Integrating Tachograph Analysis with Core Business Systems

Historically, for a number of hauliers, the analysis of tachographs was considered purely a necessity to comply with the legal requirements to protect the O-Licence and eliminate the risk of ministry penalties. Many however, have recognised the considerable additional value that can be derived from the tachograph; and how it can be used to significantly improve the effectiveness and operation efficiency of the transport function. The benefits of integrating analysis into the Planning, Doing and Reviewing functions of distribution go well beyond compliance management.

The recent introduction of new legislation for working time and the soon to be introduced Digital tachograph technology requires greater diligence in driver and vehicle management. It also offers a considerable opportunity to extend the analysis information into other core applications within the business.

Of course, accurate tachograph analysis is critical to ensure compliance with hours law and working time and should be given some priority for both the driver and employer benefit. However, consider also how such information could be used to increase the effectiveness of resource planning, costing and benchmarking capabilities of other core transport management applications.

TruTac envisages an integrated transport management environment. Where a comprehensive suite of applications use, share and exploit common data to effect dramatic improvements in efficiency, cost effectiveness and performance of the business - with enhanced management reporting on an as required and exception basis.

Consider the value of improved performance management from effective real-time review of the distribution plan, versus the actual. By integrating the daily distribution plan (from planning and telematic systems), with the actual journey details at driver and vehicle level, from the tachograph analysis database; significant business value can be gained in understanding how the plan can be improved (routing, timings, vehicles and drivers). Additionally, accurate information will be available for route effectiveness, driver and vehicle utilisation.

There are a number of core applications within the transport function that use common data. Integration between applications that use Driver, Vehicle, Trailer and Route data will reduce inconsistency, increase accuracy and most importantly improve the usability of the information. More reporting should be produced on an exception basis to alert appropriate management when trends, or key performance indicators, reach pre-determined limits; so that effective decisions can be taken in advance of problems arising. It is only by effective interfacing of applications that such benefits can be realised.

Even though the introduction of the digital tachograph will streamline data – a mixed fleet of digital and analogue will co-exist for a number of years. The merging of duty details from both tachograph technologies is key to effective management of journey planning and drivers’ hours. Consequently, this will increase the requirement for in-depot solutions for analysis and management reporting; as well as integration with corporate business systems. The arrival of digital tachograph, whilst a why off, should be welcomed. The accuracy and immediacy of data will enable dramatic improvements in the usability of tachograph data and particularly the ability to create an integrated environment of real performance management; such as time and attendance, planning and scheduling, performance benchmarking, personnel and payroll.

Departments that historically work autonomously from each other (Finance, Personnel, Planning, Fleet Management, Fleet Engineering and Customer Services/Management) benefit greatly from a central data source to enable timely effective decision making. The first task, therefore, should be to implement an effective real-time analysis architecture (24-48 hour turnaround) to provide a comprehensive database source - that is compatible with other transport applications to simplify the interface.

Traditional postal based tachograph analysis cannot provide reliable data in time for operational purposes. It is advisable, therefore, to give serious consideration now to invest in new technology, with a solution provider today that can demonstrate a solid roadmap to an integrated approach to your business.

Realising the full potential of tachograph analysis beyond just compliance management now - will enable improved business processes that will ultimately provide better customer service and give you that competitive edge.

Chris Telfer, Sales & Marketing Director – TruTac Ltd.

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