TELEMATICS AND THE FUTURE FREIGHT TASK IN AUSTRALIA

[image_gallery][/image_gallery] The Australian economy rides on the backs of trucks, and this freight task is showing no signs of retreating. In fact, by 2020 the Australian road freight task will have doubled in size in only two decades, growing at a rate of around 3.6 per cent annually. Faster growth still (approximately four per cent over the same period) has been projected for the inter-capital corridors according to forecasts from the Bureau of Transport and Regional Economics. When you pit this against Australia’s average economic growth rate of 2.75 per cent over this period, the importance of the road transport industry in Australia is unmistakable. In order to stay ahead of this growing mission on our roads, it’s imperative that businesses and fleet owners utilise intelligent transport systems (ITS) such as telematics. According to recent Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) findings, rigid and articulated trucks moved over two billion tonnes of freight around Australia in 2014, 95 per cent of which was delivered within the same state it originated. Trucks are the only way to efficiently transport a broad range of freight to the end user as managing the associated logistics becomes increasingly complex. Businesses are demanding an innovative and hassle-free solution to the logistical, economical and safety challenges created by a task of this magnitude, firmly positioning Isuzu Telematics systems as a key element in the future of trucking within the commercial transport industry. “Adopting new technology has always been an integral part of the Isuzu mantra, and the telematics space represents the next opportunity for productivity and efficiency gains for the industry more broadly,” said Isuzu Australia Limited’s Director and Chief Operating Officer, Phil Taylor. The Benefits Telematics offers a wide array of features, all visible on a clear and user-friendly dashboard. The technology collects and collates information on each vehicle’s location, speed, idling, engine revving and braking, and engine performance. Operators can then use this information to access driver behaviour, vehicle performance management and fuel economy, and incorporate maintenance scheduling and electronic proof of delivery into their daily business. In this way, they’re able to tie all their transport strands together. “Telematics is already a vital element for fleet managers and dispatchers the length and breadth of Australia,” Mr Taylor said. “Isuzu has harnessed the technology to hone our own offerings – Isuzu Connect and Connect Plus – into a powerful and comprehensive solution.” Telematics is an invaluable resource for fleet managers, providing the ability to obtain details regarding the operation and location of a truck fleet on-demand. The manager can then get a clearer picture of driver performance and that of the fleet in general, identifying issues like fuel consumption and harsh acceleration or braking. Improving these seemingly minor inefficiencies can boost a fleet’s all-round operations and translate to real savings. Elements such as truck location tracking are useful no matter what size your business is, as it enables fleet managers to plan routes and schedules, and meet customers’ increasing demand for real-time information on their freight and deliveries. However, telematics can become even more valuable as the scale of the operation grows. “If you’re running a 10, 20 or 100-vehicle strong fleet, trying to stay on top of maintenance and service scheduling is a task in itself – let alone analysing driver behaviour and promoting improvements,” Mr Taylor said. “With telematics, the hard work is done for you, and the data is reported back so you can make the changes to improve your business. “This data can be used to streamline routes, improve fuel consumption, reduce engine wear and reduce costs such as traffic infringements by improving driver performance.” Better trained drivers and closer monitoring means greater safety on the road, while in-depth engine performance monitoring and vehicle diagnostics help catch potential mechanical issues well before they pose any risk to a driver or vehicle’s well-being. Applications Despite positive steps, research shows that the majority of telematics customers currently use the technology solely as a vehicle-tracking tool, a trend Mr Taylor says is short sighted. “Using telematics for tracking alone is underutilising a tool that could improve your business, your drivers’ health, improve fuel economy and save you money. “Safety is always our number one priority, and an extensive uptake of telematics will be a resolute factor in making Australia’s roads safer for everyone.” As the economy continues to expand into the global marketplace, international demand for Australian goods and services has never been greater. Telematics provides the solution to many of the issues generated by this increased need, and it’s up to businesses to make sure they’re not left behind. “We’re expecting that telematics will be the biggest development in Isuzu trucks and the wider industry for years to come,” Mr Taylor said. Re-cap: What is Isuzu Telematics? Isuzu Telematics is an integrated intelligent trucking solution. A black box installed behind the truck’s dash panel works with a server and wireless devices to provide a range of operational and driver safety management efficiencies, such as live positioning, trip playback, geo-fencing and fleet and engine data information tools. The system is developed in Australia and made specifically to suit Isuzu trucks operating in Australian conditions. It is connected to the Telstra mobile network and uses fully licensed Google Maps for the broadest national footprint in Australia, both in metro and rural areas. Isuzu Connect The Isuzu Telematics Connect product (which can be retrofitted to older models) comprises vehicle positioning and fleet management capability. Features include live locating capability, mechanical checks, theft alert, and service reminders. As well, this package includes some aspects of analysing how the vehicle is driven: speeding, harsh braking and acceleration and adherence to geo-fenced boundaries.  Isuzu Connect Plus Isuzu Connect Plus ups the ante on the Connect offering by adding engine management data readings to the mix, from clutch activation and fuel consumption to how much time the engine is idling. There are also driver-security features, such as an Assist button, collision alert and door-open monitor. On the Connect Plus package, Isuzu Telematics integrates with Isuzu's DAVE (Digital Audio Visual Equipment) touchscreen, enabling tracking of individual drivers’ performance through a personalized Identification Number (PIN), and two way messaging between fleet despatcher and driver. ends For further information, please contact: Jeff Birdseye Isuzu Australia Limited Phone: 03 9644 6666 For Isuzu Truck Releases and Photos: Arkajon Communications Phone: 03 9867 5611 Email: isuzu@arkajon.com.au