Continental's new DTCO configuration app now makes it possible for fleet managers to communicate with the DTCO 3.0 tachograph and configure it on their own, thus saving valuable time.

When new vehicles are added to the fleet, managers no longer have to visit an authorized repair shop and enter settings like license numbers, early warnings and the behavior of the tachograph when the ignition is switched off. “With this new app in our portfolio, tachographs can be configured in just a few minutes instead of a few hours,” says Dr. Lutz Scholten, Head of Tachographs, Telematics and Services at Continental. “New vehicles can go into operation shortly after they are picked up, without a lot of administrative burden. We’ve created a user-friendly solution that simplifies the work of fleet operators, optimizes their processes and thus improves efficiency.”

Automatic switching when the driver takes a break

An especially interesting feature for fleet managers is that they can determine the tachograph’s behavior when the driver turns the ignition on or off. Depending on the chosen setting, the DTCO automatically switches to break time, working time or standby. Thus, for example, when a driver stops at a rest area he no longer has to actively start his break period and there is no risk that he might inadvertently allow his driving time to continue. Fleet managers can also specify whether or not standby time is to be counted as an interruption of driving time, which can depend on company rules or legal regulations. Companies can also use the app to determine which vehicle data should be stored in the tachograph for in-house analyses. This can range from fuel consumption to vehicle weight. The data can help fleet managers improve their fleet efficiency. Users who want to put their company logo on their tachograph printouts can upload the logo file to the DTCO with the app.

2017-11-21-vdo-pp-dtco30-app-data — New DTCO Configuration App from Continental lets fleet managers configure tachographs on their own

Early warnings to prevent violations

Fleet managers can also use the DTCO configuration app to schedule warnings and reminders according to their individual requirements. This ensures smooth operations and prevents rule violations. For example, they can make sure that a driver is warned in good time before he reaches his driving time limit, or they can activate an additional warning before a vehicle exceeds the speed limit. Other practical settings can remind a driver ahead of time to download a driver card when it is about to expire.

The basic information which fleet managers can enter using the app includes existing license codes for activating additional DTCO functions. It also takes much less time to enter the country of registration and the first registration number. Whereas it used to take up to 15 minutes to type this information via the tachograph menu, it can now be done with a smartphone in almost no time.

For more information, you can go to: Continental's website

Tagged: tachographs

Continental app lets fleet managers configure tachographs