Efficient and compliant fleet management largely depends on tachograph compliance. Tachographs play an essential role in monitoring driving times, breaks, and rest periods to ensure the safety of drivers and others on the road. However, managing tachograph data can be a complex task, especially given the strict compliance requirements. In this article, we look at the key aspects of tachograph management, the main benefits for each type of commercial vehicle, and the solutions offered by the EasyTacho software application.
What is a tachograph and how does it work?
Before we go into detail, let’s first answer a basic question: how does a tachograph work?
A tachograph is a device used to monitor and record the driving and rest times of vehicles. It ensures that drivers comply with legal requirements with the aim of preventing driver fatigue and promoting road safety. Modern tachographs are digital, which means that data is recorded accurately and information is more easily accessible. Drivers insert their card into the tachograph and the device automatically records the necessary data.
Consult the user manual for the digital tachograph supplied with your device to get started. EasyTacho offers comprehensive support to transport managers to automatically comply with the Working Hours Decree for Transport. EasyTacho automatically performs the complex calculation rules for “driving and rest times.”
Common challenges in managing tachographs
Managing tachograph data presents several challenges, including understanding tachograph country codes, dealing with error codes, and complying with calibration requirements such as tachograph calibration.
1. Setting the time on a tachograph
One of the most frequently asked questions is how to set the time on a tachograph. Incorrect time settings can lead to inaccurate data recording and compliance issues. Ensuring that the correct time is set according to the region is crucial for maintaining accurate data.
2. Reading and downloading tachograph data
Efficient use of tachograph data is essential for fleet managers. This includes regularly downloading data from both the driver card and the tachograph itself. EasyTacho offers seamless solutions to automate this process, save time, and reduce human error.
3. Understand exemptions
Certain vehicles or activities may be exempt from tachograph or tachograph-related legislation, such as certain types of agricultural vehicles or short-distance routes. Knowing whether your fleet is eligible for these exemptions can save you time and money.
4. Resolve error codes
Tachographs sometimes display error codes that indicate problems such as faulty sensors or card reader errors. Quickly decoding these error codes minimizes downtime for your fleet. The EasyTacho support team is equipped to resolve these issues quickly.
5. Understanding company cards
A company tachograph is necessary for fleet managers to access tachograph data and manage compliance. This allows companies to link data to their account, preventing unauthorized access and ensuring that data is recorded correctly.
How EasyTacho simplifies tachograph management
EasyTacho offers innovative tools and services to address these challenges. This makes the following possible:
Streamlining data reading and storage:
Automated solutions make it easy to automatically read tachograph data from driver cards and vehicle units.
Ensuring accurate settings:
The platform guides users through the process of setting tachograph times to ensure compliance with regional time settings.
Decoding error codes:
EasyTacho offers a comprehensive database of tachograph error codes to help fleet managers resolve issues efficiently.
Simplifying violation processes:
EasyTacho provides insight into driver violations, allowing companies to identify eligible violations and avoid unnecessary fines. Although this may be unfamiliar, it guarantees customers that the driver’s personal data is secure with us and will not be shared with others.
Increase the security of personal data
With EasyTacho, you are guaranteed that drivers’ personal data is stored in a secure environment. It is never shared with others.
Calibration and compliance
Regular calibration or verification of the tachograph is required by law to ensure that the tachograph functions correctly. This involves checking that the device records data accurately. Calibration must be carried out by authorized centers, and companies must keep certificates as proof of compliance. EasyTacho informs fleet managers about upcoming calibration deadlines, thereby limiting unnecessary downtime and potential fines.
Tachograph country codes
Each country has specific tachograph country codes that must be correctly registered when crossing borders. Incorrect management of these codes can result in fines during inspections. The latest SmartTacho 2 registers the country codes itself. Without this smart tachograph, drivers must manually enter the country codes themselves at border crossings.
Why choose EasyTacho?
EasyTacho is more than just a tachograph management tool. As part of Rietveld’s Easy Management, it is a comprehensive solution designed to reduce administration, improve efficiency, and ensure full compliance. By using it, transport managers can:
- Save a lot of time with automatic data downloads.
- Minimize errors with clear instructions on how to use tachograph error codes.
- Stay informed about violations and calibration requirements.
- Digitize the readout process by linking EasyTacho to the tachograph hardware and the vehicle. Rietveld links the customer’s company card to the server.
Summery:
Managing tachograph data and ensuring compliance does not have to be a difficult task. With Rietveld’s solution, fleet managers can easily handle the complexity of tachograph management. From reading data and resolving error codes to complying with legal requirements.
Stay ahead of regulations and optimize your fleet management with EasyTacho. Contact us today and we will help you choose the perfect system for your business.
