Today, I take a look at AutoMonitor, an innovative fleet managing system that’s set to transform haulage jobs. This impressive piece of technology was designed by AutoTest Products with the US military in mind. Let’s investigate what it can do and what sets it apart from other products on the market.
What Does AutoMonitor Do?
Whilst you’re carrying out haulage jobs, the AutoMonitor system constantly keeps track of a variety of key areas. This data is sent to fleet operators in real-time and is used to alert the driver of potential problems. This allows operators to keep an eye on trucks on the road, as well as helping drivers stay safe.
The Managing Director of AutoTest Products said that his vision is “to improve how heavy vehicles move around the country, boost the user experience for fleet owners, and inform drivers in real-time so they can make better decisionsâ€. To fulfil this vision, the technology monitors brakes, shock absorbers, location and GPS tracking, speed, stability and predicted deadly rollovers whilst the vehicle is moving. As you know, worn tyres, brakes and shock absorbers can be dangerous if they’re not dealt with as soon as possible. That’s why AutoMonitor ensures that maintenance can take place at the optimum time – and not halfway through one of your haulage jobs!
How Does It Work?
AutoMonitor combines four different technologies into one useful product. Though it is known to some as the ‘black box’ for HGVs, it does lots more than just store drive information. Here are a few of its functionalities.
•GPS-based Tracker: The GPS-based tracker provides fleet managers with real-time data on the position and load state of their vehicles.
•Vehicle Health Monitor: Again, AutoMonitor is all about instantly providing useful information. The Vehicle Health Monitor makes real-time weight and condition monitoring available, including engine fault diagnostics through OBD-II.
•Digital Tachograph: The tachograph replaces a manual driver log by electronically recording driver activity and distance travelled.
•Rollover Prediction System: This lets the driver know if a rollover is likely.
What Makes AutoMonitor So Special?
If you stay up to date with what’s going on in the haulage industry, you’ll know that there are lots of great products on the market that improve fleet management and vehicle maintenance. So what makes this one particularly special?
The jewel in the crown of this product is the Rollover Prediction System, which is a world first. It uses the data collected to predict the likelihood of a rollover, and then warns the driver, both audibly and visually, that they need to slow down and take care. No matter what song you’re singing along to on to the radio, you won’t miss the loud alarm and flashing ‘traffic light’ system that indicates potential danger. Rollovers not only lead to huge financial losses for companies, but are also fatal in many cases. Consequently, this warning system could save precious lives, as well as leading to lower insurance rates. It’s a win-win for drivers, fleet owners and other road users alike.
Hopefully, you’ve never been involved in an accident whilst carrying out haulage jobs, but they can happen to anyone. If you’d like to make your drives safer and more efficient, this easy-to-install product is a great starting point.
Norman Dulwich is a Correspondent for Haulage Exchange, the leading online trade network for the road transport industry. Connecting logistics professionals across the UK and Europe through their website, Haulage Exchange provides services for matching haulage jobs with available drivers. Over 4,800 transport exchange businesses are networked together through their website, trading jobs and capacity in a safe 'wholesale' environment.