GPS Fleet tracking

For refrigerated goods variation in temperature can cause serious loss or damage and temperature monitoring is now a mandatory requirement in most of Europe. The temperature alert allows you to monitor the temperature of goods in transit, either constantly or at pre-determined intervals, e.g. every five minutes, with up to three sensors. You define the maximum and minimum temperatures, so if these are exceeded a visual and audible alert is received on the website within a few seconds of the threshold being broken. An audit trail of all temperature readings is held by vehicle by date.

This clever device makes VL-CANbus even easier to use. It enables the driver of the vehicle to be automatically identified instead of the information being input manually into the system to eliminate user error. This small device is pre-programmed with the driver’s details. When he or she turns on the ignition, the Driver ID Key Fob bleeps continuously until it is activated. At this point VL-CANbus is notified which driver is using the vehicle and can then report on individual driver hours, journeys and performance irrespective of which vehicle is used in the fleet.

This can be used on any door with a switched input to improve the safety and security of drivers. Each alert is recorded centrally on the VL-Fleet system so an audit trail can be accessed later if required.

The same technology is applied to the activation of PTO’s on tippers or roadsweepers so that use of these devices can be monitored and recorded for post event analysis.  Again, all actions are recorded by vehicle / driver and date.

Provides greater control and peace of mind to help prevent theft or to track and immobilise a stolen vehicle.

An independent power source enables live tracking even in the event of a full electrical failure on the vehicle (e.g. if wiring is disconnected from the main battery)

You can immobilise a vehicle remotely by clicking a switch from the website. For safety reasons, the vehicle is not immobilised ‘in journey’ but once it has come to a rest and the ignition switched off, it is impossible to re-start it.  You can also set up schedules to allow for on-going immobilisation at certain periods (such as weekends)

The VL-Trailer tracking system enables you to track trailers in real-time, independently of the cab. It overcomes the issues normally associated with trailer tracking to provide greater security.

VL-Trailer uses assisted GPS technology to enable it to receive signals in enclosed spaces and determine the exact location of the trailer 24 hours a day. VL-Trailer is always on: its own independent power source is trickle-charged from low power circuits on the trailer, such as indicators, brakes and side lights.

All the components are installed in a self-contained box, which is secured to the trailer chassis, so it is unaffected by the loading and unloading of the trailer. VL-Trailer is extremely robust and will last indefinitely due to its fully waterproof construction with no aerials or external wires. VL-Trailer is not to be confused with self-powered battery only systems which can suffer significant power loss in cold weather conditions.

Wireless asset tracking is available with the introduction of an RFID reader fitted to the GPS tracking device. RFID tags can be monitored within a 10m range of the GPS device and reports accessed via the VeriLocation website. The RFID tags are ideal for use on a wide range of assets, including those made from metal. They are fitted with a slim (1cm deep) battery that will last for five years. The tag has an anti-tamper facility and can incorporate a movement sensor.

Goods in transit
RFID allows you to track goods in transit automatically and at low cost. When a tagged item is loaded onto a vehicle, the tag ‘reader’ in the GPS device identifies it and logs it to a database. There is no need to physically scan or read the tag and an audit trail is recorded, which can be accessed by logging onto the VeriLocation website.

Trailer tracking
You can track trailers and containers easily and cost-effectively by fitting a tag to the trailer or container. When the trailer is locked onto the tractor unit, the GPS device on the tractor reads the tag to determine which trailer is fitted to which tractor.

Temperature monitoring
By fitting a temperature RFID tag inside the chill chamber, it will automatically report data to the ‘reader’ in the GPS device every 1.5 seconds. As it is completely wireless, the chamber remains intact – there is no need to drill holes or run wires round the vehicle. An audit trail is accessed via the VeriLocation website, and with a five year battery life, this is an ideal, cost-effective solution for wireless temperature monitoring.

This is a small device with a screen situated in the vehicle’s cab to enable text based messages to be sent between the driver and transport office from the GPS website. Pre-defined (canned) messages can be stored for regular use to allow easy and accurate regular communication. There is no charge for sending messages, just an upfront cost for the terminal in the cab. New information such as additional pick-ups, route changes, or traffic problems can also be relayed. The control office is informed when a message has been viewed and an audit trail is stored of all communication by driver and date.

Analysing driver patterns that contribute to high or low MPG figures enable you to improve driver performance and fuel efficiency.

VL-CANbus is an advanced telematics system which extracts raw data from the engine’s CANbus. This data is analysed to provide performance information and with the ability to setup driver accounts in VL-Fleet, it is now possible to allocate certain telematic data from the vehicle to a driver.

This accountability of vehicle use is a powerful tool in reducing costs and improving safety. To make life easier we have developed a series of reports and alerts that automatically notify you when:

• Speed has been exceeded 
• Fuel loss event 
• Over torque 
• Over brake 
• Over rev 
• Idle for more than set a period

The above parameters have been shown to tie in directly with high MPG figures and wear and tear on the vehicle.

We recommend the use of drivers’ league tables which are based upon a score card system. They are produced for you and e-mailed each month. This ranking directly correlates with good MPG figures, so you can incentivise the top performers and reprimand the worst. Customer trials have shown the net result is reduced MPG by up to 10%, which goes straight to the bottom line.