Transport Certification Australia says buyers will benefit from growing specification applicant numbers
In a reminder to transport operators, Transport Certification Australia (TCA) has confirmed a number of telematics providers have sought approval under its Telematics IVU Functional and Technical Specification since its 2013 launch.
TCA says its guideline aim to provide customers with an informed choice when selecting telematics in-vehicle units (IVUs), ensuring products meet a minimum standard of reliability, accuracy, integrity and security.
“I’m pleased to report that since TCA started accepting applications for Telematics IVU type-approval, a number of telematics providers have come forward,” TCA CEO Chris Koniditsiotis says.
“In a crowded marketplace, it is in the interests of all consumers and end-users to demand the highest quality.”
“For those in the process of making procurement decisions, or plan to move towards new in-vehicle systems in the near-term, it’s important to be an informed customer.”
Telematics devices are commonly used in a range of transport applications such as mining, emergency services and automotive sectors, and involve the storage and transmission of truck information between vehicles and fleet managers.
Depending on the product, this information, usually in real-time and involving GPS route data, can aid transport operators and drivers via messaging, vehicle tracking, job listings, engine management, trailer data and more.
Since launching the specification in November 2013, TCA has tested applicants’ products via a four-step, $40,000 process that sets requirements on physical characteristics, environmental characteristics, data collection, record generation, data storage, data security and data transfer.
TCA hopes that its process and results will be able to inform potential customers of which products and services will meet both their needs and standards.
“We anticipate that, over time, a selection of TCA type-approved IVUs will become available in the marketplace,” Koniditsiotis says.
Further details on the specifications can be found here.
Details on obtaining type-approval are listed here.