According to some in the trucking industry, a new initiative will take telematics in trucking to a new level. Isuzu says it backs Transport Certification Australia’s recent ‘Telematics Data Dictionary’, saying it should act as a catalyst for the uptake of information and communications technology within the Australian road transport industry.
The dictionary provides software developers and fleet managers with a common language, boosting integration between telematics systems, providing a raft of real-time data feedback on driver and vehicle performance via a black box system and GPS and satellite technology.
“The Telematics Data Dictionary is a positive step towards more robust compliance around the broader issue of intelligent transport systems,” said Simon Humphries, Isuzu Australia Chief Engineer, Product Strategy. “There is little debate this is the direction the Australian freight and transport industry is heading, so it’s important these functions and frameworks are well developed and brought to bear.”
Acting CEO of the National Transport Commission, Michelle Hendy, has been quoted as saying the NTC’s framework included a ‘data dictionary’ to ensure that, ‘Australia keeps pace with global trends, and the market can develop innovative solutions within a framework.’
According to Hendy, the Telematics Data Dictionary will, ‘adapt to technology advances, and, importantly, encourage affordable integrated commercial and compliance telematics applications.’
The goal is to encourage collaboration between software producers and eliminate duplication, further reinforcing the confidence of end-users in transport. Currently, software and system design is based upon international telematics standards, which are under constant review.
“As more parameters are required they will be included in the Telematics Data Dictionary…and we anticipate they will be driven by end-use demands, rather than changes to technology,” said Chris Koniditsiotis, TCA CEO.
Humphries agrees end-use was a significant driver in the development of Isuzu’s factory option.
“For example, the ability for the Isuzu Connect and Connect Plus packages to be retrofitted to older model trucks means that every truck fleet, from small to very large, can purchase an affordable telematics system that can grow with its fleet,” said Humphries. “Australia is physically diverse, with cities and ports that are expanding rapidly.
“When this is combined with the mix of different truck technologies, not only from Japan, but also from the US and Europe, then we can appreciate that integrated telematics will become vital to the profitability of Australia’s future freight industries.”