April/May 2002

Monitoring trucks and drivers

Future on-board computing and tracking systems will not only be able to alert managers to imminent failure of key vehicle components, but will also warn then when the driver is over-tired.

This is among the predictions of BOX Telematics, which provides a range of telemetry systems for both transport and fixed applications. Marketing director Mike Langley explains that these are among the benefits of work being done by the company on predictive monitoring ­ a technique that uses complex signal processing algorithms and formulas to measure the performance of individual systems and anticipate likely failure points.

 

The company is experienced in monitoring and controlling pressure, temperature, flow rates and analogue or digital changes in state ­ functions that apply both in industrial plant and on vehicles.

Langley points out that tracking and monitoring performance also provides insight into driver behaviour, helping provide evidence that could reduce insurance premiums. "Vehicle tracking is all about information, and information is power," he says.