Sample Implement and Monitor Transport Logistics

TLIL5019 - Implement and Monitor Transport Logistics

This case study and interview describe how SPAR, a leading manufacturer in the European logistics industry, established a new generation of in-vehicle management systems with three main features: stability, wireless communication, and ease of use.

February 21, 2019 · By M.D. Wang

In-Vehicle Management Systems

In the past, logistics companies had little control over vehicles in the field due to the lack of communication equipment, but as technology has developed we now have IoT, Cloud Computing, and Big Data to assist us.
Fleet management systems have also undergone huge changes in both depths of technology and breadth of application, allowing companies like Austrian SPAR to introduce state of the art in-vehicle management and logistics systems.

Industrial Grade Design with Stability and Flexibility

SPAR is a world-renown logistics enterprise-focused mainly on Europe. It owns several meat processing factories in Europe which deliver products throughout the European Union using its own freight dispatching fleet.

SPAR logistics vehicles have had IT devices installed for a long time. Initially, they used an in-car driving recorder similar to a flight recorder which was required in Europe by statute and these provided basic information for estimating a vehicle’s state if accidents occur.

The hardware for the driving recorder adopted by SPAR used a consumer brand product integrated with Android software.

However, the consumer product couldn’t take into account the entire vehicle’s usage. Conditions such as a wide temperature between summer and winter meant the lack of air conditioning put the cargo at risk of damage.

Considering the fact that equipment stability and reliability was a priority for SPAR, and that breakdowns happen frequently, SPAR had to again consider replacing the equipment with another in-vehicle system.

The main function of this replacement system was recording in-vehicle operations. Compared with the former setup, the new system performed better but still lacked networking features.

Consequently, all of the inputs for dispatching tasks and software updates needed to be uploaded and downloaded first through the company’s computers, then manually back to the devices in the vehicles. This process was not ideal and caused scheduling problems.

So eventually, SPAR approached Styletronic, an Austrian system integrator, and asked them for a third system; a new in-vehicle management and logistics system that was 100% reliable and stable, had wireless communication and had user-friendly interfaces.

Styletronic and Advantech-DLoG

SPAR’s new in-vehicle management system was a customized solution which was co-developed by Styletronic and Advantech-DLoG. Styletronic took charge of the Windows interface software and system integration, while Advantech-DLoG provided the industrial grade in-vehicle devices plus hardware in interface integration.

Before starting the design, Advantech-DLoG studied SPAR’s fleet characteristics and demands beforehand.

Due to the size of Europe, and the large amounts of cargo in transit, trailers towed by trucks caused huge vibration problems for moving vehicles. Advantech-DLoG thus adopted its PWS-770 products to solve the problem and meet SPAR’s demand for wireless transmitters and vehicle location trackers. Along with docking stations designed by its partner, RAM Mount, Advantech-DLoG built a solution that suited SPAR’s 10-inch tablet computer for its in-vehicle system.

The new in-vehicle systems provided high stability. The vibration-proof features were particularly enhanced and designed for heavy vehicle usage authenticated to military grade MIL-STD-810G specification. This saved the devices from breakdowns caused by the persistent jolting of the vehicles.

Stability, Flexibility, Ease of Use, In-Vehicle Management & Logistics System

Considering the benefits of an all-in-one mobile vehicle terminal that is also detachable, most of today’s systems fall short of the opportunity and do not tap the potential of a re-engineering of the tablet PC to connect to valuable vehicle data.

As merely one example, this type of data functionality can enable tablet PCs to send sensor data from the engine or temperature monitors for food cargo cold chain quality monitoring.

Due to the FMCSA regulation requiring ELD devices, a popular form factor for this logging is by a detachable handheld in the cab. Whether for ELD process or considering the proliferation of mobile tablets in every stage supply chain in general, there will be an increased need for that handheld device to bridge data to the partner network to convey vehicle status.

Most of today’s systems fall short of the opportunity to turn mobile tablets into a true Internet of Things (IoT) data gateway for mobile fleets.

For wireless communication, there was GPS, 3G, Wi-Fi, and GPS that served to locate the vehicles and the received location data could then be transmitted to the backend operation control centre via 3G. And if there were any dispatching problems or accidents, the control centre would have instant communication with the driver. The update of assigned tasks and operations before vehicles were dispatched was transmitted automatically through Wi-Fi.

In order to meet SPAR’s demands for an easy-to-use interface, Advantech-DLoG started with designs for common functions using a touchscreen monitor which could be operated instinctively and shortened the drivers’ learning curve.

