Real-time remote access to digital tachograph data is now possible with a simple plug-and-play solution that requires no fixed installation. Designed for easy integration, it helps fleets automate compliance and unlock new digital services through open interfaces.
VDO Link: First Plug-and-Play Solution for Connecting the Digital Tachograph to Cloud-based Services
Continental has developed a unique solution that connects the digital tachograph to online fleet management services. The plug-and-play solution VDO Link allows users to retrieve and process reliable data from digital tachographs. This includes the VDO DTCO 4.1 or 4.1a in real time and remotely. Fixed telematics modules are not needed in the vehicle.
“Until now, it was particularly difficult for small and medium-sized fleets to fully exploit the potential of their tachograph data and thus digitise their processes,” explains Volkmar Knaup, head of Services Europe in the Commercial & Special Vehicles segment at Continental.
“The VDO Link is an easy-to-use and flexible solution for quickly and efficiently installing a telematics infrastructure in the vehicle.”
In addition, the VDO Link’s open interface concept and the real-time data from the digital tachograph enable many other use cases. This could further digitalise freight carriers and transport companies. The VDO Link is the first true plug-and-play solution and will be available from the beginning of April.
Plug-and-Play Solution for Seamless and Effortless Integration
The VDO Link does not require a time-consuming and costly workshop visit for installation. Users can plug it into the tachograph’s front interface.. The VDO Link is compatible with all digital VDO tachographs from DTCO 3.0 onwards.
After registering on the VDO Fleet website, users send vehicle, driver, and position data in real time via LTE mobile communications to the Continental Secure Cloud. Small and medium-sized fleets with mixed vehicle fleets, consisting, for example, of different generations of trucks or rental and leasing vehicles, benefit particularly from the plug-and-play concept. With the VDO Link, they can seamlessly and effortlessly automate their processes, simplify compliance tasks, and even achieve productivity gains.
This includes, for example, the legally required download of the mass memory, which can also be done remotely and automatically with the help of the VDO Link. However, fleet managers can now directly use other VDO Fleet services, such as VDO Fleet Maps, the user-friendly track-and-trace solution, and real-time driver availability.
Open Interfaces for New Services and Partners
Fleet operators can use the secure and reliable tachograph data—called Trusted Data by Continental—as a foundation for additional applications and digital services to enhance efficiency.An open interface concept that also allows external partners to access various tachograph data sets makes this possible. For example, billing providers could automatically record working hours using data on driving and rest times and possible border crossings.
However, fleet managers can also use data on the current position, loading space, and vehicle weight to accept additional freight commissions. This could increase the utilisation of their fleet. Continental is planning to work with development partners, start-ups, and customers to expand the service landscape for fleets and drivers for these and other new applications and services, thus tapping the full potential of the tachograph.
