A new generation of tachographs has hit the shelves and they are making life easier for drivers and fleet operators by reducing administration overheads, streamlining compliance and supporting timely and accurate reporting.
The capability of the mobile network has caught up with demand and many fleet operators are now using it to download tacho data safely, securely and in full compliance.
In fact, obtaining the data in this way can make it even easier to use this information in other business areas, such as payroll.
However, at the recent RHA Compliance Conference it became clear that technology is underused by many HGV fleet operators. Of the more than 400 transport industry decision-makers at the conference nearly three quarters (73%) of industry delegates admitted that they don’t use tachograph data for anything other than driver hour compliance.
Earlier this year, we launched the Microlise Remote Digital Tachograph Download product, which is now widely available. We thought we would take this opportunity to demystify some of the practical questions behind the new range of tachographs.
How is the data downloaded?
There is a feed from the digital tachograph unit to a remote download unit. This can either be a separate and specific device, or alternatively some telematics units on the vehicle, including Microlise units used by many customers, can fulfil the role of the download unit.
For Microlise customers with the correct hardware, the cost of any investment in additional hardware to use the Remote Digital Tachograph Download product is removed, allowing them to enjoy the benefits of the product for only a small monthly fee.
How frequently can I download data?
You can get updates on drivers’ hours without the driver or vehicle being present and more frequently than the 28-day limit for the driver card and 90 days for the tachograph unit. That facilitates better management of drivers’ hours without extra administrative costs. You simply set the program to capture and deliver the data at whatever intervals you want – every 24 hours is typical.
Another benefit is that you can collect some data that can get lost with manual downloads. For example, data such as detailed speed is generally only available on the tachograph head unit for between 1 and 7 days.
How does the system know when to initiate a download?
The tachograph management software connects with the remote download device which establishes a connection, or handshake, with the digital tachograph which checks if their vehicle and / or driver card data is available to collect. Once the data is successfully downloaded, the software tells the remote device or the telematics unit that it has everything it needs and the device shuts down the tachograph download capability until the next scheduled download or until there is a change of driver.
Is there an analysis function?
No, the feature is purely to securely download the tachograph vehicle and driver card data remotely while the vehicle is out on the road. The files can be simply stored for legal compliance or forwarded to a tachograph analysis company and used to manage hours. This can be done seamlessly, with no manual intervention.
This downloaded data is then seamlessly forwarded on to one of many of the leading tachograph analysis providers with no need for manual intervention.
What about vehicles on international operations?
Remote download will still work outside the UK provided the SIM data card has roaming enabled.
