Telematics Market Leader Launches Global OEM Service with Smart Connectivity

Quick Facts

Customer Profile

Global leader in automotive telematics.

Objectives

Design an OBD dongle to enable manufacturers/dealers to remotely monitor and control vehicles
Minimize data transmitted across a network with edge intelligence
Launch service in new markets
Ensure highest levels of security
Simplify logistics and customer deployments

Results

Launched fully integrated end-to-end telematics solution for automotive OEMs
Increased edge processing to reduce data transmitted
Reduced time to market with Legato®
Simplified deployments for customers

Sierra Wireless Products & Services

WP Series, Legato®, Smart Connectivity, AirVantage®

Background

A global leader in automotive telematics offers solutions designed to make vehicles safer, more connected and more environmentally friendly.

Challenge

Several years ago, the company launched a global telematics platform and worked with Sierra Wireless to develop a custom OBD dongle that allowed a Tier 1 auto maker to gather telemetry data and offer an optional passenger Wi-Fi service to its customers. To build this OBD dongle, the company selected the Sierra Wireless WP7603 embedded module. Sierra Wireless introduced the company to a global manufacturer that could build the product, and worked closely with the customer to enhance security on the module.

“The Legato® open source software was a key factor in the company’s decision to work with Sierra Wireless for this product. The Linux-based application framework runs on the module’s processor and provides the modem services needed to get the module communicating on a cellular network, and a secure processing space to run third-party applications”, explained the vice president, product management. With seamless connectivity to the AirVantage® cloud, customers can securely deploy and update embedded applications over-the-air and integrate valuable in-vehicle data with any number of enterprise systems or applications.

The Legato® open source software was a key factor in the company’s decision to work with Sierra Wireless for this product. The Linux-based application framework runs on the module’s processor and provides the modem services needed to get the module communicating on a cellular network, and a secure processing space to run third-party applications.

Vice President,
Product Management

Following the successful launch of the OBD device, the company wanted to launch a telematics solution to Tier 1 automotive manufacturers globally. In order to minimize data transmitted by the OBD dongle, it wanted to perform more processing at the edge of the network. The new service would be designed to enable manufacturers and dealers to remotely monitor and control fleet vehicles including the ability to send commands to repair vehicles in the field. The dongle would be installed in the factory or after-market and provide the highest levels of security.

Solution

The company evaluated several competitive products and selected the Sierra Wireless WP7611 embedded module. Like the WP7603, the WP7611 features the Legato application framework which simplified development and reduced time-to-market. The module’s memory enables edge processing, and the embedded SIM inside the module along with optimized network coverage provides simple and secure global coverage through Sierra Wireless Smart Connectivity.

Working with Sierra Wireless, we have simplified our operations and customer deployments. Our team has a single point of contact for any issues that arise, and we can manage upgrades from a single management platform. For our customers, we can offer a global service that scales quickly and reduces their maintenance costs with the security required to ensure privacy. And our customers no longer need to negotiate with network operators.

Vice President,
Product Management

Results

The company has successfully launched a fully integrated global end-to-end telematics solution for automotive OEMs that allows them to monitor fleet performance and diagnostics.

“Working with Sierra Wireless, we have simplified our operations and customer deployments. Our team has a single point of contact for any issues that arise, and we can manage upgrades from a single management platform. For our customers, we can offer a global service that scales quickly and reduces their maintenance costs with the security required to ensure privacy. And our customers no longer need to negotiate with network operators,” explained the vice-president of product management.