Smart adaptable network device for fleet management and driver coaching

Abstract

As one major challenge today in transport is the reduction of greenhouse gas emission and the decrease of fuel consumption, the development of methods for the optimal use of a vehicle and fuel savings becomes then mandatory. Fleet management is especially concerned by this problem. Moreover, for the EUR05 norm to be fully efficient, the driver becomes a key player. By coaching truck drivers to avoid bringing their vehicles out of their optimal working range and to better anticipate the obstacles, significant economy savings in fuel and equipment can be achieved. In this context, we show that Information and Communication Technologies bring a new solution. Indeed, it is now possible to acquire the necessary data from the vehicle in order to analyse the driving behaviour of the driver. This paper describes a solution for solving optimal driver coaching issue, involving an access to vehicle data, a solution for data transmission on-board and off-board, and an efficient processing capability. Current pilots show a significant improvement, well-received by the drivers, and encouraging feedback for enhancement.