User Guide

EN-US FR-CA FR-FR IT-IT DE-DE ES-ES ES-LATAM

December 2024

Introduction

Background

The landscape of artificial intelligence has been revolutionized by the rise of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) and large language models (LLMs), such as GPT-4, enabling more human-like text conversations. More significantly, these LLMs have introduced the concept of using natural language to interact with data. Rather than needing to download and analyze multiple data reports, users can now get answers naturally. Building on customer feedback, we have doubled down on this type of functionality to create Geotab Ace, and improve the functionality of the previous Project G product.

What is Geotab Ace?

Geotab Ace is an AI assistant created for users to communicate with complex datasets as if they are having a straightforward conversation, making data access more accessible and democratic. Building on customer feedback, we have released an assistant with the following highlights:

1. Answer a larger variety of questions: The AI Assistant has access to a large variety of data, including predictive safety analytics, maintenance issues, trips, zones, EV data, exceptions events, GPS data, and more.
2. Transparency in responses: The tool provides a thorough explanation of its interpretation of the question, deconstructing the request into natural language.
3. Conversational: The assistant retains the historical context and can enable continuous conversations.
4. MyGeotab native: This feature is native to MyGeotab and does not require an Add-In. Unlike Project G, it does not ask for a Data Connector subscription, or a different app download. Geotab Ace is included with any Pro and ProPlus subscription.
5. Consistent: The tool has context on how to properly write questions with Geotab’s standards by feeding it hundreds of examples of questions people have asked in Project G and other questions solicited internally to ensure more consistent answers.

Overview

The tool provides a chat interface with your telematics data. Using generative AI technology, it transforms your questions into precise queries that seek out the requested information from appropriate tables, ensuring an efficient and insightful response. Depending on the complexity of the question, the response time can vary from seconds to a couple of minutes for questions that require deeper analysis of data.

Geotab Ace workflow

Geotab Ace is designed to streamline the flow of questions and ensure accurate responses through a meticulous multi-stage process. Upon receiving a query, it undergoes an initial evaluation by the Audit Layer to determine its validity and appropriateness for further processing. Once cleared, the query advances to the Knowledge Layer, where the system identifies the most relevant questions and data schema to construct an accurate query. This task is entrusted to a sophisticated Generative AI (LLM), which carefully crafts the query in a format compatible with Google BigQuery (GBQ).

After the Generative AI successfully formulates the query, it is executed within GBQ. Assuming the query executes without issues, the resultant data is then sent to the Reasoning Engine, which synthesizes the information into a coherent response. If the query does not meet the criteria at the Audit Layer, or if the Generative AI composes a query that is deemed unsuitable, the process stops, and the system indicates that it is unable to provide an answer. This robust system ensures that only precise and high-quality information is delivered in the response.

MyGeotab data

Geotab Ace’s engagement with MyGeotab data happens primarily through the reports generated in the application. Geotab users usually download the data to get the information they need and manage their fleets. However, with the AI assistant, you get the same information faster and in a different format, helping you focus on doing your job and creating impact in the physical world.

Datasets

The following datasets are currently available during Phase 1:

1. Trip details: Including distance, duration, speed metrics, idling duration.
2. GPS logs: Coordinates, speed, and GPS connection status.
3. Zones: Details, coordinates, group associations, and type.
4. Device data: Active times, groups, time zone, type, billing, replacement info, engine hours, odometer readings.
5. Rules and Exceptions: Rule conditions, associations, exception event details.
6. Diagnostic data: Status, descriptions, measures, fault classes, severity, source ECU.
7. Electric Vehicle (EV) assessments: Suitability, charge times, trip details, energy estimates, emissions comparisons.
8. Vehicle KPIs: Idling, engine hours, fuel usage, fuel economy, mileage, odometer, maintenance insights, groups.
9. Safety: Predictive safety analytics, collision probability, number of collisions.
10. Vehicle metadata and grouping: Engine type, make, model, year, manufacturer, MyGeotab Groups.

