ALLENTOWN, Pa. (April 9, 2014) — Continental Automotive Systems Inc. has expanded its VDO RoadLog portfolio with a range of new products and services for logbook automation and fleet management.
“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 and services, NAFTA, commercial vehicles and aftermarket, Continental Automotive Systems.
The VDO RoadLog Electronic Logging Device (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, the company said. It features a self-contained on-board printer that can automatically produce a paper log to help drivers get through inspection stops quickly. The 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 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, Conti said.
The VDO RoadLog portfolio expansion includes new options for online and mobile connectivity to improve operational efficiency for drivers and fleet managers, including VDO RoadLog Connect, VDO RoadLog ELD Plus and VDO RoadLog Fleet Online. Features include:
- With the VDO RoadLog Connect and Connect app drivers can send log data directly to their home base via a smartphone with the 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.
- 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, according to Conti.
- 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 is designed specifically for fleets and features 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.
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, the company said.
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,” said Alexis Capelle, segment leader, tachograph, telematics and services, Continental Commercial Vehicles & Aftermarket Business Unit, NAFTA.
For more information, visit the VDO RoadLog website.