All Pedigree Technologies posts related to the OneView platform and any products in our full range of available telematics solutions.

Safety Increased For Drivers Using Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs)

Posted by Pedigree Technologies on

Do ELDs really have an impact on your fleet’s safety? According to the U.S. Department of Transportation and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), they do. FMCSA recently released a report evaluating the potential safety benefits of ELDs, and you can find more information and answers on their site here.

According to the report, trucks with ELDs installed had an 11.7 percent lower total crash rate and 5.1 percent lower preventable crash rate than trucks without ELDs installed. Additionally, the trucks with ELDs had a 53 percent reduction in hours of service (HOS) violations.

The OneView ELD solution allows you to keep track of hours of service electronically on an easy-to-use platform. 

ELD-OneView-electronic-logging-device

In addition to capturing and storing HOS data, OneView can be used to do the following:

  • Retrieve an Electronic driver vehicle inspection report (EDVIR): The driver’s tablet can be removed from the cab during roadside inspections and the software is easy to navigate and read by inspectors.
  • Manage fuel purchase forms: Drivers quickly and easily capture and store fuel purchases electronically. International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) reporting is automated, saving office staff time, while reducing errors and improving accuracy.
  • Capture and store documents electronically: OneView features image capturing that makes documents easy to store electronically—eliminating paperwork.
  • Send/receive messages safely: Safely keep in touch with your drivers. The OneView messaging system features an auto-lock screen that allows dispatchers to communicate with drivers while they are stopped.

 

5 Summer Safety Tips for Your Fleet

Posted by Pedigree Technologies on

In the Midwest, there is a common adage that there are two seasons — winter and road construction season. As we enter the summer months and road construction season, temperatures rise and roadways become obstacle courses with lane closures. Road work can be especially challenging for the larger vehicles in your fleet.

Check out these five safety tips that will help keep your business operating smoothly as temperatures soar and delays occur.

 

1. Be Careful in Work Zones

There are about 87, 606 crashes annually in road construction zones alone, and unfortunately speed and distracted driving are the most commons causes. Also, whether on the highway or driving in downtown areas, remember to always check for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists, as these accidents are often dangerous for everyone involved.

So, slow down, leave enough room (for yourself and others), and watch your blind spots! 

2. Pay Attention to Road Signs

Even on familiar roads, signs might have changed to include information about road closures and conditions. An even better idea would be to check local or state DOT website before hitting the road. They frequently have easy-to-navigate maps that can give drivers an overview of all relevant road conditions for the entirety of their trip. (Many truck stops are also continuing to implement kiosks or TV monitors that give on-the-road drivers timely weather and road condition information.)

3. Perform a Summer Inspection

  • Check tire treads and pressure. (Be sure you are taking the ‘cold’ readings from your tires. It’s recommended to leave your vehicle stationary for 3 hours to get accurate readings.)
  • Check wiper blades.
  • Change oil. (Driving will make levels appear lower. Wait 10-15+ minutes after driving to check accurate oil levels.)
  • Check brakes, battery, radiator, cooling, and air conditioning systems.
  • Check lights (headlights, brake lights, turn signals, in-cab indicators, etc.).

4. Get Maintenance Reminders

Pedigree Technologies OneView platform allows you to schedule maintenance based on usage or timing, record maintenance history and activities, and receive automatic alerts when upcoming maintenance is due.

5. Remember HOS Rules

As days get longer, drivers might be tempted to push their hours of service (HOS). The OneView electronic logbook solution (ELD series) and Cab-Mate devices help ensure drivers reliably maintain HOS compliance. OneView even sends notifications to the dispatcher when drivers are approaching their driving limit.

Did You Know?

About 1/3 of work zones with lane closures occurred primarily at night.
The most likely hours of the day for a lane closure was between 9-11 a.m., while the least likely was 6-7 p.m.

5 summer fleet safety tips infographic

System Alerts: How They Can Help Your Oil and Gas Business

Posted by Pedigree Technologies on

There is no shame in needing a reminder to help you stay on track. Most of us wouldn’t wake up on time each morning if we didn’t have an alarm. In fact, we use alerts for many of the things we do. When cooking, a timer goes off, and when our gas tank is low, a light goes on. So why should the workplace be any different?

pov status - daily log screenshot on device

In the oil and gas industry, there is a constant need to “stay on track.” There are deliveries going out and coming in at a steady pace. Drivers spend long hours on the road, tanks are emptied and refilled multiple times per day, and the stream of new jobs seems endless. Amidst this chaos, even the slightest mishap can delay operations.  If you miss a routine maintenance check-up, you could be stuck with a mechanical breakdown that’s costly to repair, and unauthorized stops and equipment use contribute to avoidable ware and tear or misplaced machines.

When using software solutions such as equipment tracking, dispatching or maintenance, businesses have the opportunity to set up custom notifications and alarms ensuring that maintenance isn’t missed, unauthorized use doesn’t happen, HOS regulations are not violated, tanks never get too low and much more.

There is no shame in needing a reminder now and then. It could mean the difference between thousands of dollars in equipment repairs and spending nothing at all. Are you using telematics system alerts in your business?

With telematics system alerts, you can:

  1. Set up landmarks to see when and where people are stopping with company equipment
  2. Establish geo-fencing  with alarms for when a machine moves out of a designated area, preventing unauthorized equipment use
  3. Track the volume of tanks with notifications when it gets too low or too much is taken out
  4. Avoid HOS violations with alarms for nearing the end of driving time or on-duty time
  5. Maximize equipment use with insight into excessive idle times
  6. Schedule preventative maintenance with alerts, weeks, days or hours in advance
  7. Instant alerts when jobs are updated
  8. Receive low battery updates
  9. See when a driver/truck fails inspection

There is no shame in needing a reminder now and then. It could mean the difference between thousands of dollars in equipment repairs and spending nothing at all. Are you using telematics system alerts in your business?