Reference
Telematics in Trucks
Development of a Cloud-Based Telematics Platform for Trucks Using a Microservices Architecture
Modern fleet management requires more than just GPS tracking. Vehicle data, routes, driver data, and external services must all be integrated into a single platform. MAN has built exactly that with RIO: an open, vendor-neutral, cloud-based ecosystem for logistics and transport management—the first telematics system of its kind for trucks.
IT Sonix has played a key role in the development since Q1 2016. We helped design the software architecture, established agile structures, handled UX design, and developed core microservices.
Smart Telematics Through Real-time data
Our client: MAN Truck & Bus SE
MAN Truck & Bus SE is part of the TRATON GROUP and is one of Europe's leading commercial vehicle manufacturers. With RIO, MAN has developed the first open, manufacturer-independent, cloud-based fleet management ecosystem—a marketplace for truck telematics applications and logistics services.
RIO is now used by more than 100,000 vehicles is in use and makes MAN a major player in the race for digital Telematics Systems for Trucks.
MAN Cloud Platform for Fleet Management
Project Success Story
Together, we developed a cross-platform telematics solution that is in use globally—from the vehicle to the backend to the graphical user interfaces.
Our Technologies for Truck Telematics Systems
IT Sonix helped develop the software architecture for the truck telematics platform, established agile structures using Scrum and Kanban, and implemented the first microservices in isolated teams—using asynchronous Kafka communication and an AWS cloud architecture designed for scalability from the outset.
The front ends are built using React, and data is stored in Elasticsearch and MongoDB. The infrastructure runs entirely on Amazon Web Services.
„The development of the new MAN telematics platform highlights what we consider to be IT Sonix’s most important strengths: delivering intelligent and efficient solutions to complex challenges.“
Alexander Eisl
Senior Vice President of IT, Development, and Digitalization, MAN Truck & Bus SE
Implementation of a Telematics System for Trucks
IT Sonix supported MAN in establishing agile structures and developed the software architecture design. IT Sonix developed the designs, mockups, and the initial development concept. The MAN digital services were implemented as isolated microservices that communicate asynchronously via Kafka—an architecture designed for scalability from the outset.
Following the successful launch of the truck telematics solution, additional microservices and front ends were continuously developed and gradually transferred to joint teams and MAN’s own teams. Within just 12 months of the project’s start, the first telematics system for trucks went live—and was unveiled at the IAA.
Key Factors for Modern Telematics in Trucks
Usability Engineering
The platform is consistently designed to support the work processes of dispatchers, drivers, and fleet managers.
Microservices & Kafka
Isolated microservice teams with asynchronous Kafka communication for high scalability and decoupling.
Amazon Web Services
Scrum & Kanban
Establishing agile structures and implementing iterative development methods across the entire project team.
Big Data
Continuous Deployment
DevOps infrastructure with automated build and deployment pipelines for fast release cycles
When Telematics Meets the Reality of Long-Haul Trucking
Complex vehicle data, international transport, and changing operational scenarios require powerful and practical telematics solutions.
Special Requirements for Truck Telematics
Truck telematics is much more than just vehicle tracking or traditional fleet management for van and passenger car fleets. Heavy-duty vehicles weighing 7.5 metric tons or more are subject to specific legal requirements, such as the recording of driving and rest times or the documentation of hazardous material shipments.
At the same time, modern trucks generate a wide range of technical data that must be collected, processed, and analyzed in real time.
Complex Processes in Day-to-Day Fleet Operations
The operating scenarios in freight transport also place special demands on telematics solutions. Long-haul trucks are often on the road for several days, are driven by different drivers, switch trailers, and travel through various toll and traffic zones.
A high-performance telematics system must reliably map this complexity and present the relevant information in a clear and understandable way for both dispatchers and drivers.
RIO / MAN DigitalServices Features
Results of the Collaboration
Within just one year of the project’s launch, the platform went live with the first digital MAN services and was successfully presented at the IAA. The scope of services was continuously expanded to include new features—and before long, more than 100,000 vehicles were connected to the platform.
Today, MAN’s DigitalServices have become a major player in the market for digital truck telematics applications and are the preferred choice for many transportation companies. Over the course of a five-year project, IT Sonix made a significant contribution to this outcome with approximately 200 person-years of work.
Additional Industry References
Learn more about our core competencies and services for telematics systems and automotive software.
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