TEN-YEAR PLAN: TELEMATICS AND THE FUTURE OF TRANSPORT

[image_gallery][/image_gallery] When you consider the evolution of the Australian truck industry over the last 10 to 15 years the overwhelming focus has been on engine management systems and emissions compliance. But looking to the decade ahead, it’s telematics technology which emerges as the single most important technology development we’re likely to see in our vehicles. Part and parcel Telematics – integrating telecommunications, real-time data and transport communications – is poised to play a vital role in a safer, more productive future for the transport industry. Simon Humphries, Chief Engineer, Product Strategy, at Isuzu Australia Limited (IAL) says telematics is the biggest technological development for the road freight industry to keep its eye on. “Telematics will be soon viewed as part of the truck – just like the engine or transmission – rather than seen as an accessory,” said Mr Humphries. “We’ve been mindful to develop a product that will be relevant both now and in the future.” 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. Isuzu Australia offers two levels of telematics capability so that businesses can choose the product that best meets their needs and requirements. 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. In addition, this package includes some aspects of analysing how the vehicle is driven: speeding, harsh 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 engine idling. There are also driver-security features such as a panic button, collision alert and door-open monitor. On the Connect Plus package, Isuzu Telematics integrates with Isuzu's DAVE (Digital Audio Visual Equipment) touchscreen. Isuzu Telematics: What’s new? Isuzu Trucks has introduced two clever new features to its telematics offering – driver ID and two-way messaging. In fleet management operational visibility is the key to making savings, increasing efficiencies and getting the best out of both vehicles and drivers.  Fleet managers welcome the driver ID feature and two-way messaging features for their ability to provide data on how every vehicle is being used. Driver ID has been designed to increase visibility for operators who assign multiple drivers across several vehicles. It allows drivers to be identified by a four-digit PIN. This data is used ensure drivers and vehicles are being allocated and utilised efficiently. The road to regulation Regulators and road authorities are increasingly using technology to monitor road infrastructure. This is leading to calls from fleet operators, truck owners and transport industry associations for integrated telematics which serve compliance requirements and driver/fleet manager’s needs. Here in Australia, Transport Certification Australia (TCA) administers the National Telematics Framework on behalf of the Australian government and transport agencies. The framework provides a nationally-agreed reference point for the development and delivery of telematics technology, including the Intelligent Access Program (IAP), intelligent speed compliance, on-board mass (OBM) monitoring and electronic work diaries (EWDs). Electronic work diaries & telematics The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) is currently developing an approach to the national adoption of electronic work diaries (EWDs), and an EWD specification in Australia is expected in 2017. EWDs are being established under the National Telematics Framework, which promotes the ‘one box, many uses’ principle to facilitate the simultaneous operation of regulatory and commercial applications. “This means that the introduction of EWDs will ensure transport operators do not need to purchase new, stand-alone systems or technologies, subject to decisions by telematics providers to offer EWD services,” says Chris Koniditsiotis, TCA Chief Executive Officer. Usage A November 2015 ACA Research omnibus study on telematics adoption in the road freight industry showed that 39 per cent of trucks and fleets in the country are using telematics of some description. Of these, 91 per cent are fleets with more than 25 trucks. In comparison, the telematics usage rate among owner-drivers and smaller fleets is low. Only 23 per cent of fleets of three to five trucks use telematics, with the usage rate falling to 5 per cent for owners of one to two trucks. The research shows transport operators use an average of five features from what’s available on the market. Key stats

• 97% of telematics is being used for vehicle tracking
• 61% for fatigue management
• 56% for driver performance management
• Navigation and vehicle performance monitoring at 53% and 48% respectively

Roadblocks & free passes Given the technological advances in how our roads are regulated, transport operators, big and small, are going to find themselves engaging with telematics one way or the other. Whether it’s a single in-vehicle device such as a satellite navigation unit, multiple devices for multiple needs, or an integrated unit such as Isuzu Telematics, the technology is here to stay. It’s the operators who understand telematics, analyse the data and take the appropriate actions are going to be the ones who come out on top, both in terms of their bottom line today and in understanding the technology’s potential to shape operational efficiencies in the future. 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