SPECIAL FEATURE | 53
Telematics in Road Transport delivers Return on Investment
According to a recent report, over 80% of fleet truck operators are now using telematics in their day-to-day activities, producing clear and definite benefits. The key factors are how the vehicle and driver performance data is accessed, downloaded and analysed. When telematics were introduced by truck manufactures and third-party developers, the technology was received with some scepticism, transport managers and fleet owners were cautious about investing, while it looked like ‘Spy in the Cab Part II’ by the concerned drivers. A turnaround in their collective minds happened once the truck manufacturers got serious about telematics creating viable programmes and packages, and with ongoing training and advice, return on investment was delivered. While the technology was led by truck manufacturers, the third-party providers also upped their game. Two leading truck brands, namely Volvo and MercedesBenz with their respective Dynafleet and FleetBoard were to the fore with broad customer acceptance, which also helped to retain loyalty, with the third-party’s offering, best suited for mixed vehicle fleet operations. In recent years, the drivers have grown to appreciate the resulting data and the feedback works both ways to the overall benefit of the transport
company. Another welcome addition to the telematics platform is the emergence of trailer manufacturers to the table, with either independent or full integration with the truck fleet’s system. Somewhat surprisingly, the bus and coach fraternity have been slow in taking up telematics but that is not the case currently in the light commercial vehicle sector. The emergence of ecommerce and the resulting huge increase in the sales and movements of vans in the express delivery segment is causing some anxiety among legislators, safety organisations and city authorities. As consumer demands almost instant delivery from internet shopping, this additional pressure on the delivery service is making the working day of the driver most arduous and in some cases dangerous, due to the long hours endured. Some forms of regulation in terms of working and driving hours, rest periods and even a speed limiter on the vehicles are currently being considered by the European Union. There is even talk about reducing the overall weight limit involving the mandatory instillation of a tachograph on an LCV from 3.5 tonnes GVW to 2.8 tonnes. Again it’s a mix between OEMs and major private developers presently involved in the introduction of telematics in light commercials. Led by Ford, Fiat Professional, IVECO and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, their systems provide all the information required by the operator to monitor and improve on the performance of the driver. TruTac, the tachograph analysis experts has introduced its TruFleet system,
increasing efficiencies for operators. This fleet management control software comes with EPMI - electronic document control which increases HGV and PSV vehicle management and compliance control even easier. The approved programme enables transport managers to plan, organise and control all aspects of day-to-day fleet and Operator Licence management. TruFleet is fully compatible with TruTac’s modular suite of TruControl software to provide full visibility and control over every vehicle and driver. In addition, TruTac’s innovative solutions help HGV and PSV fleet managers easily monitor and manage the potential risk their drivers can pose to compliance levels.
Another interesting and related development, that extends the scope of telematics is the new intelligent tyre pressure monitoring system from Wheely-Safe. Premiered at the recent ITT Hub exhibition at Farnborough, Wheely-Safe is making its intelligent tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), wheel loss and brake temperature sensing technologies available for connection to commercial vehicle telematics and CAN bus for the first time, with a new range of open platform connected devices available alongside its standalone products. The launch forms part of the biggest series of upgrades by Wheely-Safe to-date, enhancing its offer to fleets, telematics providers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). It includes the introduction of the world’s first auto-calibrating internal TPMS sensor, eliminating the need for external valve sensors if fleets prefer. www.fleet.ie
