The Next Step in Video Telematics

Q: How does Samsara help its clients to make data-driven commercial decisions?

A: Samsara’s platform helps clients by analyzing information that is critical for companies and by providing standard reports, alerts and configurations according to their specific needs. We also help clients to transform, select and personalize that data depending on its usefulness and priorities. According to their priorities, companies can create a plan that leads them to digital maturity.

Q: How does Samsara’s platform integrate the entire operation of a company under a single ecosystem?

A: Samsara is a software solution, with a cloud-based dashboard at its core. Our hardware collects data but the magic happens in the dashboard. Through IoT, we connect data and make the information available in real time on any Samsara device. One of the main advantages of the dashboard is that it adjusts and shows data in a user-friendly way, allowing customers to navigate easily and have greater visibility of what is happening with their fleet in real time.

Q: In addition to telematics, what does Samsara’s product portfolio look like?

A: Samsara’s main product is the vehicle telematics gateway. However, we offer several other products, one platform for all operations. We have smart dash cameras that become increasingly intelligent as they capture more data, becoming able to recognize the driver better and distinguishing potential distractions by leveraging AI and ML. With our ADAS technology, vehicles can issue alerts to the operator if something happens on the road.

In addition, Samsara provides products and accessories that enable visibility of trailers and their boxes, enhancing productivity. Companies sometimes do not know where their assets are, making it impossible to optimize operations. We also offer smart trailer tracking sensors such as environmental monitor, door monitor and cargo monitor. The entire solution portfolio is connected to the same platform.

Q: How does Samsara add value for safety in the context of the current shortage of operators?

A: Our in-cabin and external cameras are a star product in Mexico because they collect evidence in case of an accident. Evidence makes a big difference because it makes it possible to identify the guilty party after an accident.

A change of habits and mindset among operators is essential in the middle of the current operator shortage. Companies want their drivers to perform better but also to feel more protected. To that end, they can create coaching programs based on our technology to improve the driving score of each driver.

Q: How do managers interact with operators and how can clients access the dashboard remotely?

A: Our product includes a driver app and a manager app. The first allows operators to record their hours of service, inspect the vehicle before starting their routes, digitize documents and connect to the platform in general. It is quite useful for communication between the operator and the monitoring center. The manager app allows the person to see basically everything that can be seen in the dashboard on a mobile device, including alerts, videos, routes and driver communication.

Samsara’s solution can be integrated with other systems to take full advantage of the data generated. It uses an API so clients can take the data from Samsara to their preferred ERP, making it easier for them to use it.

Q: How do Samsara’s solutions adapt to the Mexican context?

A: Founded in 2015, Samsara is based in San Francisco, California. Every market is different and our global strategy is based on customer feedback. We create new products and features based on our clients’ needs. In 2019, we started operations in Mexico. Initially, customers asked us for certain accessories to run on our technology, such as an engine immobilizer, given the security situation in the country. At that time, Samsara did not offer that product. However, we went back to our Engineering and Product team, which developed the immobilizer it within six months.

We believe that technology should be customized according to the needs of customers in different markets. Samsara launched functionalities specifically for the Mexican market to monitor fuel and stop the engine . We also provide a panic button.

Q: What is Samsara’s added value as both a hardware and software supplier?

A: Samsara is the only company offering several critical modules for its customers’ operations in a single platform. While many players offer telemetry solutions, no one else in the market owns and creates both software and hardware that combines them with video security and additional accessories for trailers.

For example, many players offer a telemetry solution and a video security module but Samsara is the only one allowing customers to see everything related to telemetry, video security, temperature sensors, door opening and cargo in a single platform. We also offer the accessories to connect analog cameras and view the video on the same dashboard.

Q: How does Samsara’s marketplace for third-party integrations work?

A: Each company is different and has its own priorities. Samsara does not pretend to create an off-the-shelf solution. We know this is not how companies operate. Rather, we established strategic alliances to integrate different third-party solutions that customers can download and integrate with Samsara through APIs.

Q: How long does it take for Mexican clients to adapt to the platform?

A: Adaptation times depend on the implemented solutions and specific needs. Samsara recommends implementing these solutions from leadership positions to make adoption easier. According to client feedback, operators take between six and nine months to understand the real functionalities of the cameras and to change their mind about them, as they initially feel their privacy is being invaded or that they are being spied on. Also, implementation is easier when leadership creates reward programs instead of punishment policies.

Samsara is a San Francisco-based IoT company that developed a connected operations platform for fleet management and other equipment.