With the digital tachograph being compulsory for trucks within every European member state since 2006, the demand for smart systems to manage tachograph data has risen substantially over the past two years. Tachograph data management is an integral part of the R:COMs Fleet Management system portfolio. R:COM makes it easier to meet the EU requirements for regular registration of driver times.

The data recorded on the drivers card can be downloaded from the truck and forwarded to the R:COM Server at home base. The drivers card can be automatically downloaded via the electronic tachograph to the R:COM Tracker module and subsequently uploaded to the company's R:COM on-line server. The card data is then validated, reported and automatically archived by the R:COM Digital Tachograph Management software.

Your advantages:

• No need to read out the digital tacho driver card at the office, which means considerable gains in time for you as well as for your drivers
• No need for a separate Drivers Card download device and software, the R:COM System downloads the Drivers card using the on-board vehicle tachograpgh.

The R:COM Tracker continuously monitors the status of the digital tachograph and all status changes are transmitted directly to the R:COM server in real time. The planner can use this data to determine the drivers remaining drive time and in addition to route planning, can use this data to intervene where necessary to advise the driver on the correct operation of the tachograph to ensure he respects his driving and resting times.

The R:COM Tracker continuously monitors the identity of the driver and all driver changes are transmitted directly to the R:COM server in real time.

The R:COM System allows you to download the mass memory of the digital tachograph via the on board R:COM Tracker. This downloaded data is then forwarded automatically to the R:COM server where it is then validated, reported and automatically archived by the R:COM Digital Tachograph Management software

Your advantages:

As an operating manager you can remotely, quickly and automatically read out the mass memory of the digital tachograph, thereby saving up to 30 minutes per truck, per readout.

The “Working Time directive ” (2002/15/EC):

• Average weekly working time 48h max.;
• Daily working time 10h max. for night workers;
• Max 6 consecutive hours without a 30m break.

The “Drivers’ Hours directive ” (561/2006):

• Regular/reduced daily rest period is at least 11h/9h;
• Regular/reduced weekly rest period is at least 45h/24h;
• Daily driving time 9h max or 10h twice a week;
• Weekly driving time 56h max, 45h average;
• Accumulated driving time 4.5h max, followed by 45m break.

The “Tachograph directive”(3821/85)¹:

• Basic principles and use;
• Technical specifications of the analogue tacho (Annex I);
• Technical specifications of the digital tacho (Annex IB).

¹ This directive has been amended 13 times and counting! The R:COM system is unique in its ability to adapt to such ever-changing requirements. Rest assured that future provisions (such as remote authentication of the Company Card) will be supported as they are introduced.

Appendix 7 of Annex IB covers the Data Downloading protocol. The R:COM Tracker follows this protocol in exactly the same way as any hand-held download tool.

The protocol includes several security mechanisms, including one which says that all downloaded data is appended with a digital signature. This allows anyone to verify the authenticity and integrity of the data.

If the R:COM system was to alter or corrupt the data in any way, then the digital signature will not match and the data will be rejected.