processes over 80 billion data points a day globally, and we apply machine learning to turn these data into strategic insights. This is particularly exciting for Southeast Asia as we can use our data to help companies to track fuel consumption, identify fuel inefficiencies, and optimize routes to reduce idling. These efforts can create a more sustainable environment.
PRJ: Looking ahead, what are Geotab’s strategic priorities for deepening its presence and impact in Southeast Asia, specifically in the Philippines?
ES: Our priority is to continue building strong local partnerships and supporting fleets through their digital transformation. That would include expanding our network of partners, collaborating with logistics providers, and transportation companies who are looking to modernize their operations. We also see an opportunity to contribute to smart city and sustainability initiatives through these partnerships.
PRJ: Could you provide an example of how telematics could potentially help with traffic congestion in populated areas like Metro Manila?
ES: Metro Manila faces traffic congestion and this impacts fleet productivity. With telematics, businesses can monitor the vehicles movements, identify traffic hotspots and peak congestion. This data can be used to improve route planning which reduces idle time, cuts fuel use, and ensures goods and services reach their destinations more efficiently.
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About the Company
Geotab is advancing security, connecting commercial vehicles to the internet, and providing web-based analytics to help customers better manage their fleets. Geotab’s open platform and Marketplace allow both small and large businesses to automate operations by integrating vehicle data with their other data assets.
As an IoT hub, the in-vehicle device provides additional functionality through IOX Add-Ons. Processing billions of data points a day, Geotab leverages data analytics and machine learning to help customers improve productivity, optimize fleets through the reduction of fuel consumption, enhance driver safety, and achieve regulatory compliance.
Since being established in 2000, Geotab Inc. has grown from a small, family business to a global leader in solutions for fleet management and vehicle tracking.
For more information, please visit https://www.geotab.com/.
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Acknowledgement:
Thank you to Ms. Ezanne Soh, Senior Regional Manager, APAC – Geotab; Ms. Lilly Comerford, Senior Account Manager, Edelman; and Ms. Risa Lee, Media Contact, Edelman.
