Netstar & HERE extend partnership for improved asset tracking

HERE Technologies and Australia's leading provider of telematics solutions, Netstar, have announced the extension of their long-term strategic alliance. The collaboration will offer improved asset management and navigation capabilities specifically for commercial and heavy vehicles, in and beyond Australia.

Serving the transport and logistics domain since 2008, the partnership has utilised the comprehensive suite of HERE Location Services and HERE Map Content to power Netstar Australia's asset tracking solutions. By offering real-time guidance for heavy and commercial vehicles, the alliance has boosted driver safety and propelled fleet management through optimised routing as well as precise location tracking.

The latest phase of the union is focused on improving truck navigation with the utilisation of HERE SDK Navigate (software development kit). This provision empowers Netstar with up-to-date location-based tools and capabilities, facilitating efficient tracking of assets for businesses in Australia, New Zealand, and the Asia-Pacific region. In addition, it helps create smarter navigation applications promoting safe driving.

Considering the prediction that Australia's road freight will surge by 77 percent between 2020 and 2050 inclusive, this partnership expansion between HERE Technologies and Netstar plays a vital role. It supports the strategic objectives to enhance the efficiency, competitiveness, and sustainability of Australian supply chain and freight operations.

Neil Shah, Research Vice President at Counterpoint Research, stated, "The global pandemic along with other macroeconomic and geopolitical issues have expedited the need for a reliable, sustainable and efficient transport, logistics and supply chain system. Advanced location-centric solutions such as HERE SDK can assist in achieving these goals. It caters to the growing requirement for safer navigation, smart routing and real-time visibility of assets at scale, enabling leading telematics companies like Netstar to create innovative solutions and digitally transform fleet telematics."

With plans to extend its business across the Asia-Pacific region soon, Netstar aims to unveil the solutions developed with HERE Technologies to a worldwide audience. This aligns perfectly with its mission of transforming the ways in which companies manage their fleets and assets, making the process more efficient and cost-effective.

Grant Fraser, Group Managing Director at Netstar commented, "Our partnership with HERE Technologies has been crucial in allowing us to deliver industry-leading asset tracking and management solutions to our customers. With the addition of HERE SDK Navigation, we are in a strong position to assist businesses with fleet management across Australia, New Zealand, and the Asia Pacific region. We are excited about our impending global expansion and the potential impact on the fleet management landscape."

Expressing his views, Mark Wallace, Head of Partners for HERE Technologies in Australia and New Zealand, stated, "We are thrilled to continue our journey with Netstar, a remarkable partner over the years. This partnership expansion consolidates our commitment to delivering state-of-the-art location-based solutions for the trucking industry — an industry that heavily relies on fleet management to streamline operations and enhance efficiency. This alliance enables us to provide innovative and dependable tools for asset tracking and navigation in the evolving business landscape, thereby lining up with Australia's National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy."