Scania aims to switch telematics focus to information

Management information rather than telematics technology is the focus of a relaunched fleet management system from truckmaker Scania. The company has also taken pains to include job management as well as vehicle function monitoring in the package - something considered lacking in the more vehicle-centric telematics systems from the truck industry.

In the words of marketing manager Darrell Taylor: 'The market told us: keep it simple.' He adds: 'The operator is almost invariably overwhelmed by the sheer volume and complexity of data presented to him. So our primary objective has been to cut through all of that and simply present the operator with the essential information he needs to enable him run his business more efficiently, effectively and profitably.'

Key elements include messaging to link vehicles with their operating base; order processing support (or 'OPS') to monitor vehicles and their jobs; and a driver log to record driver activity.

The system uses a dashboard mounted touch-screen, through which messages are received from and made to the operating base. In tune with these current safety-conscious times, the touch-screen can only be used when the vehicle is stationary.

In the office, the system is accessed via the Internet. Managers can communicate with vehicles by text messages or through OPS, which allows them to schedule, track and manage vehicles and jobs in real time.