Tachodisc

May 2006

One of the leading suppliers of analogue tachograph equipment, training and analysis used this year’s CV show to successfully unveil their new digital service.

Warrington-based Tachodisc attended the show at the NEC from the 25th to 27th April to formally unveil their complete range of solutions for the recent digital implementation.

Director of Tachodisc, Karen Crispe said: “With the law relating to digital tachographs now being implemented from May 1st, we couldn’t really have picked a better place to unveil our total digital solutions offer than at the CV Show. We’ve been planning hard for the last few years to make sure that we can offer our customers everything that they need for the digital tachograph, in addition to the full range of analogue products which we’re already renowned for.”

In addition to their exciting Clockwatcher digital analysis software which was launched late last year, Tachodisc showcased their bespoke Smartanalysis bureau service which offers analysis of analogue, digital and mixed operations.

Also on show at Tachodisc’s stand was their range of digital downloading devices, including their SmartReader which combines an analogue tachograph chart reader with a smart card reader for use with drivers’ hours software; their CardReader which downloads binary information from drivers’ smart cards; and their Digidown device which allows data to be downloaded from multiple digital vehicle units, as well as data from drivers’ smart cards. The Digidown solution offered by Tachodisc is particularly exciting because it has been developed to incorporate space for a standard memory card, which finally provides a solution for companies with multiple locations to collate data at a central point for analysis.

In addition to this, Tachodisc has developed a complete training offer for its customers; from  bespoke on-site courses to open off-site training, covering Drivers’ Hours Law and Tachograph Regulations, Chart Analysis training, Road Transport Directive courses, and a Certificate in Professional Competence.

They have also just developed a new training option for busy transport professionals, specifically targeted at the implementation of digital technology – an operator and drivers’ training pack. The pack contains a full training manual, guides, DVD demonstration, PowerPoint  presentation and tutor notes to allow fleet managers and logistics professionals to carry out their own training on site.

“This is a much needed solution for the transport industry” Karen explained. “Many operators have renewed their fleet with analogue vehicles to delay their involvement with digital, or else only have a handful of vehicles. Even if they could spare the time and afford to send all of their drivers on a course, those who won’t use the skills learnt will quickly forget and will need to be trained again when they do get a vehicle fitted with a digital tachograph.”

“With our new training packs we’re effectively giving control back to operators; they can train their drivers as and when they need to, and the drivers have a useful manual which explains everything from how to use their smart cards to the digital vehicle unit itself. Also included is a pictogram guide which can fit into a pocket and which is plastic coated for longevity, and a Driver Pocket Guide which simply details a quick summary of how to use the digital tachograph.”

Tachodisc is one of the few companies in the UK to supply fully EU approved digital thermal printer paper, and Tachodisc staff at the stand demonstrated the minimal effect even harsh chemicals such as diesel and oil can have on the paper.

“Printing on the digital paper is actually caused by a chemical reaction, and spilling substances as harmless as milk on some lower grade, but still EU approved, papers can make the printout completely illegible. As the printouts are a legal requirement, it’s essential that they are kept in a proper state and our digital paper has been specifically designed for use with the digital tachograph and our industry – we’ve even tested it for the effects of heat and proximity to plastic” Karen explained.

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