Seamless System Fully Controls Driving Behaviours

All vans and trucks in Europe are regulated by strict laws. For example, components like engines and brakes need to be installed with in-car sensors before the vehicles leave the factory.

The data received by these sensors have to be transmitted and fully recorded by the in-vehicle system. If an accident happens, the company and the police can retrieve the data to clarify the situation and resolve any issues.

The new system needed to connect with the sensing network of the original devices, so SPAR’s new version in-vehicle system was retrofitted to all existing vehicles, and the linking and integration of the new and the original components were carefully implemented.

Currently, the mainstream communication standard on the vehicles is CAN Bus. Advantech-DLoG PWS-770 also has such ports which can rapidly connect to the in-vehicle sensing system and show the recorded information on the in-vehicle display.

The data not only allows the control centre and the drivers to fully control and supervise the vehicles but also produces big data which can analyse driving behaviours, thereby fulfilling the function of driving behaviour management, which in turn decreases the chances of risks and accidents.

Advantech-DLoG finished the installation of all 165 in-vehicle management and logistics systems for all of SPAR’s ten-ton trucks ahead of schedule.

These have been successfully operating for over a year and they not only operate well, but they are stable and adaptable system also improves SPAR’s operating efficiency, as well as reducing fuel cost by 15%. Next, SPAR’s fleets at their two factories in Hungary and Italy will also gradually introduce the same in-vehicle management solution established by Advantech-DLoG and Styletronic to help give SPAR a competitive advantage.

Credits: Article written by M.D. Wang with images provided by Advantech-DLoG and SPAR. Interview with Brian Hsieh, Business Development Manager of Advantech Digital Logistics and Fleet Management

https://www.supplychain247.com/article/evolution_of_in_vehicle_management_logistics_systems/Logistics_Management 

SOLUTION

Activity 1

What is IoT (internet of things)?

The internet of things or IoT can be easily explained as the latest technology in which there is a system which relates several devices and objects with the help of technology. It is the combination of several hardware and software products which are present in the system. It connects all the hardware system with the help of software. Several things which are seen for the connection purposes or the several hardware and software objects connections which are done can be easily done with the help of various software objects like the sensors which are installed in the system with the help of embedded technologies. Connection of the machines is done with the help of the internet of things and the term of transport of data from one system to another can also be done with the help of internet of things technology. Internet is used for the transfer of data.

Activity 1.1

What is cloud computing ?

Cloud computing can be explained as the modern technology which helps in the customization of the modern technology in which the tasks and works like providing different services to several computer systems and mobile phones are given through the help of one common host or network provider. Several works are done with the help of the technology of cloud computing which can be given with the help of service providing task. There are several ways through which the internet connections are established with the help of the common network provider and it can be done with the help of works which are done through several ways. It works upon the needs of the customer like infrastructure-based services are provided to the customers. Another way of providing connections can be done with the help of the platform-based service providing. The third way in which the service can be provided is the software-based service.

Activity 1.2

What is meant by the term BIG DATA ?

Another type of technology or the term which is very popularized in the modern technical world can be given as the big data. It can be termed as the technology in which there is a collection of huge amounts of data through various sources like the search engines and the working-based category which increases with a particular allotment of time. It can be disengaged with the help of all the data and information through which all the data and information can be extracted can be given with their help. No simpler databases are required for storing this large data which can be seen for the term big data. Cloud database with unlimited storage space is required and their works can be included for the working of the similar kind of data which is seen for the application of the term known as big data.

Activity 2

Part 1 Name three fleet management systems?

Part 2 which fleet management system would you recommend and why?

Part 1: Fleet management can be explained as the logistics term through which the transportation of material or data from one system to another and it can be done through various values. Some of the best ways to transport knowledge, information, data or materials are done through three different modules which can be given as:

• Leasing of the various vehicles is done as one of the major works for the fleet management system. In this system vehicles are given on lease to different drivers which requires the vehicles and are paid accordingly.

• Acquisition of different types of vehicles according to the needs of the workers or the drivers are also done which helps in the working of the fleet management system.

• Another way of fleet management system can be given as the supply chain management. All the supplies are given in a chain and their management is done with their help.

Part 2: As seen in the above points, these are some of the various points and the fleet management system which are ongoing in the market and they can be arranged along with the needs of the customers and the clients. According to the needs of the customers and the clients, the best management system which should be used for the working of the company workings can be given as the fuel management system. Fuel management system helps in the use of several renewable resources which would lower the use of gas and petrol to at least 15%. This helps in the working of the given product with the help of the fuel management system. Fuel management system helps in conserving the fuel for the company and this would also lower the balance sheet for the logistics company and their transport and movement can also be lower with its values which are seen for the working of the data.

