To achieve this, Scania OnBoard shifts the current fleet management emphasis from telematics and hardware to a purely information-driven service. Accordingly, Scania OnBoard comprises three key core elements:
Messaging to link a vehicle with its operating base.
OPS, standing for Order Process Support, to monitor vehicles and their jobs.
Driver Log to record driver-activity.
"Scania OnBoard has come about as the result of extensive operator consultation," says Darrell Taylor, Marketing Manager – Scania OnBoard. "The message we received from the field time and time again was, 'keep it simple'. For many years the industry has been largely confused by a profusion of systems promising a wealth of benefits – and yet which all too often end up effectively consigned to the bin as a gadget that is just too hard to live with!
"The problem is that while these systems can indeed generate all manner of reports, the operator is almost invariably overwhelmed by the sheer volume and complexity of data presented to him. Put simply, he finds himself living in a geek's paradise: information overload and a vastly overcomplicated technical system!
"So our primary objective with Scania OnBoard 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. Over and above that, for anyone wishing to go further we can incorporate additional features such as satellite navigation into Scania OnBoard."
From the driver's perspective, Scania OnBoard is represented by a dashboard mounted touch-screen through which messages are received from, and made to, the operating base. In addition to simple text messages, the driver responds to job scheduling instructions from his operating base by way of the touch screen. To ensure safety in operation at all times, the touch screen can only be used when the vehicle is stationery.
The fleet manager can access the three core Scania OnBoard services from any internet-enabled computer via the secure Scania OnBoard Portal. From here he can communicate with his vehicles by text messages or through OPS, which allows him to schedule, track and manage vehicles and jobs in real-time. OPS is an intuitive system which displays its information through a series clear and easy-to-interpret screens.
Driver Log offers the fleet manager a broad range of driver-activity information. From basic drivers' hours monitoring in accordance with the Working Time Directive to monitoring factors such as idle time and harsh braking, Driver Log is a bespoke product which can be customised to meet the demands of any given business. As with OPS, Driver Log provides the fleet manager with a series of clear and simple reports.
Further information on Scania OnBoard can be found at www.scania.co.uk/onboard
