Why video telematics the next step in tackling driver distraction
Understanding challenges, seeing the opportunities available to you, and having the insights to overcome issues even before they arise is essential for running any business. But how can you accurately predict rapidly changing factors like fuel prices and road conditions? Obviously not through a crystal ball; it’s data and the insights it provides that enable you to act on these challenges through the access of technologies.
For a while now, local, state and federal governments across Australia are noticing the difference data can make. As road infrastructure, especially across the eastern seaboard, has vastly improved since the inception of the Intelligent Access Program (IAP), there has been a push from state road managers to transition to Smart On-Board Mass (Smart OBM) and Telematics Monitoring Application (TMA).
Recently, Transport and Main Roads (TMR) in Queensland has been at the forefront of this push, and the technology is now being implemented across Queensland roads; Teletrac Navman is assisting transport operators across Queensland transition to the new and improved technology. The move proves Australia is a leader in global road safety standards, with this world-first technology now alighting the entire eastern seaboard.
It also provides a huge array of benefits for operators, as outlined below – enabling you to run your trucks at Higher Mass Limits (HML), allowing for larger vehicle combinations, improving productivity, and creating safer and more efficient road networks for all.
Data-driven insights
Smart OBM and TMA are critical tools for government agencies and industry bodies to provide a way to offer assurance around heavy vehicle access to the state road network. Smart OBM monitors the mass of a vehicle combination's axle groups, while TMA records important positional information, which can provide valuable insights into truck movements.
Delivery of a richer telematics data set gives TMR greater oversight over how heavy vehicles are used on the road network and enables improved future assessment of access. The long-term benefit of this new technology for operators is that governments can fix the roads that need to be fixed, which can’t be done without good data.
It's a change for the greater good that will improve Australia's network of access for heavy vehicle operators.
Streamlined Eastern Seaboard
Giving you a smoother ride, the transition to Smart OBM and TMA is a crucial step towards national harmonisation and cross-border efficiencies, with NSW and Victoria already using this technology.
In NSW, the option to use TMA commenced on 2 April 2020, while the Victorian Government announced in October 2021 its updated telematics requirements for high-productivity freight vehicles (HPFV) to include Smart OBM systems as well as the option of upgrading to TMA.
In many cases, many on-board weighing scale providers are already compatible with Smart OBM – so it’s a smooth transition.
Greater return on investment
Thirteen years ago, Teletrac Navman began championing the Intelligent Access Program (IAP), a national program developed in partnership with all Australian road agencies. Through this program, we have been able to help many local operators increase productivity.
Now, with this latest Smart OBM and TMA advancement, transport operators can reduce operating costs further and improve ROI thanks to the lower cost of the tech set-up and additional requirements, plus increased operational efficiencies.
You can move more with less by running your trucks at HML and using larger vehicle combinations; you’ll also have better access to roads to improve efficiency. The new technology allows you to generate more revenue by saving on fuel, driver hours and maintenance costs. It means fewer trips for drivers, fewer truck movements, less CO2 emissions, less tyre wear and tear, more profit, and increased safety.
Often, the operating costs of TMA are less than IAP, resulting in cost savings for transport operators. At a time when Australia is facing multiple threats to our supply chain, with staff shortages, floods and storms destroying crops and roads, and the ever-rising cost of fuel, an opportunity to save costs by enabling a safer, more efficient solution is a clear win.
Smart OBM scale calibration requirements will align with the manufacturer's specifications, resulting in a potential change from a 6-monthly to a 12-monthly calibration schedule, saving you time and money.
World-leading safety
With over a million trucks on Australia's roads, safety is a paramount concern, and our world-class tech is being noticed on a global stage.
Recently, Teletrac Navman presented the technology to a European Union delegation, who were fascinated with what was happening here as no other country is using this advanced technology to improve safety, productivity and efficiency. Smart OBM and TMA are Intelligent Transport Systems certified by Transport Certification Australia.
With so many advantages, jumping on board with the latest technology helps fast-track businesses looking to get ahead. As world energy prices spiral, labour shortages continue, and road quality is impacted day after day by floods and storms, the opportunity to save money, improve productivity and streamline road repair puts us all on the road to success.