MiX Telematics has launched a new in-cab display for its FM300 telematics system in a bid to help operators cut fuel consumption and reduce vehicle wear and tear. Most telematics systems simply relay information on driver behaviour to the traffic office where it can be analysed and used to correct aspects of poor driving, such as over-revving or heavy braking. However, MiX's RIBAS display - an optional extra over its standard system - is a dashboard-mounted array of five LEDs that illuminate whenever
a driver exceeds a pre-set vehicle parameter. Each LED is positioned next to a letter corresponding to a specific aspect of driver behaviour:
Steve Coffin, sales and marketing director for MiX, says: "What normally happens is that an operator trains his drivers and fits an on-board computer. This will change a driver's behaviour, but only for a short period. "The RIBAS display is a constant reminder of whether they are driving correctly or otherwise." He anticipates a drop in fuel consumption of around 8% for operators using the system.
Coffin says that the system can also be configured so that excessive idling is only detected in a number of pre-determined locations through 'geofencing', so it is not affected by traffic jams. The first firm to put the RIBAS system into operation is Avonmouth-based Wrings Transport. The
company has equipped its entire 40-strong fleet with the RIBAS-enabled FM300 system.
Stuart Wring, MD, adds: "The system delivers us all the benefits of live tracking and driver fleet monitoring, with the added bonus that our drivers are very much involved in the efficiency-gain process too." Wring says that the firm will now be introducing a bonus scheme to incentivise more fuel efficient driving. The basic FM300 system costs £600 per truck, with the RIBAS display another £100.
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