On track and in control
After extensive testing on several continents, Volvo have unveiled the first iteration of their telematic remote machine-management system. Called CareTrack, the system involves an interactive exchange of information over a wireless network in order to monitor and manage the activities of machines in the field. Customers will be able to answer important questions such as: ‘Where are the machines located?’, ‘When are they due a service?’, ‘Are the machines being used in the best way?’. The available data will allow analysis of operating-cost levels.
When fully implemented CareTrack will use a combination of both satellite and cellular systems to transmit information from the machine to a secure password-protected web site that the customer can access. Being a Volvo-developed product, CareTrack is the only system able to interact with Volvo’s own on-board machine diagnostics systems, such as MATRIS.
The real benefit for customers and Volvo is improved productivity, reduced downtime and better safety and security. The ability to pinpoint and control where machines are located should also lead to reduced insurance premiums and claim excesses, as theft of equipment will be curtailed. In addition, knowing exactly where a machine is and what is wrong with it means that mechanics should arrive on site with the right parts more often, thereby reducing machine downtime.
CareTrack offers a range of machine and operator data reports to help ensure customers’ fleets are performing at their best. Information on how much fuel each machine consumes, when the machines were used and how the fleet is being utilized can all be captured remotely, improving daily productivity and helping to optimize service planning and the ordering of spare parts.
To stop unauthorized use of the machine, by utilizing GPS positioning CareTrack can ‘see’ where each machine is and what it is doing at any time of day. If a customer wants to restrict where the machine goes or how many hours of the day it works, CareTrack can erect virtual ‘geofences’ that set off alarms or immobilize machines should they stray beyond prescribed limits. This not only stops unauthorized use, but also deters thieves.
The CareTrack system is easy to configure and manage. New machines, new operators or even new job sites can all be easily incorporated into the system. The level of authority each user has can be adjusted and specific report requirements for each machine can be easily specified. The system is also said to be inexpensive to fit and has a low monthly fee.
When fully implemented CareTrack will use a combination of both satellite and cellular systems to transmit information from the machine to a secure password-protected web site that the customer can access. Being a Volvo-developed product, CareTrack is the only system able to interact with Volvo’s own on-board machine diagnostics systems, such as MATRIS.
The real benefit for customers and Volvo is improved productivity, reduced downtime and better safety and security. The ability to pinpoint and control where machines are located should also lead to reduced insurance premiums and claim excesses, as theft of equipment will be curtailed. In addition, knowing exactly where a machine is and what is wrong with it means that mechanics should arrive on site with the right parts more often, thereby reducing machine downtime.
CareTrack offers a range of machine and operator data reports to help ensure customers’ fleets are performing at their best. Information on how much fuel each machine consumes, when the machines were used and how the fleet is being utilized can all be captured remotely, improving daily productivity and helping to optimize service planning and the ordering of spare parts.
To stop unauthorized use of the machine, by utilizing GPS positioning CareTrack can ‘see’ where each machine is and what it is doing at any time of day. If a customer wants to restrict where the machine goes or how many hours of the day it works, CareTrack can erect virtual ‘geofences’ that set off alarms or immobilize machines should they stray beyond prescribed limits. This not only stops unauthorized use, but also deters thieves.
The CareTrack system is easy to configure and manage. New machines, new operators or even new job sites can all be easily incorporated into the system. The level of authority each user has can be adjusted and specific report requirements for each machine can be easily specified. The system is also said to be inexpensive to fit and has a low monthly fee.
