Telematics comes into its own when the entire fleet is equipped with it. Krone supports its customers along the way with optimal products, functions and services.
“D
etermining the location of a vehicle costs a lot of time and money without telematics,” says Maximilian Birle, Head of Sales and Service Telematics & Digital Services at Krone. A digital fleet improves working conditions in dispatching, it makes the drivers’ job easier and ensures professional and complete documentation of the transport operations and fleet.
How do I get started? Define your requirements! Do you only want to know where the trailer is at the moment or, for example, how fully loaded it is, what the overall condition of the tyres, brakes or refrigeration unit is?
What hardware do I need? Krone offers two types: the cable-guided telematics box Krone Smart Collect (KSC), which can read out all the trailer’s information. It is connected to the vehicle’s consumers and sensors and transmits the collected data to the Krone telematics portal for display and interpretation. The installation – including sensor technology – can be carried out in authorised workshops within three hours; mobile service on site is also possible. The second option is the solar-powered KSC Solar. It needs only to be attached to the outside of the vehicle, and installation is complete in just under 15 minutes. The KSC Solar can transmit the vehicle’s GPS data and indicate whether it is moving. This is already sufficient for many applications. In addition, it has been designed for further use in cases involving Bluetooth technology.
Which range of functions suits my needs? There are several modules to choose from for the Krone Smart Collect, which is installed internally: “Basic” reveals the position and coupling status of the trailer, “Premium” evaluates all the data of a standard trailer, from the door contact, to the all-important EBS information and error messages. “Premium Cool” and “Premium Dialog” are designed for the Cool Liner and enable all mechanisms – from monitoring the temperature to controlling the closures of the security doors on the refrigerated trailer. Those who start with “Basic” can upgrade at any time: If the vehicle is already fully wired, everything – up to the full version – can be digitally enabled remotely. Krone is always on hand as a reliable service partner.
Why does a trailer need telematics when it’s already in the truck? Truck and trailer rarely drive as a fixed unit these days. Only with trailer telematics can you determine: “What condition is my vehicle in?” and “Where are my goods, what condition are they in, and will they arrive at the delivery point on time?” The more efficient the logistics chain is to become, the more flexible the vehicles need to be. Clear trailer documentation is essential.
Conclusion? The investment is well worth it! Especially when taking an honest look at the total costs. Without telematics, dispatchers spend a lot of time determining the location, and fleet managers the condition of vehicles. With Krone Telematics, they are relieved in their day-to-day work and can concentrate fully on satisfying their customers’ needs.
