Tachograph analysis is key in helping fleet managers stay compliant with tachograph regulations and drivers’ hours. But keeping up with your duty to record tachograph data can be stressful and time consuming. When done manually, it can easily distract from core business. So how can fleet managers simplify things?
First things first: tachograph analysis basics
What is tachograph analysis software?
Tachograph analysis software helps fleet managers download, store and analyse tachograph data. The software can analyse data from vehicles and driver cards to ensure regulations have been complied with.
When handled manually, dealing with such vast volumes of data can add a lot of time and effort in administration tasks. That’s why tachograph analysis software can be a huge help when it comes to interpreting the data and reducing the risk of fines or penalties. By automating data downloads and tachograph analysis, you’ll have more time to focus on what matters most.
Why is tachograph analysis important?
Tachograph analysis is important because it gives clear insights to ensure compliance with tachograph regulations and drivers’ hours.
Digital tachograph analysis can help make interpreting tachograph data much easier by providing detailed reports and sending alerts about social infringements like exceeding driving hours, missing rest times and insufficient breaks.
Tachograph analysis services and software solutions can save hours of time in manual processing and help you avoid hefty fines.
What are the benefits of digital tachograph analysis vs. analogue tachograph analysis?
Many older vehicles still use analogue tachographs, where drivers need to manually keep track of their breaks and driving times. The main benefit is that driving data can be read directly from the tachograph chart. To make analogue tachograph analysis easier, these charts can be electronically scanned for computer analysis. However, a chart may have physical marks that could result in an incorrect reading, so a skilled set of eyes is needed to further interpret the data.
A big advantage of digital tachograph analysis means that the tachograph data is more precise when downloaded digitally. Any potential driving infringements can be instantly detected by digital tachograph software. And thanks to digital encryption, the data is secure and can’t be changed or deleted by the driver. Advanced analysis tools can remotely download and store data and present a clear overview of insights on reporting dashboards.
How to download data from the digital tachograph?
There are multiple methods to download digital tachograph data. You can manually upload data using handheld devices, mobile card readers or depot solutions. Here is a brief overview of each method:
Handheld devices
After downloading the data onto your handheld device, connect it to your computer. You can then transfer the data to disc-check by either using our drag-and-drop feature or the disc-check transfer option.
Mobile card readers
Limited to driver information only, mobile card readers are useful if you are out on the road often as they can connect directly to your mobile phone.
Depot solutions
Used in larger depots, wall-mounted solutions are useful for managing multiple drivers who are travelling in and out of the depot. The only requirement from the driver is to insert the card into the device to download the digital tachograph data.
Alternatively, integrating with telematics systems like Webfleet allows for remote access to data through an automated process, simplifying operations while ensuring compliance. For instance, digital tachograph data can be retrieved by using Webfleet Tachograph Manager, which enables you to access archived tachograph data through your existing telematics platform without the need for manual intervention. Securely access and archive the data in compliance with GDPR regulations, whether you are on the road or at the office.
When to download data from the digital tachograph?
Per the European Commission, a printout is required when you’re operating with mixed modes, using both mechanical and digital tachographs. Therefore, the maximum period the driver can download tachograph data is at least every 28 days before breaching regulations. The vehicle unit holds data for a longer period before overwriting, so downloads are required at least every 90 days. In case of roadside and company checks control officers, you should be ready to produce the documents requested.
What happens if I do not download tachograph card data?
Failing to download tachograph card data can lead to grave consequences:
- Significant risk to public and driver safety resulting from the lack of monitoring drivers’ hours and rest periods
- Substantial fines and impact on professional licences for both drivers and operators
- Risk of overwriting or losing crucial data, i.e. driving records
- Difficulty in managing drivers’ schedules and workloads
- Invalidation of insurance coverage
To avoid these issues, regularly download and securely store your tachograph data as according to the regulations.
Introducing Webfleet Tachograph Manager
At Webfleet, we make things simple for you. Our solution gives you the support you need to stay compliant with EU driver regulations in an efficient way.
With a solution like Tachograph Manager, you no longer need to manually record the data. It automatically downloads driver/vehicle card information for you. Not only will you remain compliant with driver hours regulations, but you’ll also maximise productivity with automated tachograph data downloads. Plus, it can make inspections a little less stressful.
So, what does Tachograph Manager actually give you?
1. An automated end-to-end process
No more manual downloads. Save time and money to focus on core business.
2. Flexibility with remote downloads
Download from anywhere. The driver doesn’t need to bring the vehicle to a specific location for you to download the tachograph data, so there’s less disruption to your schedule.
3. A reliable IT solution
We manage your data in a secure and safe centre. It’s stored in compliance with GDPR, so you and your employee’s privacy are protected.
4. Clear analysis
Prove compliance with a variety of in-depth reports. Get insights into social infringement and when to correct actions.
5. Manage deadlines
Keep track of Driver Card expiration dates, download deadlines and other customisable reminders to reduce the risk of penalties and fines.
6. Remaining driving times
Tachograph Manager Plus gives access to live digital tachograph information and calculates the RDTs of each driver. Optimise dispatch and scheduling in real-time.
7. Daily tachograph data downloads
With Tachograph Manager Plus, get instant access to data when needed, be it for a monthly salary calculation or a driver’s last day.
Download tachograph data automatically
A fleet management solution like Tachograph Manager helps you automatically download tachograph data, stay compliant, reduce administration load and increase productivity. Want a powerful tachograph analysis solution and improved tachograph downloads?
Find out more about Tachograph Manager