✱ NOTE: If you are not sure about what is included, ask Geotab Ace “What data do you have access to?” and check back regularly, as new data is continuously added. In addition to understanding what data is available, this question will also provide data history. While data history may vary by table, all data is available from January 1st, 2024 and onwards.

Getting Started with Geotab Ace

Enabling Geotab Ace

To turn on Geotab Ace, follow these steps:

1. Select your account name in the top-right corner of the screen, then select Options.

2. 

2. Go to the Beta Features tab.
3. Locate Geotab Ace, then toggle On the feature to enable it.
4. To access the AI assistant, select Geotab Ace from the main MyGeotab menu.

You have successfully enabled Geotab Ace.

Using Geotab Ace

To get answers from Ace, follow these steps:

1. Enter a question on the Ask your question here box, or select one of the suggested questions.
2. Press the Enter key, or click the Send icon.
3. After getting the answer, you have the options to Copy the text, Download CSV, or choose to Show SQL.

4. 

4. If you want more information on the same topic, ask a follow-up question.
5. To start a new topic, click New Chat.

Question cap

A question cap exists on a per database level. The current cap is set to 200 questions per month. To check the number of available questions, see Questions remaining: under the question box.

Providing feedback

We encourage you to provide feedback using the thumbs up and thumbs down icons available below Ace’s answer.

Troubleshooting

See recommendations on how to solve or understand the following scenarios:

1. No response: If you do not see an answer to your question, please try again, as we are continuously improving the stability of the tool. If the issue persists, try rephrasing your question following the Geotab Ace Prompt Guide.
2. Access Denied page: The Access Denied page means that you do not have the appropriate clearance levels to use the tool. Contact the Administrator for your database to set your Security clearance to Administrator and Data access to Everything.
3. Empty data frames: The empty table means that there is no data to answer your question. For example, if you ask whether a specific vehicle has an active fault and the answer is no, this is what the answer would look like to show that:

Additional resources

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I get access to Geotab Ace?

Geotab Ace can be enabled through Beta Features in MyGeotab for supported regions and segments: US, Canada, and EU based on the database setting.. Refer to Enabling Geotab Ace for more information.

Are there data access and security clearance requirements?

Yes. Users need the Administrator security clearance and Everything Data access to use Geotab Ace.

Are there any other restrictions I need to be aware of?

Geotab Ace will not be available to Commercial Government, Public Works, or partner-labeled Customers.

Does Geotab Ace understand languages other than English?

Yes. Geotab Ace understands other languages, however it has been designed with English in mind. Purposeful support for additional languages will be added in the future.

Is my data being shared with a Large Language Model?

The short answer is no. Refer to the Responsible AI & Privacy White Paper for details.

Who is the ideal user for this solution?

Geotab Ace has the potential to reach all levels of the organization, from every day MyGeotab users to the CEO. Considering the democratization of data that this tool brings, we may learn that users that were not as familiar with MyGeotab before, will now be able to get answers themselves via simple natural language questions.

How can I avoid confusion, since there is a lot of information for the user to retain before using the tool?

The tool does a great job of explaining its own processes and assumptions. Most of the communication to clarify any confusion will happen in Ace.

How soon after a new rule is added will Geotab Ace be able to index it, what is the refresh rate?

The tables update near real time, but it could take up to an hour before Geotab Ace indexes it.

Legal Disclaimer

"The Geotab Ace feature is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal, financial or professional advice. This feature is completely automated and does not involve direct human interaction. Geotab provides no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, regarding the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability of this feature or its outputs. Geotab does not assume any responsibility or liability for any consequences arising from the use or misuse of this feature or the reliance on the information provided. Users must comply with all applicable laws, including privacy and AI laws, regarding the use of personal information and will not use this feature for employment related decisions. Geotab may modify, update, or discontinue offering this feature at any time without prior notice and will not be liable to any parties as a result of such actions. You agree to use this feature in accordance with the Geotab Ace User Guide and acknowledge the contents, use of data, restrictions and limitations contained therein. Any feedback or inputs provided will be utilized to maintain and improve the functionality of Geotab Ace."