At the “transport logistic” fair in Munich/Germany, Knorr-Bremse TruckServices in hall B2 on booth 125 is showcasing the opportunities presented by a new telematics solution: ProFleet Connect. And with a bit of luck, visitors to the TruckServices booth can win a weekend at the Truck Grand Prix at the Nürburgring.
Knorr-Bremse, the world’s leading manufacturer of braking systems and supplier of other sub-systems for commercial vehicles, is adding TruckServices ProFleet Connect to its range of Lifetime-Efficiency-Services for the aftermarket. This brand-independent retrofit telematics system is made up of seven separate functional modules that help vehicle operators increase the safety and efficiency of their trucks, trailers or buses. At the transport logistic fair, Knorr-Bremse is demonstrating the benefits this brings in practice.
“Our aim is to offer the best possible service solution for every commercial vehicle, regardless of type, make or age,” says Dr. Peter Laier, Member of the Executive Board of Knorr-Bremse AG responsible for the Commercial Vehicle Systems division. “Together with our partner Microlise, with TruckServices ProFleet Connect we’re offering our customers smart fleet management services for retrofit. Customers stand to benefit from flexible support with their scheduling, operational safety, quality assurance and driver training, regardless of the brand of vehicles they operate.”
At the core of the system is the Tracking Unit that is connected up to the vehicle’s data interface and transmits the required vehicle data. Then there is the ProFleet Connect software, which is called up via a web browser and provides access to the required functionalities.
Customers who also want a new platform for data exchange with their drivers can opt for the DriveTab. This robust tablet PC with its user-friendly mobile app not only handles all communications between driver and dispatcher, it also provides the basis for driver coaching. Here, ProFleet Connect continuously analyzes the dynamic handling of the vehicle and provides the driver with visual or audio hints on how to boost safety and save fuel.
The functionalities provided by ProFleet Connect telematics system are split up into seven modules. Depending on what the vehicle operator is out to achieve, they can choose from the following range:
- The basic package ensures that the vehicle operator can tell at any given moment where their trucks are and what route they have taken. It also enables driving characteristics to be evaluated, providing sound, practical foundations for driver training. The six other modules build on this basic package:
- DriverPlus supports the driver with integrated telephone and navigation functionalities, and remote download of digital tachograph information. It also enables job data and route changes to be communicated.
- SafetyPlus provides instant feedback on exceptional incidents, such as emergency braking, and stores information about what happened 30 seconds before and after such incidents.
- LogisticsPlus enables real-time tracking of deliveries and if necessary can interface directly with the customer’s ERP software to exchange the relevant data.
- DeliveryPlus provides the basis for documentation of a shipment from start to finish, including photographic evidence of the condition of the freight when picked up and delivered, with dispatch and arrival times.
- DiagnosticsPlus supplies current vehicle data and offers status reports. This way, the fleet manager can plan required maintenance measures well in advance, helping to avoid unexpected downtimes.
- MonitorPlus adds further parameters to the vehicle monitoring system. From tire pressures, to door opening and closing operations, to the temperature in a refrigerated semitrailer, MonitorPlus records the values from many other sensors as required, showing a customer, for example, that the cold chain has never been broken.
“Advances in digitalization are opening up whole new opportunities for vehicle operators,” says Wolfgang Krinner, Member of the Management Board of Knorr-Bremse Systeme für Nutzfahrzeuge. “These include, for example, the continuous monitoring of the vehicle to support optimum quality assurance for the logistics service provider, as well as automated transmission of the necessary paperwork. Once ProFleet Connect has been installed, irrespective of the make of vehicle, it provides a platform for additional digital services that help boost the efficiency of the vehicle and save money. And we will be continuously expanding our range of service packages in the best interests of our customers.”
Meanwhile, the interests of visitors to the Knorr-Bremse TruckServices booth are being looked after by a service package of a very different kind. Exclusive to visitors to the booth at transport logistic, there is a chance to win one of two VIP packages for a high-powered weekend at the Nürburgring from June 30 to July 2, when the Ring hosts the Truck Grand Prix. Each package comprises two Gold category tickets for the grand prix, special access to the marquee of champion racer Jochen Hahn, and two nights at the Lindner Congress & Motorsport Hotel, located right beside the track.
TruckServices brings together the full range of the Knorr-Bremse’s aftermarket services, complementing its activities in the original equipment sector. With the gradual expansion of its service portfolio, Knorr-Bremse TruckServices is underpinning its claim to provide reliable, economical solutions for diagnostic, maintenance and repair work on commercial vehicles of any type, age or make.
Dealers, workshops and fleet managers all stand to benefit from these needs-based solutions, as well as from efficient, international parts logistics, plus access to Knorr-Bremse’s extensive product and services expertise in the form of online services, training courses and customized advice.
