TruTac

1. What is the TruControl analysis system?

TruControl is a VOSA approved, industry leading tachograph analysis solution. Analogue and digital tachograph data is sent using the TruControl system and the results are seamlessly merged into easy to use management reports. The system is fully flexible and can be installed locally, on a remote server or can be internet based. All drivers’ working time and driving hours are securely stored and you can view driver and vehicle reports and other data in a flexible solution configured to meet your business needs.

2. Why do I need TruControl?

To protect your O’licence! If you operate vehicles which are fitted with analogue or digital tachographs then you need to manage your company's compliance with relevant domestic and EU transport legislation. TruControl provides an easy and cost effective way to manage compliance and also acts as an excellent management reporting tool.

3. What is needed to use TruControl?

To use the TruControl system you will need to have a minimum technical spec for your PC. However this does differ depend on whether you have an installed system or a web based system, and whether you have digital or analogue or a combination of both. Please always call TruTac on 02476 690000 to find out the requirements for your specific needs.

*Please Note - if using scanner, card reader, DigiDown, and 2 TAS clocking readers you will need 5 USB 2 ports - this excludes current printers, mice and keyboards.

PC / SC / ISO7816 compliant USB Smart Card Reader capable of reading T0 and T1 type cards. These are available from our stationery shop.

The Card Reader is used to read the events from your Driver's Card. This then adds Start of Duty, Work, POA, Driving, Rest, Out of Scope, Split rest and End Duty to the reports in TruControl; all relevant details are also passed to the RTD (Road Transport Directive) part of the software.

The Vehicle Download Unit is used to read Vehicle information from the Vehicle Unit (the Tachograph). This information contains Events, such as Tampering; Faults recorded with the Tacho; an overview of distances travelled, mileage etc. plus driving activity such as speed and braking.

i. Scan your charts in the correct manner from your site. The scanned chart images are compressed and securely sent to TruTac via the TruControl system for expert analysis. The centre field details are entered and the trace is accurately analysed. The results are sent back to your TruControl system and the data is then available for you to run reports.

Scanners are the most convenient and fast way to send analogue charts and means you do not have to post charts, the charts are analysed faster, and the analysis results are available quicker. TruTac pride themselves on the speed of turnaround and the quality of our analysis. Service Level Agreements are provided to guarantee our excellent service at every level.

If you choose to scan your charts you will need to purchase a colour scanner. The scanner must be a colour duplex scanner with an automatic document feeder capable of feeding tachograph charts. We strongly recommend using a Panasonic 1025 and we can supply this to you with a special extended warranty (see our Stationery on this site), or advise on suitability if you already have scanners.

ii. Post your charts to us. Charts are then analysed by us within an agreed timescale, and results are uploaded to a Web based system, then the charts are posted back to you. But this method is longer.

Yes, but we strongly recommend using a Panasonic 1025 otherwise image quality may be poor which will cost you more in re-scanned and re-analysis of charts and may affect your turnaround times.

We can supply Panasonic 1025’s to you with a special extended warranty (see our Stationery on this site).

Please note that the Panasonic 1025 we sell has had a manufacturer upgrade to enable tachograph charts to be scanned. Similar scanners sourced elsewhere may not be able to scan tachograph charts correctly.

All in-scope vehicles over 3.5 tonnes sold in the UK (and indeed the whole of the EU) after May 2006 are required by law to be fitted with a digital tachograph. These rules change regularly and many vehicles are now required to have tachographs. Please check if you are unsure

If you wish to fit a digital tachograph to a truck that does not have one fitted, or replace a broken digital tachograph then you will need to contact one of the tachograph manufacturers direct.

Ideally you should download driver cards and vehicle units more frequently to ensure you have regular backups of all your data.

i. Driver Card. Carried by your drivers, and which is inserted into the digital tachograph when the driver is on duty.

iv. Control card. Available only to VOSA and the Police for carrying out enforcement.

Driver Card and Company Card application packs are available from the Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). Call DVLA on 0870 8501074.

Workshop Card application forms are available from VOSA. Call VOSA on 01792 454336.

The Card Reader is connected to a PC, and is used to read the information from your Driver's Card.