Activity 2.1

What is meant by the term networking features?

Networking features can be explained as the term in which all the network systems which are connected with the help of the internet are used. Some of the given networking features which are seen for the working of the systems and computer networks can be given and explained as:

1. Speed of the communication can be arranged with the help of the networking features which are seen and organized.

2. Sharing of the files for the working of the networking features can be done with its help.

3. Backing up of the data as well as the rolling of the data is also used so that the working of the networking features is required.

4. Software works and the hardware works along with the sharing of the data as well as the networking features are required.

5. Security of the data and all the data involves working in the networking features are done with its help.

Activity 3

Which parts of the in-fleet management system did Styletronic develop for SPAR” S fleet management system?

The fleet in management system is one of the techniques in which there are several ways of implementation and they can be used in many different ways. One of the most important fleets in management system is that the works which are required according to the works of the company and what types of customers does the company deal on a daily basis. Some of the most used in fleet management system which are used by the companies can be given as the leasing of the vehicles and the automobiles, acquisition of the terms and the remarketing of the various automobiles and the vehicles, supply and chain block management of the various vehicles which are present, management of the fuel and the gas, services and the terms related to the maintenance of the automobiles and the vehicles, programs which are related to the safety of the different automobiles and the vehicles, response which are related to the collision of the vehicles, and the several tax giving systems like the toll allotment and the different tax paying which is done by the government for the automobiles.

The in-fleet management system which is acquired by the Styletronic for SPARS fleet management can be given as the fuel saving or the fuel management system which are seen for the works of the automobiles and the vehicles which are allotted for their workings of the system. Fuel management system helps in conservation of the gas and the fuel up to 15% and the working of the automobiles along with the economic research done by the vehicles and the automobiles can be done with its value. Fuel management system according to the data which is seen for the value and their management can be done with its help.

Activity 3.1

Which parts of the system did Advantech-Dlog develop for SPAR’S in -vehicle fleet management system?

For the transportation of the goods and the materials from one part of the United Kingdom can be done with the help of the trucks and the cars and various other automobiles. There are several ways in which the technology like the internet of things, cloud computing and big data can be used for the working of the data which is seen for the working of all the data which is seen. There are several parts which can be organized and their workings can also be aligned according to the works which are done for the system to be updated. Some of the major works which are done for the working of the data and the information can be aligned according to the use of the customers and the clients and all the drivers of the trucks. Some of the various components which can be used for the working of the given information can be given as the sensors which are installed in the vehicles for the working of the several instruments which are present in the cars and the trucks. The cool bearing system of the machine can be installed with the help of the sensors and all the tracking of the vehicles can be done. All the stops where the vehicles are stopping can be tracked by the technical workers of the company. This would help in efficient working of the truck bearing system. Lease of the vehicles can also be reduced if the trucks are installed with the works of the most probable system like the internet of things and their working capital can also be invested with the help of the major workings which are seen and their effects can also be seen according to it.

Activity 4

Data functionality can enable tablets and PC ‘S to send what types of information ?

Data functionality can be explained as the method through which the working of the stats is used by the several technicians in getting any type of data and information through which all the data and information can be extracted. Several scripts are written and embedded in the system of the computers and the laptops and mobile phones along with the tablets so that any kind of calculation or the systematic working of the data can be seen with its help. The inputs can be seen along with the working of the several calculations which are seen for the proper results and outcomes which are seen with their proper understanding.

For example, in this case all the information regarding the trucks and the automobiles which are gone for the transportation of the goods and materials can be organized and their works are also arranged with its help. All the major information and data which are seen for the information gathering and analysis can be aligned along with the information of the trucks and the major locations of the trucks can be seen with the help of the sensors which are present in the system of the trucks installed by the technicians and the code developers of the organization.

All the truck drivers are given tablets in which all the data including the use of petrol and the reduce in the rate of usage of the gas and petrol can be seen with the help of data functionality. This varies in several different according to the task which are performed by the truck on a particular notice. All the information regarding the working of the data usage and the gas conservation of the petrol can be given to the higher hierarchy of the company as well as the managers of the trucks.

Activity 4.1

All vans and trucks in Europe are regulated by strict laws, components like engines and breaks need to have In – car /truck sensors installed before leaving the factory? why?

Since there are strict rules in United Kingdom for the travelling trucks as their workings and all their bearings needs to be installed with proper engines and the brakes. Then the working of the major trucks can be organized with the help of the technology like the internet of things and the cloud computing so that the systematic behavior along with the working of the engines and the brakes can also be organized with the help of the modern technology which are seen and their workings are also organized with the given systematic information which are seen for their development.

