Digital Tachograph Analysis |
| Date Added: April 03, 2011 03:51:01 AM |
| Author: Mike Clithero |
| Category: Business & Economy |
| Digital tachographs were developed to replace the analog tachographs that had become prone to interference and tampering. Original tachographs were mechanical devices and made the speed over time recordings for the vehicle they were fitted in using a stylus that plotted a line on a rotating paper disk. The disk mechanism enabled it to rotate one full circle within the 24 hours of a day, while the stylus moved with respect to the speed of the vehicle; i.e. away from the centre of the disc as the speed increases, and closer to the centre as the speed decreases even to the point where there is zero speed from a stationary position. Each day required its own disk fitted, and the previous day’s used up disk removed and sent for tachograph analysis. Tachograph suppliers provided, and still provide, this replacement disks to those companies and drivers who still have the analog tachographs. The disks, the tachograph plotter and the plotted information got so easy to manipulate over time, and that led to the development of electronic tachographs to try and counter this. Digital tachographs record the information in an encrypted manner within the onboard digital tachograph unit and a smart card for the specific driver operating the vehicle at that particular time, making tampering with the stored information or the storing device very difficult. Digital tachograph analysis is done using special software developed for that purpose, once the encrypted data from both the vehicle unit and the driver’s smart card is downloaded and fed into it. Downloading of the data is done using vehicle or smart card readers which are devices that can be got from tachograph suppliers. There are different types of digital tachograph data downloading devices provided by different suppliers and as such, it is important to make sure one gets the correct devices for their systems. Depending on who does the downloading procedures and who does the digital tachograph analysis, some form of training is usually necessary to ensure correct use, safety and compliance with the laws governing the tachographs. Drivers normally perform most of the downloading at the end of their shifts. Correct digital tachograph analysis is of paramount importance for any fleet owner and for all its drivers. To ensure this, a good company must first make certain that it has the approved digital devices fitted in its fleet and all in good working condition. It should also ensure that the correct smart cards are in use, both the drivers’ smart card and the company’s smart card. Smart cards must be obtained from the relevant authorities or from the tachograph suppliers approved by the law under which tachographs lie. Lastly, the company should acquire the appropriate digital tachograph data downloading devices. All these will guarantee that the correct digital tachograph analysis is achieved for every vehicle and the driver. As a requirement of the law, correct digital tachograph analysis records for every driver must be kept by the company for at least one year. Mike Clithero is the author of this article on Tachograph Analysis. Find more information on Digital Tachograph Analysis here. |
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