DAF Telematics now supports remote digital tachograph download
As part of the ongoing DAF Transport Efficiency programme, market leader DAF Trucks has upgraded its DAF Telematics offering with the introduction of a Remote Digital Tachograph Download facility.
The DAF Telematics product, which has been developed in partnership with telematics platform provider Microlise, is standard fitment on all new DAF vehicles acquired with a DAF MultiSupport R&M package. The new remote digital tachograph download capability will allow customers to significantly reduce both time and administration costs in the retrieval and management of tachograph data.
DAF Trucks’ Remote Digital Tachograph Download means tacho data may be downloaded while vehicles are out on the road. This removes the need for drivers to present their tacho-card in person – either at the Traffic Office or for periodic manual downloading of Vehicle Utilisation (VU) data – which is especially advantageous on extended periods away from base.
The downloaded data can then be uploaded seamlessly and directly to a number of tachograph analysis bureaus for subsequent analysis.
Frequency of downloads can be timed automatically, further reducing time and administration. Regular downloads allow DAF operators to better monitor drivers’ hours for subsequent work allocation. Unlike some other truck manufacturers’ telematics systems, DAF Trucks’ Remote Digital Tachograph Download places no responsibility on the driver to remove their tacho-card and insert it into a different download slot.
In addition to the driver’s tacho-card data, DAF Trucks’ Remote Digital Tachograph Download can also simultaneously obtain a range of vehicle data directly from the tacho-head unit, such as events, faults, technical calibration and detailed speed data. DAF operators, therefore, can enjoy the luxury of meeting and exceeding compliance requirements.
Waterside Logistics is one of the first DAF operators to realise the benefits of DAF Trucks’ Remote Digital Tachograph Download.
“It’s all about ease-of-use and minimum fuss,” says Waterside Director, Richard Carter, “We don’t have to chase our drivers – an often time consuming exercise. We receive remote downloads from every vehicle on a weekly basis and upload it with 100% accuracy to the RHA analysis office.”
“We’re a long-standing DAF operator,” said Carter, “and our latest Euro-6 DAF XFs benefit from having DAF Telematics pre-installed. Consequently, Microlise simply plugs-in and we have remote tachograph connectivity straight out-of-the-box.”
DAF Trucks’ Telematics Manager, Jake Blowers, said, “DAF Trucks’ Remote Digital Tachograph Download is yet another example of our commitment to providing customers with a total transport solution. Customer acceptance of DAF Telematics has been unequivocal,” he said, “and we’re working in tandem with Microlise to provide further enhancements to this already well-advanced technology.
“Remote tacho download, especially when set automatically, offers tangible time savings and administration benefits for our customers. Importantly, it relieves the driver of a responsibility, allowing him or her to focus on the principle task of driving.”