Tachodisc

Public Service Review - Transport 19

Tachodisc has developed a well-deserved reputation for excellence since it’s inception in 1979, and now employs around 80 people. The company is still the UK’s only manufacturer of EC approved analogue tachograph charts, but has expanded its offer to make them one of the leading suppliers of analogue and digital tachograph equipment, training, software and analysis in the UK today. 

Directors Karen Crispe and Anne McDougall successfully moved Tachodisc into the digital era prior to the mandatory implementation of digital tachographs in May 2006. They maximised the business opportunities presented, and further raised Tachodisc’s industry profile and credibility whilst assisting the industry as a whole through the transition. With the technology side of the tachograph industry now so vital, the company has also appointed a new Technical Director, Guy Reynolds, to ensure that they continue to lead the way in supporting customer’s needs.

As leaders in their field, Tachodisc also actively works to influence key decision makers in Brussels, and is currently calling for the EU and the government to set a standard for the paper used to print out data from digital tachographs. While analogue tacho charts must be made from a specified quality paper, there is no similar regulation governing digitach printouts.  Karen Crispe says this could cause a problem because the images could fade from poor quality paper if it is exposed to sunlight or grease: "The printout is a legal document and therefore must be kept for 12 months – and if it’s being used for Working Time data for two years.  This means it needs to be legible for that period of time.”  “Since the introduction of digitachs, a swarm of paper suppliers have entered the market and are using thermal paper which is similar to that used in fax machines.  The problem with this is that it does fade quickly,” she explains.  “And this means it’s no good as a legal record.” 

Tachodisc has also urged European officials to consider the design and spec of the next generation of digital tachographs. “The problems with the current digitach, such as the fact that it rounds up to the nearest minute, are due to the fact that the designers did not take into account technological advances,” explains Karen.  “The problem is that the drawings and spec for digital tachographs were released over 10 years ago, and the technology that was introduced in 2006 is the same as that suggested all that time ago.  If you consider how technology has changed in the last decade it’s not surprising the digitachs are not as technically advanced as they could be.”

Tachodisc is well-positioned to comment on many of these issues, and indeed is representing its enviable portfolio of loyal clients including blue-chip companies, the larger haulier companies, as well as many hundreds of owner-drivers to ensure they are equipped with the products and services needed to keep them within the law.

“At Tachodisc we believe our customers are our driving force and endeavour to go that extra mile to ensure we not only meet, but in many cases, exceed the client’s expectations. We strive to offer an unbeatable support service and an extensive choice of products from a single source, all backed by continual investment in equipment, technology, extensive sales and marketing support programmes and friendly customer service," concluded Karen.

In short, Tachodisc act as a virtual one-stop-shop for all driver and tachograph needs covering:

• Digital Downloading Devices e.g. SmartReader, Card Reader, Digidown, Digi-Fob
• EU Approved Quality Digital Printer Rolls
• Standard and Bespoke Analogue Tachograph Charts
• Standard and Bespoke Systems and Log Books
• Smartanalysis Bureau Service
• Clockwatcher Digital Analysis Software
• Vehicle Accessories
• Drivers' Hours Law Helpline

The company also offers a comprehensive range of bespoke Training Courses, which can be tailored to meet the client’s specific requirements and carried out in-house at the client’s premises, along with open off-site training.  Subjects covered include: digital training, Drivers' Hours Law and Tachograph Regulations, Chart Analysis training, Road Transport Directive courses, and Operators Certificate in Professional Competence.  The company also provides Operator and Drivers' Training Packs.

TAC069

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