Terence's Learning Journey: October 2017

Thursday, 12 October 2017

Product Description Summary and Analysis

DRIVEWELL- CAMBRIDGE MOBILE TELEMATICS (CMT)

According to Matheson (2016), Drivewell, a driving analytics mobile app developed by Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT), is designed to promote safe driving habits on the road. This app identifies and records driving patterns, including cornering, hard braking, and phone utilisation on the road.

Using sensor technology built in phones, location data can be collected and thereafter processed by algorithms and finally the results are converted to points for safe driving. These points are then used by insurance companies to reward safe drivers. The DriveWell app is complemented with a wireless tag attached in the vehicle body which raises the effectiveness of detecting potential collisions. The tag is able to scan for potential hazard and in cases of accidents able to collect crucial information. With such information, both the driver and insurance company will be able to assess the situation better.

We feel that this is a great app and one that drivers should get.

After running a pilot program in South Africa, there was a noticeable decline in accident rate. Drivewell has managed to secure its unique product positioning in the telematics market despite the emergence of competitors in this niche (Beauchamp, 2017).

Drivewell has been designed with algorithms that analyse and garner data from various sources. Data is retrieved from the mobile sensors, the Drivewell tag, OEM (original equipment manufacturer), as well as the OBD-II (onboard diagnostics).

Besides basic features like warning the users of the speed limit, this app also advises drivers on alternative routes and driving habits. For example it gives tips on how the driver should be braking to promote safe driving.

The reward factor fuels motivation for the drivers to be more aware and avoid reckless acts of checking phone messages. Furthermore, with active feedback, drivers can improve on their driving behaviors and lower their chances of accidents.

However a limitation of the app is that drivers may not be tech-savvy nor may they smartphone models compatible with the features in the app. Another problem we faced was the registration part where the app would require a token from the company. It was not stated on how to obtain the token.

In conclusion, despite its minor limitation, we feel that the benefits outweigh the cons. With such an app, driving habits will improve and we can expect safer roads.

References

Beauchamp, S. (2017, April 13). CMT named finalist in “Best Insurance Telematics Product and Service” category for the 2017 TU-Automotive Awards. Retrieved from https://www.cmtelematics.com/blog/cmt-is-finalist-for-best-insurance-telematics-product-and-service-category-for-the-2017-tu-automotive-awards/

How to save phone-using motorists from themselves. (2015, April 25). Retrieved from https://www.economist.com/news/science-and-technology/21648999-how-save-phone-using-motorists-themselves-driven-distraction

Matheson, R. (2016, January 5). Smarter driving, using your phone. Retrieved from http://news.mit.edu/2016/startup-smartphone-app-safe-driving-0105

Thursday, 5 October 2017

PRODUCT DESCRIPTIVE SUMMARY DRAFT & ANALYSIS 2

DRIVEWELL- CAMBRIDGE MOBILE TELEMATICS (CMT)

According to Matheson (2016), Drivewell which is a driving analytics mobile app developed by Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT), is designed to promote safe driving habits on the road. This app identifies and records driving patterns, including cornering, hard braking, and phone utilization.
Latching onto sensor technology installed in phones, GPS, motion, and vibration feedback can be garnered and thereafter processed by algorithms and finally the results are converted to incentives for safe driving performance. It is complemented with a wireless tag attached in the vehicle body which raises the effectiveness of detecting potential collisions.

Through constant enhancement and evaluation across pilot programs, this app has managed to clinch its client base over eight countries and statistically peak safety driving records by 30 percent across a safe driving contest in Africa. This product seeks to raise awareness via mainly returning feedback on the drivers’ action in the form of personalized scoring in a leaderboard.

Building on these attributes, Drivewell has managed to secure its unique product positioning in the telematics market despite the emergence of competitors in this niche (Beauchamp, 2017).

With a rising concern on safe driving habits (“How to save phone-using motorists from themselves,” 2015) , Drivewell has been designed with algorithms that analyse and garner data from various sources. Data is retrieved from the mobile sensors, the Drivewell tag, OEM (original equipment manufacturer), as well as the OBD-II (on board diagnostics). Tapping onto various sources raises the integrity and reliability of the data.

Another prominent feature which has succeeded in allaying accidents on the road, includes the incentivizing of proper driving behavior, through analytics integrated in locational context and real data synchronized to appraise driving performance against other drivers. This reward factor fuels motivation to be more aware during driving and avoid reckless acts of checking phone messages.

However on the downside, drivers may not be tech-savvy nor may they own fitter smartphone models compatible with the features in the app. Personal review of the app by downloading, introduced complications during installation such as the lack of instructions to obtain the token which this app synchronizes with. There was no feedback provided to users on how to access or register for this app.

References

Matheson, R. (2016, January 5). Smarter driving, using your phone. Retrieved from http://news.mit.edu/2016/startup-smartphone-app-safe-driving-0105