VDO RoadLog Capabilities Expanded with Online Convenience and Mobile Connectivity
Key innovations herald advances in log book automation and fleet management
Allentown, PA (April 2014) – Continental Commercial Vehicles & Aftermarket, a leading global supplier of systems and components to automobile and truck manufacturers, and the world leader in Electronic Data Recording technology, has expanded its VDO RoadLog™ portfolio with a range of new products and services that bring innovations in logbook automation and fleet management. These new technologies have grown the VDO RoadLog platform into a complete family of log automation and fleet management products.
“This new expansion of the VDO RoadLog portfolio brings with it the kind of powerful management tools previously only available to the largest fleets, at a price most every fleet can afford,” says Jeff Waterstreet, Sales Manager Tachographs, Telematics & Services NAFTA, Commercial Vehicles and Aftermarket, Continental Corporation.
The VDO RoadLog Electronic Logging Device (ELD) is a breakthrough in log automation and one of the first stand-alone ELDs offered in North America, providing an affordable, easy to use, plug and play solution to compliance reporting. The VDO RoadLog ELD combines GPS data with input from the vehicle to create a digital log that the driver can either download or print out as needed. It is still the only electronic logging device on the market with a self-contained on-board printer that can automatically produce a paper log to help drivers get through inspection stops quickly. And, unlike many other systems, VDO RoadLog ELD does not require any monthly fees or contracts.
Data recorded by the VDO RoadLog ELD is downloaded to the VDO RoadLog Fleet Management Software, which converts the driver log data into a complete FMCSA compliance record. With the VDO RoadLog system, drivers and fleet managers can fulfill logbook and fleet compliance record requirements in a fraction of the time required for keeping paper records.
Now, the VDO RoadLog portfolio has expanded to include new options for online and mobile connectivity that not only improve operational efficiency for drivers and fleet managers, but also make the workload easier and less stressful. These new innovations include VDO RoadLog™ Connect, VDO RoadLog™ ELD Plus and VDO RoadLog™ Fleet Online™.
VDO RoadLog™ Connect and Connect app
Drivers can now send log data directly to their home base via a smartphone with the new VDO RoadLog Connect Key, a WiFi enabled USB drive, and the VDO RoadLog Connect app. The Connect app sends the log data to the VDO RoadLog Fleet Software, where it becomes part of the complete compliance record. With VDO RoadLog Connect, compliance records can be kept up to date even when drivers are still on the road.
This is an ideal option for trucking operations with drivers that don’t often return to base and fleets that either have difficulty managing the physical key transfer process or have an interest in driver availability planning for new loads.
The RoadLog Connect phone app is free and is currently available for Google Android devices. An iOS version for iPhone users is expected later this year.
VDO RoadLog™ ELD Plus
VDO RoadLog ELD Plus adds GSM cellular connectivity to the standard VDO RoadLog ELD, enabling real-time driver and tractor performance monitoring by fleet managers, as well as wireless transmission of all log data. Users of RoadLog ELD Plus will manage their data with new web-based fleet software VDO RoadLog Fleet Online.
VDO RoadLog™ Fleet Online™
Designed specifically for fleets, VDO RoadLog Fleet Online is fleet management and compliance software that allows one or more fleet managers to access data simultaneously via an Internet connection. Records can be accessed from the road, office or home. Any RoadLog ELD or RoadLog ELD Plus user can use VDO RoadLog Fleet Online, whether they’re an owner operator or a fleet. VDO RoadLog Fleet Online is based on a fee model and Internet access is required in order to be able to take advantage of the features it offers.
It is offered in three levels of service: VDO RoadLog Fleet Online Essentials, VDO RoadLog Fleet Online Compliance and VDO RoadLog Fleet Online Dispatch.
In addition to the convenience of online access, RoadLog Fleet Online Essentials packs a wide range of powerful fleet management features designed to increase efficiency and make the job of managing the fleet easier. Key functions included an instant display of compliance issue notices with recommended follow-up actions, immediate identification of compliance problems, customizable driver and vehicle groups for better organization, data access control for multiple users and user guides.
Fleet Online Compliance includes all of the capabilities of Fleet Online Essentials with the addition of the ability to receive log data directly from any VDO RoadLog ELD Plus with a cellular connection. In addition, with Fleet Online Compliance, fleet managers can see driver HOS availability in near real-time.
Fleet Online Dispatch features all the capabilities of Fleet Online Compliance and adds a feature that allows fleet managers to assign work to drivers from a simple job status view, as well as text messaging to and from the driver and real-time driver and vehicle monitoring.
“These new innovations give VDO RoadLog a complete fleet management system capability that will not only improve operations and profitability for owner operators, fleet managers and fleet owners, but also the overall work experience as well,” noted Alexis Capelle, Segment Leader, Tachograph, Telematics and Services - Continental Commercial Vehicles & Aftermarket Business Unit NAFTA.
Capelle adds, “We now offer a complete family of solutions, from the most affordable fully compliant logbook automation solution for owner operators to a full-featured operational management solution for fleets.”
For more information, visit: www.vdoroadlog.com,
or contact: roadlog-sales@vdo.com.
91-14/CO2229
