More Safety, Fewer Accidents Gamechanger Telematics in Material Transportation

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Intelligent telematics systems can make intralogistics safer and more efficient, thus avoiding high accident rates and inefficient processes within the company. With functions such as driver identification, real-time monitoring and automation, they enable the efficient use of industrial trucks.

High accident figures and a lack of efficiency characterize everyday working life in internal transport. According to the DGUV, around 80 percent of all workplace accidents occur within the company—6 percent of which occur in intralogistics alone. However, this challenge also presents an opportunity for companies to make material transportation safer and more efficient. The key: individually configurable telematics systems that not only make fleet operations safer, but also smarter and more sustainable.

Telematics Systems for Safe Transportation

A modern solution is the use of fleet management systems that provide precise vehicle and environmental data and also serve to identify drivers. They ensure responsible handling of industrial trucks and help to minimize the risk of accidents and unauthorized use. With additional functions such as vehicle localization and management, fleet management systems help to make material transport more efficient.

Two important functions should be particularly emphasized: Firstly, telematics systems guarantee access control. They ensure that only authorized drivers operate the industrial trucks. Secondly, telematics systems can issue various acoustic or visual safety warnings and thus trigger measures such as an automatic reduction in driving speed in order to increase safety in the warehouse.

The telematics systems communicate with the vehicles either via direct analog signals or via modern data exchange protocols. While VDI-standardized connections are generally supported without any problems, CAN bus communication is only available to a limited extent, depending on the device manufacturer.

Driver Authentication Using Radio Frequency Identification

Driver identification is carried out using RFID technology. With special readers that support a variety of RFID formats such as cards, tags or adhesive tags and frequencies from 125 kilohertz to 13.56 megahertz, fleet managers can identify their drivers quickly and reliably. An alternative authentication method is the use of a keypad or a combination of both. The driver then logs on to the device with either an RFID card, a tag or an individual PIN, goes through a departure check and can then operate the vehicle securely.

In addition, managers can adapt the departure checklists to the specific safety requirements of their company. This ensures complete documentation and contributes to the safe and efficient use of industrial trucks. Another important aspect of the responsible use of industrial trucks is ensuring that they are ready for operation and in good working order. They must therefore be subject to regular maintenance intervals and undergo a daily visual and functional check before each use.

Individual Configuration Enables Optimum Customization

The telematics systems are equipped with numerous sensors that continuously monitor the environment and the performance data of the industrial truck. These include self-learning shock sensors to detect possible violent damage, as well as read-out access and operating data such as access time, travel time or engine running time for combustion engines. Other useful measuring devices such as speed, load and GPS sensors can be retrofitted and individually configured. This adaptability enables companies to tailor the systems precisely to their requirements and thus optimize vehicle operation. The result: Greater safety, a longer vehicle service life and fewer breakdowns.

But telematics systems must also work without WLAN. After all, you can't always rely on a stable Wi-Fi connection in the warehouse. It is therefore all the more important that the telematics devices work reliably even without an internet connection and store all relevant data—such as access authorizations or settings for force majeure—locally so that they are available at all times, even without a data connection to the server. The devices have two different data memories: a volatile memory for short-term data requirements and a permanent memory for long-term information. An internal battery ensures that the volatile memory remains functional even in the event of a power failure. The device can operate for up to four weeks without a data connection and stores all the collected data, which it then automatically transmits to the server as soon as a connection is established.

Easy Installation and Handling

Despite the sophisticated technology, these telematics systems are characterized by their ease of installation and handling. The devices can be easily installed in just a few hours using the appropriate bracket or the anchorage provided by the manufacturer, without impairing the workflow or visibility in the vehicle. Installation is always carried out in consultation with the customer to ensure optimum positioning. An integrated display facilitates communication and the processing of checklists, while the robust design ensures flawless operation even under demanding conditions.

Long-Term Competitive Advantage Through Telematics

Fleet management systems are the solution to many challenges in intralogistics. They not only increase safety, but also ensure the efficient use of vehicles and resources. Thanks to their flexible configuration and the continuous recording of relevant data, problems or damage can be quickly identified and smooth and safe operation ensured. For many companies, such systems are now indispensable in order to remain competitive and successful in the long term, not only today but also in the future. (ls)

*Stevie McQuoid is General Manager Europe & Middle East at Powerfleet.

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