Black boxes for tiddlers
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• A computer-based vehicle monitoring system is now available for the fleet management of light commercials and passenger cars. The system consists of a computer that is fitted into the dashboard of the vehicle and contains a memory module to record a wide range of functions including speed, distance travelled, idling time and a speed trace for the past 96 seconds of driving.
The memory module can be unloaded into an IBMcompatible computer, and dedicated software is used to analyse the data. The Britishdesigned, Dutch-manufactured ICS Black Box system costs 2395 plus VAT and a two-hour fitting charge per vehicle. The software package with tuition costs 2955 plus VAT fitted, and is available from ICS Black Box in Cardiff.
It is already fitted to about 65 vehicle fleets in Holland, and has proved adaptable to customer's needs. As well as basic data, the Black Box can record two extra functions from sensors that can be mounted anywhere on the vehicle. Driver's door opening, over-revving, private and business use, first gear use, and emergency call use for police, ambulance and the fire services can all be recorded.
The first customers for the system were fleet managers who want to manage their fleets more effectively, but other customers and uses have also been found. Contract hire companies, for example, have used the Black Box to check for abuse of their vehicles by customers, and to overcome speedometer inaccuracies that can lead to customers overpaying — or under-paying.
The memory module can be used as a clocking-in card for drivers, and in the workshop it can be used as a basis for timing work carried out on a vehicle. With specialised software it has also been used for paying drivers, pricing work, route planning and service analysis.
The software is claimed to be simple to use and is written in a computer language that enables a user to escape from the program without damaging the software.
ICS is currently setting up a dealer network, using tachograph centres wherever possible. It hopes to launch a more sophisticated version of the Black Box for HGVs later on.