The Vehicle Download Unit is used to read Vehicle information from the Vehicle Unit (the Digital Tachograph).

Both of these are required to be recorded and stored by law. Both can be purchased at very competitive prices from our stationery department.

The Siemens VDO Download key and the Digidown are similar. They plug into the Vehicle Unit and allow all or some of the data on the unit to be downloaded and stored on the device. The Siemens VDO Download key uses internal memory for storage, but the Digidown uses a removable SD flash memory card. If you choose one of these two devices, you will also need to purchase a separate card reader.

The OPTAC and the Digidown+ devices are similar. Each device allows you to download direct from the Vehicle Unit. However they also incorporate a smartcard reader which reads your digital tachograph cards. The key advantage of the card readers in these two devices is that they can be used while disconnected from a PC. This means that they are completely portable, and can be used by drivers without needing access to a PC. If you choose one of these devices, you do not always need a separate card reader.

14. I get a 'Download Fault 12' message on the tachograph display when I download from a vehicle. Does this mean the download has failed?

When using any VU download device (e.g. a VDO Download key or a Digidown) with the Siemens VDO digital tachograph the message 'Download Fault 12' may occasionally be shown on the tachograph display. This does not indicate a problem with the download process or the downloaded data. Instead it is indicating that the tachograph has not stored any data for one or more days within the download period requested, probably because the tachograph power supply was disconnected for those days.

Users should allow the download to finish normally and then press the 'OK' button on the tachograph to clear the error message.

Yes. The RTD rules will be analysed and accurate reporting given on infringements and other data, providing the correct records are completed. The RTD includes holidays, sick days and others and all of these needs to be recorded. Digital Tachograph records alone are not enough to comply with all the RTD rules as they must be analysed.

Yes. All access to the system is password protected. The installed system uses passwords and the web based system uses the highest available level of encryption (128 bit SSL). Our servers are duplicated ensuring there is always a complete data back up and are held in totally secure locations with 24x7 security guards and fire / disaster protection.

NO, not at all. In fact TruTac has acted as expert witnesses to clients and provided supporting evidence which has helped them to retain their O’licence.

Yes. Your records are your property. Please contact us, and we will arrange this for you.

Yes. All days not working due to holidays etc. can be recorded and the WTD, RTD rules applied as required.

21. If I use Agency or Part Time Workers will I be charged for weeks they are not working?

22. Are there any tools in TruControl which can help me manage Agency or Part Time Workers?

Yes, TruControl has unique bolt on tools called ‘modules’ which help solve common Transport Office administration problems. One of these is called the ‘Agency Costing Module’ which easily calculates rates of pay and costs for different agency workers. To find out more please call the TruTac team on 02476 690000.

23. Are there any tools in TruControl which can help me manage driver infringements and de-briefing?

Yes, TruControl has unique bolt on tools called ‘modules’ which help solve common Transport Office problems. The Infringement De-brief module is used by many clients to help accurately manage their de-briefing process. The system pre-populates de-brief documents and then records and safely stores the documents in a secure place. To find out more please call the TruTac team on 02476 690000.

Yes, TruTac has developed unique solutions to help solve common Transport Office problems. The Time and Attendance System (TAS) is designed to work alongside TruControl and manage the complete working time of drivers and all other non-mobile staff. Drivers and all staff can log in and out using smart cards and managers can then be alerted when staff have not reported for work and reports can be produced to help manage and monitor time and attendance of all employees. To find out more please call the TruTac team on 02476 690000.

Yes. Please contact our support line 02476 857890 or email support@trutac.co.uk. Please note that, unlike our competitors, our phone lines are charged at standard landline rates - we don't charge you premium call rates for the support you need.

We believe TruControl is the best value analysis product on the market. Our prices are dependant on the deployment method you require, the size of your fleet and any other add-on modules you require. We have clients ranging from 1 vehicle to 1000’s of vehicles, so we are confident we can supply you with the most cost effective and powerful solution to service your needs. To learn how TruTac can help you please call us on 02476 690000.

If you have any questions or queries on any TruTac products you may find the answer in the FAQs section on this web site. If these do not answer your question then please contact Support either on 024 7685 7890 or email support@trutac.co.uk.