eTrans: Advanced Telematics for Efficient & Sustainable Logistics

“eTrans advanced vehicle tracking, telematics, and fleet management solutions help businesses minimize costs, enhance safety, and optimize operational efficiency,” says Ranabir Chatterjee, CEO.

What are the biggest growth drivers for India’s logistics industry?

The logistics industry in India is undergoing significant development, driven by initiatives like PM Gati Shakti. By 2030, the sector is expected to double in size. While the industry has historically been somewhat disorganized, things are changing. Companies are now focusing on tracking, data, and information management areas, where eTrans plays a crucial role.

Previously, logistics operations lacked tracking and data utilization. However, there is now a growing emphasis on reducing logistics costs. The government has set a goal to bring logistics costs down to a single-digit percentage of GDP, compared to the current 12-13%.

Globally, China has the lowest logistics costs, followed by the U.S., while India ranks around 13th or 14th. A major challenge holding India back is infrastructure. The industry still needs to consolidate onto a single platform and transition from handling smaller parcels to larger shipments. However, these factors are interconnected—without improved infrastructure, scaling up to larger parcel movements remains difficult.

How does eTrans help make logistics operations more sustainable and reduce costs?

We offer several solutions, including identifying the safest and most efficient routes. Many businesses unknowingly take longer routes, resulting in higher fuel consumption. By recommending the shortest and most efficient paths, we help reduce fuel usage, cutting diesel costs and emissions. This, in turn, supports sustainability efforts across the industry.

To give an example of a shipment from Jamshedpur to Delhi, one of our esteemed customers, typically sets a standard transit time of six to seven days for this route, which covers approximately 1,300–1,400 km. However, our data analysis reveals that trucks often complete the journey in just three to four days. By providing these insights, we help customers optimize their logistics operations and reduce costs.

Driving style plays a crucial role in fuel efficiency. Our system not only helps save fuel but also provides continuous guidance to drivers on best practices. For instance, if a driver is over speeding, our device issues an alert, instructing them to slow down and maintain the recommended speed limit. The driver receives a local alert, serving as a reminder to adjust their speed accordingly. Our system is backed by a centralized control center. While we currently operate multiple control centers, we are in the process of consolidating them into a single unified control center. This will enable us to provide better services on a larger scale.

What are the R&D focus areas for eTrans in fleet management and logistics technology?

We are continuously conducting R&D in this field. Initially, it started with a simple card-based swipe system. Before GPS/GPRS devices were available, companies relied on point-to-point card-based tracking. However, today, we have evolved into a comprehensive logistics and fleet management solution.

We have a device called a Network Video Recorder (NVR) that offers various features, including driver behavior monitoring. It tracks factors such as fatigue, harsh braking, and other driving habits. This system provides real-time local alerts to the driver while offering full visibility of the truck’s movements 24/7 on the backend. We offer a product called a fuel sensor, which helps address fuel theft. If any pilferage occurs, the system immediately alerts the owner, ensuring better fuel management and cost efficiency.

We are also developing an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), which includes front and side collision detection systems to enhance vehicle safety. Our focus has now shifted toward AI-based solutions, enabling predictive analytics and intelligent decision-making.

We are also deeply involved in in-plant logistics management for large companies. Our system includes scheduling, planning, and software integration to streamline operations.

For manufacturing industries, improving production and dispatch efficiency is crucial. Our technology helps reduce turnaround time by leveraging GPS and RFID technology. We have installed RFID sensors and tags inside plants and mines, enabling accurate tracking and seamless logistics operations. Regarding our equipment, we are exploring solar-powered solutions, but we are not there yet. While we do not currently offer direct sustainability-focused equipment, the data we generate plays a crucial role in reducing carbon footprints by promoting fuel efficiency and smarter logistics decisions.

What steps is eTrans taking to improve data security and cyber resilience in vehicle tracking systems?

We have a fully embedded system in our office. We offer more than 20 types of IoT devices to our customers. However, every customer has specific service requirements. While the data is stored, the key lies in how it is published and utilized to maximize its benefits. This is where our customization comes into play. The number of solutions we provide is essentially equivalent to the number of customers we serve, as each solution is tailored to their unique needs. Many of our customers come from the transportation sector, where their primary focus is enhancing transparency and visibility. Corporate clients have their own ways of analyzing data, and we customize our solutions to meet their specific requirements.

What are the other areas you provide your services in?

In steel stockyards, we track and manage vehicle movement. We also integrate data on the loads being picked up from warehouses or stockyards onto specific vehicles. This data is then tracked and integrated into our system, providing a single-window view to visualize the entire cargo movement—from pickup to distribution.

Our RFID-based technology in the warehousing enables precise pallet location tracking, ensuring seamless inventory management and real-time visibility.

In Transport Park Management System, one of the major challenges faced by corporates is congestion, which often leads to time delays, increased carbon emissions, and reduced productivity. Our solution provides a systematic approach to decongest the area through proper planning, vehicle routing, and scheduling mechanisms. This allows users to plan their loads efficiently, while transporters gain visibility into the exact timing for vehicle placement. Additionally, consignees—who are the actual product owners—can track when they will receive their shipments.

We are introducing several new solutions, with a strong focus on end-to-end logistics solutions. One of our key projects involves managing the entire logistics operations for a company in Dubai. We are expanding our in-plant logistics solutions for several industries including railway wagon tracking.

With over 25 years of experience in this industry, we have a vast amount of data, which we are leveraging to enhance our offerings. Venturing into in-plant management and several other enhanced solutions, is but a natural progress for eTrans to further consolidate the company's position as a go-to provider for its customers.