Disruptive Digital Technologies Have the Potential to Solve Considerable Metropolitan Challenges
The world is facing increasing urbanization and societal challenges. Major cities are facing higher pressure on their existing infrastructure put on by an ever-growing population. The idea of utilizing disruptive digital technologies to solve considerable metropolitan challenges which transform traditional cities into “smart cities” is one that has been met with great interest across Europe, North America and especially, China with nearly 500 active smart city pilot projects.
Data and connected technology are key in empowering communities to build the best living environment while establishing an open and engaging communication between governments and the public. By collecting and sharing rich data, there will be an increase in a wide scope of efficiencies which can help address real needs of city users – anything from renewable energy and green buildings to traffic management.
One connected technology solution that plays a significant role in the development of smart cities is vehicle telematics. Vehicle telematics is a tool used to monitor vehicle diagnostics and movements such as trip duration and length, location and CO2 emissions. The information collected is analyzed by numerous organizations including insurance companies and government agencies to enhance sustainability, predict traffic patterns, curb carbon emissions and optimize urban infrastructure projects. Vehicle telematics also helps analyze and shape driving behavior and has been proven to reduce speeding, harsh braking and help eliminate preventable deaths caused by distracted driving.
A prime example of the vehicle telematics solution is the award-winning IMS’ connected car platform, DriveSync. IMS is a leading connected car services and analytics provider to governments, insurers and enterprises. IMS’ DriveSync platform is designed to improve the safety on our roads today while simultaneously addressing the efficiency and environmental aspects of transportation. The design philosophy, focuses on the driver and not the machine. It influences everything from the simplicity and transparency of data acquisition through to the advanced soft-computing techniques used to analyze driving behavior and intuitively deliver actionable feedback to the driver with safety as the highest priority. Services delivered by the DriveSync connected car platform enable users to stay connected to time-sensitive, critical information in a safer manner, while enabling them to be more productive and efficient. The DriveSync connected car platform also captures driving data such as fuel consumption, environmental impact and driver behavior to generate useful and timely feedback through online, mobile and embedded interfaces.
Given all the rich capabilities of DriveSync, the Smart Cities Expo World Forum organization recently awarded IMS with the prestigious title of Best Smart Transportation Company in Canada. This award further proves the benefits of the DriveSync solution and the significant technological potential it can have in helping solve major metropolitan challenges and further improving the lives of citizens.
