The connected truck with TomTom Telematics

Connected Truck

Connected cars have been much talked about lately, along with the many possibilities they offer their occupants. This also applies to trucks, and this connectivity brings many advantages to fleet owners in the transport industry. TomTom Telematics has compiled some of the combined solutions that improve the efficiency of connected truck fleets, enabling greater automation of key processes.

In the past, IT teams or external IT consultants had to develop custom systems that combined, for example, tracking and telematics with business management or route planning software. Now, new systems and new driver terminals, much like a tablet, make the lives of drivers and fleet managers much easier by combining navigation with business apps that allow them to complete daily tasks very easily.

Compliance with working time regulations

Integrating telematics with tachograph systems provides a huge advantage for companies that need to comply with working time regulations. Remote downloading of the driver card and storage of tachograph data can be scheduled automatically in order to meet all key deadlines.

Transport operators can see on a map and in real time how much time each driver has left before a break, and receive notifications if a driver must take a stop, when it should end, or if an infringement has occurred.

Mobile customer invoicing

Using a signature capture app, an integrated camera or an NFC chip, drivers can send proof of their deliveries every day. Integration with mobile printers also allows an invoice to be printed on the spot for the customer, with date and time together with trip details provided by the telematics system.

Parking planning

Truck drivers sometimes find it difficult to balance their need to comply with rest-time rules with when and where they can take a break in the most comfortable and safe way.

Today there are apps available for truck navigation devices that remind drivers when they must stop and show them the most convenient truck parking areas in Europe.

Faster cargo weight invoicing

Integrating a telematics system with in-cab weighing systems makes it possible to provide real-time weight information, data that is sent directly to the back-office software, without the vehicle having to visit weighbridges. Since the data also includes location and trip date information, the finance department can issue invoices based on cargo weight as soon as the materials have been collected.

Cold chain reports

For cold chain operators, integration with on-board temperature controllers will allow invoices to be created that provide the exact temperature the goods have maintained at different points during the journey.

With safety in mind

Vehicle inspections can be carried out using a tablet-type device, with results updated in the back-office software instantly, so that compliance with truck maintenance regulations can be demonstrated.

Integration with on-board devices, such as safety cameras and vehicle sensors, can help improve driver safety and provide evidence in the event of claims or complaints.

Source | TomTom