Wirelessdata Ltd's innovative vehicle management system, TRAKD, is helping fleet operators to cut costs with clever features such as automatically monitoring the distances travelled by diesel vehicles off public roads to reduce road user charges.

TRAKD is a leading-edge GPS-based total vehicle management system launched last year by Tait Electronics' subsidiary company Wirelessdata Ltd. The new release of the product is packed with enhanced features to help reduce fleet operators' costs, increase productivity, and improve driving habits.

TRAKD is now in use in fleet operations throughout New Zealand and in a large city bus fleet in Canberra, Australia.

Fleet operators use the system to remotely track and monitor their vehicles to gather information such as location, vehicle speed, use of brakes, fuel consumption, excessive engine revving while stationary, routes taken, and after-hours use of vehicles. The TRAKD system is hardwired into vehicles and works with a GPS unit and speed sensor to pinpoint their location.

Wirelessdata Managing Director Boris Bruges said the latest release of TRAKD had been developed with a more robust infrastructure that could be built on to take the product well into the future. It also provides a range of new and enhanced features so fleet operators can keep an even closer eye on their fleets.

"Wirelessdata and its parent company Tait Electronics are very excited about the new release of the TRAKD system and the further benefits it will bring for fleet operators," Mr Bruges said.

RUC monitoring = no more fuss

Release 1.9 of TRAKD provides a significantly more powerful feature set for fleet operators. Most importantly the system now provides full Road User Charges (RUC) monitoring, meaning a diesel fleet can be automatically and accurately monitored for the kilometres travelled off public roads.

"This function, which is unique to Wirelessdata, creates large savings for fleet operators who otherwise might not make a refund claim for off-road mileage because the administration time and cost is too great," he said.

Other key features of TRAKD's latest release include quicker and easier in-vehicle installation of the TRAKD system, recording of cumulative engine hours, improved reporting, full Internet security, an improved user interface, and many performance enhancements.

TRAKD sensors, GPS units and communication devices can now be installed in vehicles in one session so the vehicles need to only be immobilised once. The new feature enabling measurement of total engine hours means truck and machinery hire companies can exactly pinpoint engine hours for maintenance purposes.

"The TRAKD system encourages drivers to drive their vehicles more efficiently and professionally, reducing wear and tear on the vehicle and extending the tyre life. TRAKD makes drivers accountable for their driving, and helps to improve driver safety and security," Mr Bruges said.

Big savings, more efficiency for fleet operators

Companies using Wirelessdata's TRAKD system are excited about the productivity increases and cost savings they are making, and can now streamline their fleet management even further with the new release of the system.

South Island transport operator McDowall Freight reports that its vehicles have slowed down since the system was installed, but travel from A to B quicker. The company is saving more than $500 per truck per month on diesel fuel costs.

In one of the largest projects undertaken by Wirelessdata, Canberra-based bus company ACTION Bus has just installed the TRAKD system in 367 buses and is looking forward to reduced operating costs and improved driver and passenger safety.

Tait Electronics purchased Wirelessdata in 2000, and provides considerable support and guidance to the company as it continues to develop its TRAKD product. The product is well proven within New Zealand and Wirelessdata is now preparing to make a push into international markets.

"Tait's investment in Wirelessdata has provided the company with a solid foundation. We are very fortunate to have the backing of such a successful and innovative New Zealand company," Mr Bruges said.