2.1 INTRODUCTION

• Modern goods vehicles are highly complex and increasingly operate as part of an integrated, computer-driven system.
• CANbus (Controller Area Network) is the vehicle's on-board data network.
• CANbus acts like a central nervous system, transferring information rapidly between different parts of the vehicle.
• Sensors can monitor areas including:
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• The information is transmitted through the CANbus to control components such as electronic stability systems.
• The CANbus can also monitor:
• Instruments and lights.
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• Climate control.
• Other vehicle functions.
• Depending on the system, a fault may cause an action such as disabling the vehicle or may simply be electronically logged.
• Telematics means using computers to control and monitor remote devices or systems.
• At the centre of a goods-vehicle telematics system is an on-board computer.
• The on-board computer can receive information from linked systems such as:
• GPS – vehicle location.
• Fuel-flow meters – fuel consumption.
• Driver keypads – delivery information.
• CANbus – maintenance and vehicle performance information.
• Information can be viewed at the operator's base so management can take action as circumstances develop.
• Smartphones can provide similar functions at a lower cost than dedicated systems, including:
• GPS/location transmission.
• Job scheduling information.
• Signature capture.
• Proof of delivery information.

2.2 MAINTENANCE

• Electronic data can be captured from the vehicle, transferred to the operator and used to support maintenance decisions.
• Sensors can collect data about the engine, brakes, clutch, gearbox and other designated equipment, including refrigeration-unit temperatures.
• Data can be displayed in the cab and downloaded at the operator's premises or remotely transmitted to the vehicle base.
• This information helps management assess vehicle performance and allows engineers to tailor maintenance to the vehicle's needs.
• Telemetry means remote measurement where data from the vehicle is transmitted back to a remote base station.
• Smartphone applications can support daily walkaround checks and electronic record keeping.
• Typical process:
• The driver logs the driver and vehicle details.
• Barcodes at key checking points are scanned.
• The required checks are displayed for the driver.
• The driver confirms that checks have been completed and records any defects.
• Defects can be sent automatically to the maintenance controller.
• Benefits include helping drivers complete required checks and providing paperless evidence that checks were completed.
• Electronic records can therefore assist operators in demonstrating continued compliance with operator-licensing requirements.

2.3 FUEL

• Computer technology can monitor and manage fuel use.
• CANbus systems can collect information on:
• Fuel levels.
• Lubricant levels.
• Fuel consumption.
• Consumption achieved by individual drivers.
• Modern fuel-issue systems can use smart cards to automatically record fuel put into fleet vehicles.
• Management can receive reports showing fuel usage.
• Telemetry can also be used for remote measurement of fuel use.

2.4 GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEMS (GPS)

• GPS allows sensors to transmit information about a vehicle's position via satellites.
• Operators can use GPS to track vehicle progress.
• GPS is also the technology behind satellite-navigation systems.
• The source describes intelligent automatic gearboxes linked to vehicle satnav.
• Precise mapping can allow the gearbox to select an appropriate combination of gear ratio and engine revs for sections of road.
• The aim is to improve fuel economy.