Conquering the CSR with telematics

The call of adventure led Brendon Nazar, the regional sales manager for Fleet Complete, into the bike saddle for an ambitious journey: tackling the legendary Canning Stock Route, with the support of some mates. They used telematics to keep safe and keep in touch.

This remote 1800-kilometre track cuts through the heart of Australia, with little water, no phone coverage and only one fuel station. It gets no maintenance and is severely corrugated and sand-blown.

Having worked for a decade at the Fleet Complete telematics business, Nazar had access to everything he needed to keep track of his team’s progress and keep in touch with their families.

Before the journey, he fitted a Geotab GO9 Rugged telematics system to his bike. This compact device became their lifeline during the 13-day trip, offering a way to stay connected, without the need for a satellite phone.

With the device installed, the team’s families were able to track their day-to-day progress, where they camped and for how long. 

By accessing a secure link, Nazar’s father-in-law was able to monitor the adventure vicariously and learn about the history of the track as he followed them virtually.

Via the system, Nazar’s family was aware that the team had a breakdown, after noticing they had stopped for five hours during the day.

Nazar triggered the GO9’s ‘duress’ button on designated days and times, to inform family and friends that the team was safe. They had an understanding that if he triggered it outside the fixed time periods, or if he never pressed that button at all, it meant that they needed help.

As back-up for the telematics on Nazar’s bike, one of the support vehicles carried a portable satellite link, connected using Geotab’s data subscription plan. 

However, the bike-mounted GO9 Rugged withstood one of the toughest tests on the planet and has now become Nazar’s permanent travel gear item, ensuring safety and connectivity no matter where the trail leads.