Isuzu says Australia’s 'data dictionary' will help expand telematics use in the freight industry
Truck maker Isuzu has welcomed the creation of a single recognised reference document for the use of telematics in Australia.
Transport Certification Australia (TCA) released its Telematics Data Dictionary in December last year, establishing a common set of definitions for the use and exchange of data and information in the transport sector.
Isuzu’s chief engineer of product strategy Simon Humphries says the dictionary is a “positive step” towards more robust compliance in intelligent transport systems.
“There is little debate this is the direction the Australian freight and transport industry is heading, so it’s important these functions and frameworks are well developed and brought to bear,” he says.
TCA CEO Chris Koniditsiotis says the dictionary gives a common benchmark for equipment manufacturers to use.
“In recognition that all telematics applications utilise common forms of data, the value of the Telematics Data Dictionary is that it can be referenced by stakeholders irrespective of their needs and usage requirements,” he said during last year’s launch.
“Like a dictionary for language, the definitions can be generically applied to telematics applications within a domestic car, taxi, train or heavy vehicle, or for that matter, any telematics application deployed on the surface of the earth.”
For Isuzu, that means development of universal telematics systems that can move from truck to truck.
“The ability for the packages to be retrofitted to older model trucks means that every truck fleet can purchase an affordable telematics system that can grow with its fleet,” Humphries says.
“Australia is physically diverse, with cities and ports that are expanding rapidly.
“When this is combined with the mix of different truck technologies then we can appreciate that integrated telematics will become vital to the profitability of Australia’s future freight industries.”