• Modular FleetBoard product range for efficient driver, vehicle and transport management
  • Specifically for buses and coaches: FleetBoard Bus App with specific functions for passenger transport
  • Optimised transport management with the new DispoPilot.guide
  • Trip recording: transparency in operations
  • Performance analysis: driving style documentation
  • New features for vehicle management
  • Time management: analysis and archiving of tachograph data
  • Mapping: a worldwide eye on buses and coaches

Telematics solutions from FleetBoard make it possible to identify and exploit savings potentials for buses and coaches as well. The applications were developed specifically for managing bus fleets and are aimed at the fleets of bus companies. The FleetBoard services comprise a host of functions for optimising driving styles and processes - and therefore for efficiently reducing vehicle wear and fuel consumption while improving service quality. FleetBoard offers special features in the services 'performance analysis', 'trip recording' and 'vehicle service' for the fleet management of Mercedes-Benz and Setra buses and coaches. The telematics system is available ex-factory for complete Mercedes-Benz and Setra buses, and can easily be retrofitted in buses and coaches from other manufacturers. The driving style and vehicle data are recorded via a standardised FMS interface in the vehicle and transmitted to a central server at the FleetBoard Service Centre via GPRS. The data are transmitted by the FleetBoard TiiRec terminal, which is installed permanently in the vehicle. Registered users have secure access to the FleetBoard Cockpit with all data and analyses.

Specifically for buses and coaches: FleetBoard Bus App with specific functions for passenger transport

The FleetBoard Bus App was adapted specifically to bus-specific fleet management and is aimed at passenger transport. It gives operators the ability to keep an eye on their vehicles and drivers even while away from the office. The app comprises the 'lite' versions of the services 'vehicle management', 'transport management', 'time management' and 'mapping' and offers the following functions:

- Overview of the vehicles' trips

- Performance analysis of the last trip

- Overview of the driver working times

- Overview of the FleetBoard service partners in the 'mapping' service

In addition, the service quality can be ensured through transparency on data such as door and ramp status, climate control system and other tell-tales. The FleetBoard driving style grade makes it possible to provide drivers with immediate feedback on their most recent routes and point out possible savings potentials. The FleetBoard Bus App is available for free download at the Apple Store.

New FleetBoard logistics management services for buses and coaches

Transparent work processes and enhanced efficiency thanks to uncomplicated communication between driver and head office - this is now supported also in bus fleets by the two transport management services 'messaging' and 'scheduling'. The FleetBoard 'messaging' service makes bidirectional information exchange possible by way of the DispoPilot.guide installed permanently in the vehicle. Using the seven-inch colour display of the DispoPilot.guide, drivers send or receive messages or have geo-encoded addresses transferred and so can get navigation instructions straight to their destination. Moreover, the expected time of arrival (ETA) is determined and communicated to the head office.

With the FleetBoard 'scheduling' service, bus fleet operators benefit from predefined workflows which support the handling of repetitive tasks. The preconfigured standard processes are geared to classic passenger transport challenges and thus enable reliable and efficient management of trips and orders. Special requirements can be mapped in tailor-made transport processes in cooperation with the FleetBoard 'consulting' service.

Trip recording: transparency in operations

The 'trip recording' service determines all data related to daily bus operations such as driving and idle times, position, weight and speed. This recording is a useful tool in regular-service bus operations: it documents the driving times and rest periods. It also reliably determines the door and ramp status, waits at bus stops, departure times and door openings.

It is always possible to prove that a bus was actually ready for boarding at the bus stop or that a door ramp was extended for people with restricted mobility. The data also provide important information for tour guides to analyse and optimise a trip.

Performance analysis: driving style documentation

The 'performance analysis' service determines the driving and braking style, excessive engine speeds and the average vehicle speed. Special configurations for different vehicle categories (touring coach, intercity and urban bus) are taken into account. These data provide a sound basis for reducing fuel consumption and vehicle wear, and help the driver to achieve an economical driving style.

For the Euro VI touring coach model series Mercedes-Benz Travego, Setra TopClass 500, Setra ComfortClass 500 and S 431 DT, the frequency of use of the Predictive Powertrain Control (PPC) anticipatory cruise control system and the AdBlue consumption and fill level are also displayed. The performance analysis lets the user see whether a driver is operating without cruise control, with limiter or with PPC. In addition, the so-called hysteresis values can be analysed. This refers to the upper and lower speed tolerances defined by the driver. Fuel consumption can be reduced further still by choosing the optimum settings for the speed tolerances and by using PPC. In addition, the performance analysis as well as trip recording show the AdBlue consumption and fill level. These additional figures help a company calculate its total operating costs.

New features create greater transparency in vehicle management services

New features in the FleetBoard services 'performance analysis', 'trip recording' and 'service' reveal further potential for savings in vehicle management. For the vehicles of the Euro VI model series equipped with the B2E electronics structure from Mercedes-Benz and Setra, the telematics services show the frequency of use of Predictive Powertrain Control, the AdBlue consumption and fill level as well as the tyre pressure.

The 'performance analysis' service lets the user see whether a driver is operating without cruise control, with limiter or with PPC. In addition, the so-called hysteresis values can be analysed. This refers to the upper and lower speed tolerances defined by the driver. Fuel consumption can be reduced further still by choosing the optimum settings for the speed tolerances and by using PPC predictive cruise control. In addition, the performance analysis as well as the trip recording service show the AdBlue consumption and fill level. These additional figures help a company calculate its total operating costs. The tyre pressure monitoring feature of the FleetBoard service helps fleet managers and operators to prevent increased wear and fuel consumption as well as unplanned downtimes by ensuring optimal tyre inflation.

Time management: analysis and archiving of tachograph data

The 'time management' service facilitates the legally mandated read out and archiving of driver cards. The Dekra-certified driver card download and the mass memory download make it possible to read out the driver cards and the mass memory of the digital tachograph directly in the vehicle - in consideration of all legal obligations. The company card can stay at the office. This also facilitates in-house administration because the working times data can be transmitted directly to payroll.

Mapping: a worldwide eye on buses and coaches

The 'mapping' service provides information about the position and route layout of all buses and coaches at any time regardless of where in the world they are. The current position or detailed route tracking can be accessed at 30-second intervals on a digital map - either in street or satellite view or in a combination of both (hybrid). The geofencing function allows defining specific areas of operations which also creates additional security in the event a bus or coach is stolen. Furthermore, the map also displays important trip events, warnings and status reports.

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