Aug/Sept 2008

More advanced vehicle diagnostic information can now be captured remotely via the Trimble Vehicle Tracking system. Trimble MRM has launched version 2.0 of its Trimble Vehicle Diagnostics solution, and says it can improve vehicle uptime, reduce fuel use, deliver better maintenance and at same time reduce operating costs.

Trimble Vehicle Diagnostics 2.0 is a small piece of hardware that plugs into the on-board EOBD (European On Board Diagnostics) engine port of each vehicle and connects with the Trimble Vehicle Tracking device already installed in the vehicle.

EOBD is the port that gives systems access to CANbus and similar performance data in a standardised electronic format.

Trimble says its new system allows it to gather intelligence about a vehicle engine and performance to provide customers with a level of knowledge of their fleet operation that simply wasn't available before – or technically possible.

 

Part of the appeal is that the system can notify fleet operators of any engine faults and performance issues as they occur, so that they can be resolved before they have a chance to develop and turn into expensive and time-consuming problems. Trimble MRM describes this as proactive maintenance.

The system also enables users to monitor driver performance – something considered to be increasingly important in helping operators comply with regulatory demands such as Corporate Manslaughter and meet health and safety requirements.