In many small and medium-sized transport companies, manual downloading of tachograph data is still standard practice. But what sometimes seems like a simple routine, actually represents one of the biggest operational bottlenecks, and can result in a much bigger issue when it comes to receiving possible infringements.

 

The problem of continuing with manual tachograph downloads in your company

If your company still downloads the tachograph manually, all of this probably sounds familiar to you:

  • A tedious and repetitive process

It is not integrated into the drivers' routine. Many do not do it on a regular basis, and in some cases they do not even know how to do it.

The result: they have to go to the office or workshop to have someone else do it for them.

  • A logistical chaos that slows everything down

The manager is in one city, the driver in another. The only solution: send the key, wait for it to arrive, unload it and return it. Yet, if another driver needs that same key in the meantime, the problem is multiplied.

In addition, Trucks do not always arrive on time, and unloading the vehicle is often priority. This means downloads can be done quickly, at the last minute, and with a high risk of potential errors.

  • A false perception: "this is an expense"

Many companies still see automating the download of tachograph data remotely as an expense, but it is not. Fuel is an expense. So is time and effort spent tracking down vehicles that need to be downloaded, then manually downloading/uploading the data.

A solution that protects your data, avoids penalties and improves your operations is a real and profitable investment.

 

What it costs to continue doing manual downloads

  • Time wasted
  • Customers potentially lost
  • Delays are accumulating
  • Legal deadlines are approaching
  • Fines are paid for simple forgetfulness

And the hardest part: you know you could avoid it.

 

So let the data come to you!

 

VDO LINK: plug and play remote downloading, ideal for small to medium sized Fleets

VDO LINK is a solution specifically designed for small and medium-sized businesses that want to automate their management without complications or large investments.

It is a plug & play device that easily attaches to the front of the tachograph in your vehicles and transforms it into the control centre of your entire operation, with no vehicle downtime or installation required.

 

Remote tachograph data download for SMEs - What does VDO LINK allow you to do?

- To remote download vehicle and driver data automatically

- No keys, waiting, or physical transfers needed

- Data is available in real-time, from anywhere

- You can act quickly and without fear of infringements

And all with a Plug & Play installation that:

- Does not require the vehicle to be off the road

- No workshop required

- It doesn't consume your operating time

- Offers a cost effective solution for peace of mind

 

Why wait for a mistake to cost you thousands of pounds?

 

What other things does VDO LINK do?

Once connected to the tachograph, you will automatically be able to:

  • Remotely download tachograph and driver card data
  • View the real-time geolocation of all your vehicles
  • Check the exact availability of each driver
  • Plan error-free routes and avoid penalties
  • Control your entire fleet from a single dashboard, accessible from any device including smart phones
  • Comply with regulations effortlessly, wherever you are

 

It is the product that all transport SMEs have been waiting for!

Please note that the VDO Link works with the latest VDO Smart tachographs and VDO digital tachographs from DTCO 3.0…

Have an earlier VDO tachograph or Stoneridge tachograph in the Fleet?

No need to worry – we have an alternative remote downloading device for those vehicles, which can offer all the same benefits as the VDO Link and work seamlessly with the VDO Link if both devices are needed for a mixed Fleet of vehicles.

For more information on the VDO Link, please visit VDO Link.

 

If VDO’s remote downloaders are coupled with VDO Fleets tachograph analysis software (the Number 1 Tachograph software across Europe), Fleets can view and managed all this using a mobile phone with the newly released free VDO Fleet app. It is currently available on Android Play Store and Apple App Store.

The VDO Fleet app has further features being introduced, which are aimed at the driver. These features should be able to help them complete and upload manual entries from the app on their phone, as well as using the VDO counter to give an indication of remaining rest, break and driving times. The driver features are free to use with or without a VDO Fleet analysis account so long as you have the correct version of VDO smart tachograph version 2 installed, giving drivers a potentially more well-known and user-friendly device to make certain key tasks and checks easier.

For more information on the new VDO App, please visit the new VDO App