Fleet Management News & Business Info | Commercial Carrier Journal
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/835233
capable of interfacing with virtually all telematics service providers for all vehicle makes. It provides fl eet managers insight into what's going on with their trucks in an intuitive way that is straightforward and easy to understand. Modern commercial vehicles are very complex machines, with an additional layer of complexity added in the computing needed to operate effi ciently and in compliance with emission regulations. Additionally, we as an industry have worked hard to isolate the driver from NVH – noise, vibration and harshness. That hard work has made for a much better workplace for drivers, but can dampen the ability to hear, feel or smell indications that would alert them to a potential problem before a breakdown. Seeing problems develop and taking action before conditions present themselves to the driver wards off progressive damage, improves vehicle uptime and reduces unplanned maintenance costs and towing expenses. Technicians win by having information to begin triaging vehicles even before they arrive at the service facility. Also, since we retain fault codes and make them available, a tech can see an intermittent issue and potentially take action on it. Without that history, the technician might have to return a truck to service a few times before it presents the problem and associated codes while in his or her hands. Q Tell us about OnCommand Connection Telematics. How will this service expand the OnCommand Connection suite of offerings? A Our OnCommand Connection Telematics solution provides access to real-time data using advanced- technology hardware and applications. It supports all makes and all models of Class 6 through 8 vehicles and will utilize the OnCommand Connection Telematics device, a universal telematics device that plugs into the truck's service port. The OnCommand Connection Telematics device, which will be available mid- summer, will also provide access to OnCommand Connection. Other telematics companies may present themselves as keeping customers compliant with an ELD solution, but only OnCommand Connection Telematics has a single solution that helps you meet regulations and offers visibility into the health of your vehicles. Q I understand the fi rst app available on the OnCommand ® Connection Marketplace will be the OnCommand Connection Electronic Driver Log (EDL) app. How dœ s this EDL app work, when will it be available and how will it affect drivers and fl eet managers? A Our EDL app connects the driver's mobile device to the OnCommand Connection Telematics device. The app provides quick and easy access to the driver's daily work and driving-hours log via their mobile device. They'll know in a glance how much time they have before a mandated break period and the hours available to work. We've built the app to meet a number of hours of service rules in the United States, including making log sheets available for drivers and companies operating under the short-haul exemption rules. In addition, the app allows the driver to perform his or her required daily vehicle inspection electronically. From the company/fl eet manager's view, they'll have a dashboard giving them visibility into: • Drivers' available work and drive time • Vehicles' location and inspection statuses • Vehicles' health and safety statuses This allows fl eet managers access to all the information they need to bid accurately and safely on the next load for each of their assets. The EDL app will be available through the OnCommand Connection Marketplace mid-summer and will also be available at this time for download in both Google Play and the iOS App Store. Q What other driver-productivity tools will be available through the OnCommand Connection Marketplace? A The future is limitless. We have the data and are working to create more tools that will help us revolutionize the connected transportation space and keep drivers on the road. Q What products/hardware/ software do fl eets need in order to take advantage of all the productivity tools we've mentioned? Will they work with all truck makes/ models? A The OnCommand Connection Telematics device will work on all truck makes and models, though special wiring harnesses may be required for connection. The only thing needed to access the telematics dashboard and the ELD/ DVIR information is a valid email address. The Electronic Driver Log app will work on Android™ and iOS phones as well as Android tablets. For more information, visit www.OnCommandConnection.com. The Electronic Driver Log app gives drivers and fl eet managers quick access to drivers' work- and driving-hours information.