CONNECTIVITY continues its advance

More OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers are focusing on embedded telematic systems, hoping to displace aftermarket hardware.

Fleet owners have been deploying telematic solutions for some time, but connectivity still is just beginning to move from early adopters to the mass market. Connectivity is providing more owners and operators a broad range of benefits, prompting a surge of developments by suppliers.

Connections using cellular and other wireless links are transforming design plans, running the gamut from axles and infotainment systems to leveraging cloud computing. Connectivity even is beginning to impact developments at companies that traditionally focus more on mechanical designs than electronics, according to some contract designers.