Internet of things is the technology which would be very helpful in this case as automated engines and brakes can be installed in the trucks and their works can be organized accordingly. All the data and information will be sent through the sensors and their workings can be organized and most of the works can also be aligned so that there is no loss of data. In case of lost data one of the most important things which can be done is the installation of the cloud computing which would help in the storage of all the data which is seen.

Another important thing which should be installed in the system of the trucks are the sensors which helps in tracking and intaking all the information which are gathered. A sensor is set with particular value in which the speed of the truck is applied and if the speed of the truck goes over it then automatic brakes are applied on the trucks. Engine and its working can also be organized with the help of the data which is seen in the sensors and the danger of engine seizing can also be avoided following the UK norms.

Activity 4.2

Please explain what is ment by the term DIVING BEHAVIOURS.

The behavior of driving can be easily explained as the working of the various trucks of the company with the help of the various modern technologies which are seen for the working of the trucks and the logistics company. Some of the various works which are done with the working of the company establishes the driving behavior of the vehicle and their works can also be arranged and re-arranged with the help of several patterns and schemes which are learnt by the working class of the trucks and drivers.

Installation of the application was done on the system of the several truck drivers and the company for better driving behaviors which established some local norms which needed to be followed in the United Kingdom and they can be given and explained as:

1. No distraction facility was provided to the customers and the drivers of the vehicle which helped in notifying the customers that there should be no distraction while driving.

2. Use of another technology like the telematics can be done in which all the information regarding the collection of data and the analysis of data was done so that the working of the given set of data and information can also be done.

3. Drivers and the training of the drivers was also done with the help of the application and hard driving tests was also taken and their working values were also organized with its help.

4. Motivation was given to the drivers who were travelling long distances and their works were also organized according to it.

5. Alert systems were also introduced and their works were notified if any kind of unsafe driving or unsafe terrain was present for their working.

6. Policy with a safety mindset was also allotted to the workers and the drivers of the different trucks

Activity 5

How many vehicles had the new in-vehicle management and logistics system installed?

The new in-fleet management system in which the system of the fuel restoration and the conservation of the gas was done were implemented in several vehicles in which the working of the major works and their allotted surface data was also used. Technologies like the internet of things and cloud computing was used. Internet of things was used for making the system more progressive and their works was also arranged accordingly. The storage of data was also done in several database in which the system and the computer systems were aligned accordingly.

Sensors were installed in the vehicles which helped in the transfer of goods and information for one part of the country to another and the usage of fuel efficiently was done so that no wastage of fuel is done. Any unnecessary stops for the vehicles and the trucks were avoided so that the wastage of fuel and gas can be avoided. This helped in saving a large amount of fuel for the company. The total number of vehicles and the trucks which were required for the usage of the given technology can be numbered as 25.

Activity 5.1

What benefits has SPAR found from the in-vehicle management and logistic system?

Some benefits which are given by SPAR from the in-vehicle management system can be given as:

1. Tracking of values and the analysis of the inventory can be done with the help of the transport works which are done by the organization. Barcodes were abolished and the use of smart labels was done in the organization.

2. Warehouses which are present in the organization can be aligned and optimized with the help of the storing system can also be efficient and their works can also be increased with their help. Sensors with temperature and fire detection can also be aligned with its help.

3. Management of the fleet with the help of the sensors and the GPS system for the tracking of the vehicles was one of the most important uses which helped in tracking all the trucks which are present in the company. Behavior of the driver and the use of the fuel can both be tracked with the help of the fleet management system

4. Maintenance of the major trucks and their time was also organized with the help of the internet of things and their work value was also increased with the help of the several data types which were used by the company through time to time.

Activity 5.2

From Activity 2 after looking at the three fleet management systems and then making a choice of the best
One goes ahead and list the steps you would go through to implement this system into your company’s fleet
of vehicles.

The different types of fleet management system which can be seen for the working of the given logistics company can be given as the leasing of the vehicles, acquired acquisition of the vehicles and the trucks which are present in the company, remarketing of the trucks and other brand values, supply and block chain management of the different workers and the drivers of the company, management of the fuel and gas for the organization, and the predictive maintenance of the company and the organization.

The most used and the effective fleet management system which we would apply in the firm can be given as the fuel management system which tracks all the vehicles and the total amount of fuel which is consumed by that particular vehicle. This helps in giving all the fuel monitor system to the given working class of the managers as well as the major working of the trucks and the drivers through one destination to another. This helps in guarantying the effective use of all the fuel in the truck and thus the use of extra fuel is avoided. All the major use of the fuel and natural resources can be reduced with the proper application of the fleet management system.