What is a tachograph analysis?
Tachograph analysis is the method of monitoring the performance of the drivers of commercial vehicles in their everyday driving and work duties. Tachograph analysis provides detailed driving reports to the transport manager and highlights areas that require attention. Since 2006, all vehicles over the weight of 3.5 tonnes in the UK must have a digital tachograph installed.
There are two types of tachographs, analogue and digital. But in this article, we will talk about digital tachographs. Before we dive into further discussion about tachograph analysis, let us take a look at what a tachograph is.
What do tachographs do?
Tachographs are devices fitted in both passenger and goods’ operator vehicles that fit within the rules and regulations of tachographs. The work of a tachograph is to record a range of information about both the vehicle and the activities of the driver. The information recorded by a tachograph is:
The activity of the driver:
This includes the information of what the driver is doing, such as driving, working, resting, etc. Along with the amount of distance travelled by the driver.
Date:
The date is logged with all activities to make sure that the correct hours are assigned to the accurate dates.
Date and time of every activity, including any changes made to the vehicle or the tachograph by the transport manager or the driver of the vehicle.
Calibrations of the tachograph:
An Approved Tachograph Centre inspects the calibrations of a tachograph once every two years to make sure that the tachograph is taking the correct readings.
- Any events, faults, or accidents that occur during the journey of the vehicle.
- Speed of the vehicle at every movement.
- Enforcement checks made by emergency services like DVSA or the management.
- Any sort of system tampering.
- Vehicle registration number.
- The number of times a driver card is inserted into the tachograph.
Are tachographs effective?
Tachographs are extremely useful for commercial vehicle owners and transport managers. In many countries of the world, including the UK, there are strict rules concerning the driving hours, rest periods and breaks that must always be under observation in order to avoid the accidents caused by fatigued drivers. Accidents caused by fatigued drives account for around 20 percent of all accidents.
A digital tachograph offers benefits to the business concerning the route planning of the vehicle and optimum vehicle occupancy. The connection to a GPS system and a wireless data transfer allows the owner or the transport manager to know the location of the vehicle at any time.
The tachograph analysis can either be done by the transport manager or by a professional tachograph consultant. However, it is always better to analyse a tachograph report by a professional.
What is the job of a tachograph consultant?
The job of a tachograph consultant is to analyse the information recorded by the tachograph and provide a final report based on the information. Tachograph consultants are experts in their jobs and know what to do so they can easily identify a faulty or defective tachograph. They also provide help and solutions in case any information recorded by the tachograph requires attention.
Tachograph analysis is essential to make sure that the performance of the vehicle and the driver duties are in proper conditions. Digital tachograph reports help transport managers to get accurate information about the vehicle and avoid hefty fines.
Some Useful Tips About Tachographs:
1. How to read a tachograph?
There are various ways of reading a tachograph. A tachograph can be read manually with the help of a download key and can be done automatically with the help of a black box. These ways can also be used to read a driver card.
2. How often do you have to analyse a tachograph?
It is mandatory to read a tachograph at least once every 90 days, and the driver card must be read at least once every 28 days. This reading also involves the data stored in the mass memory of the tachograph.
3. Can a tachograph be manipulated?
There are specific devices that can be used to manipulate the information recorded by a tachograph. A fine will have to be paid even if a tachograph manipulation device is fitted, and it does not matter whether the device is switched on or off. The digital tachographs come with the latest technology and are almost impossible to manipulate.
4. How long do you have to keep the tachograph analysis?
The information from a tachograph and the driver card must be kept for at least 52 weeks (one year) after the registration of the vehicle. If the tachograph analysis is used to comply with the tax regulations, then the data must be kept for at least seven years.
5. What is meant by calibrating a tachograph?
It is essential to ensure that a tachograph records all the information accurately. A tachograph must be calibrated once every two years to make sure that the tachograph is working with precision. The tachograph calibration is usually incorporated with a service check or MOT inspection. A certified professional performs the calibration of the tachograph.
6. Who is responsible for checking the data of a tachograph?
The ILT is responsible for checking the driving and resting data of a tachograph. The inspector will confiscate the tachograph discs if the driver of the vehicle commits an offence. There is a hefty fine that needs to be paid in case of a tachograph fraud.
Final Words
Tachograph Analysis is a key part of monitoring your driver’s performance and is a vital tool for transport consultations. For more help with tachograph analysis you can contact us.