April/May 2002

Red 'black box' keeps drivers under review

Managing a mobile workforce more effectively doesn't necessarily have to involve communications or the extra cost they usually entail. Maple Fleet Technology has come up with a Red Box Fleet Data Recorder ­ a low-cost-plug-in unit that automatically records details of vehicle use. It is said to allow companies to identify private and business mileage, record unauthorised vehicle usage and encourage drivers to cut engine idling time.

The unit records start and stop times, total mileage, business and private mileage, average speed, top speed and time idling. Data is stored on a removable data card, allowing downloads to be done in the office. The information is analysed and displayed using standard office software, showing at a glance how individual vehicles are being used.

According to Steve Hodson, Maple's national sales manager: "Feedback tells us that the vast majority of companies could use their vehicles more efficiently, but the cost of many systems is prohibitive. Red Box offers a cost-effective solution to managers' information requirements, without deluging them with unnecessary data."