Free tool
Which tracking mode does your fleet need?
Plug & play OBD, CAN bus integration, hardware-free Cloud OEM, or a mixed mode? In 4 questions you'll know where to start. Instant answer, no registration required.
Cloud OEM is the right mode for your fleet
You have a mostly post-2019 fleet with standard operational needs. Cloud OEM eliminates hardware to manage, accelerates new-vehicle onboarding, and removes the lock-in cost of the manufacturer's telematics package.
- Zero hardware to install or maintain
- Activate a vehicle in days instead of weeks
- First-quality data directly from the manufacturer (mileage, consumption, position)
- Compliant with the EU Data Act applicable from 12 September 2025
- Pricing comparable to a complete aftermarket OBD, without upfront hardware cost
Plug & Play OBD is the right mode for your fleet
You have mostly pre-2019 vehicles, a very small fleet, or want to start with minimal friction. Plug & play OBD is the fastest mode to activate: it connects to the diagnostic port, no workshop, no cabling.
- Works on almost any vehicle with an OBD-II port (including pre-2019)
- DIY installation in minutes per vehicle
- Devices unpluggable and reusable on vehicle change
- GPS tracking, consumption, driver scoring, OBD-II diagnostics
- Ideal to start quickly without complex contractual setups
CAN bus is the right mode for your fleet
You need advanced telemetry or remote actions — engine immobilisation, anti-theft, multi-zone temperature for cold chain, predictive maintenance. CAN bus goes beyond position and unlocks commands and specialist telemetry that Cloud OEM doesn't cover.
- Remote engine lock from the Control Tower (anti-theft, end-of-lease)
- Real-time vehicle warning lights, predictive maintenance on real parameters
- Multi-zone temperature for cold chain, refrigerated door opening, on-board weight
- FMS gateway for heavy trucks (engine hours, fluid levels, accurate consumption)
- Direct integration with vehicle bus or through FMS gateway
Mixed mode is the right choice for your fleet
Your fleet has different needs across different parts: some vehicles candidate for Cloud OEM, others requiring OBD or CAN bus. Mixed mode combines the three options in the same dashboard, without creating data silos.
- Cloud OEM on post-2019 natively connected vehicles
- Plug & play OBD on pre-2019 vehicles or for rapid start
- CAN bus on vehicles with specialist needs (engine lock, cold chain)
- A single dashboard for all sources, with a tag indicating the mode for each vehicle
- Scalable: add vehicles with the mode that best fits case by case
This tool is an operational guide based on Optivo's three tracking modes (OBD, CAN bus, Cloud OEM). For a detailed fleet assessment — including VIN census for Cloud OEM — book a demo or request a tailored comparison.
Want to dig deeper?
Overview
Three ways to connect your fleet
Plug & play OBD, CAN bus, Cloud OEM. The three modes side by side, with use cases and comparison guide.
Cloud OEM mode
Cloud OEM — tracking without hardware
How it works, which manufacturers, activation times, EU Data Act, specific FAQ.
2026 guide
Fleet tracking without hardware: the complete guide
What Cloud OEM is, who it's right for, who it isn't, how to start in 4 practical steps.
Compliance
EU Data Act: what changed for fleet operators
Regulation (EU) 2023/2854 that makes Cloud OEM possible. Rights, scenarios, first steps.
Frequently asked questions
When is Cloud OEM better than aftermarket OBD?
Cloud OEM works best when the fleet is mostly post-2019 (natively connected vehicles), on operational lease or long-term rental (frequent turnover), and has standard operational visibility needs (position, consumption, scoring). On very small or pre-2019 fleets, plug & play OBD remains a better fit.
Can I combine multiple tracking modes in the same fleet?
Yes, it's the most frequent choice. Mixed mode combines Cloud OEM on post-2019 vehicles, plug & play OBD on pre-2019 vehicles, and CAN bus on specialist cases (anti-theft, cold chain). All on a single dashboard.
When do I need CAN bus instead of Cloud OEM?
CAN bus is needed when you require remote engine immobilisation, integrated anti-theft, multi-zone temperature for cold chain, or trade-specific telemetry on heavy vehicles. These are functions requiring dedicated sensors or remote commands — Cloud OEM gives access to native vehicle data but not these functions.