Only a little more than a decade ago the term “telematics” usually failed to pass spellcheck on most computers.
In the intervening time, the telematics industry has grown exponentially and now is an essential component in fleet management.
Using sophisticated on-board computerisation and a web-based software platform, Hino-Connect collects, transmits and analyses a wide range of vehicle information which can influence performance efficiency, safety and vehicle utilisation.
Built and designed in Australia by Directed Electronics in Melbourne, Hino-Connect was the first Australian developed telematics system to enable direct communication with the driver through the truck’s multimedia unit. Initially standard equipment in the Hino 700 Series, the availability of Hino-Connect has been expanded across the 500 Series Standard Cab, Wide Cab, and 4×4 models.
A modified version of Hino-Connect featuring the business intelligence elements became available as an accessory on Hino 300 Series light-duty trucks in early 2022.
Hino-Connect is much more than a basic mapping and tracking tool and even goes well beyond simply combining truck and GPS data.
The system incorporates a suite of business analysis tools designed to assist in managing fleet vehicles while they are on the go.
The Hino-Connect system is the next generation of business telematics with real-time performance data tracking, remote diagnosis of vehicle faults 24/7 and includes access to the dedicated Hino-Connect call centre for specialist support.
Hino-Connect also proactively monitors service scheduling so that operators can plan ahead and minimise down time and operational disruptions.
Built from the ground up in Australia, including the local manufacture of the Hino-Connect telematics hardware, the program is customised around the unique dataset available from Hino vehicles in combination with the capabilities of the multimedia unit fitted to the cab’s dashboard.
In the event of a fault being detected, in addition to the remote diagnosis of the specific fault, a recommended course of action is delivered to the driver via the multimedia unit screen.
In the unlikely event of a severe vehicle fault in addition to the alert and suggested remedy being delivered through the multimedia unit, information pertaining to the fault situation is also sent to the customer and a Hino-Connect Specialist via email.
An additional unique element of Hino-Connect is the case-management provided by the Sydney-based team of Hino-Connect Specialists who support the customer, driver and dealer and monitor the progress of any repair necessary to get the truck back on the road quickly.
“At Hino, we are committed to placing our customers at the centre of our operations, by providing them with experienced specialists in our head office call centre in Sydney and, with Hino-Connect, we provide a complete support solution that minimises their downtime,” says Gus Belanszky, General Manager – Service and Customer Support for Hino Australia.
With Hino-Connect, fleet and business managers can use an online portal and a smartphone mobile app to access data and real-time insights into their fleet including live vehicle performance data such as fuel usage, the cause and effect of driving performance, as well as safety alerts.
Other features include live GPS tracking and detailed trip reports as well as useful tools such as ‘movement without ignition’ alerts and geo-fencing which provides instantaneous vehicle location and fleet security and also ensures operators are notified if a vehicle leaves a designated area.
Another feature Hino-Connect offers its users is an API (Application Programming Interface) data feed, which is rFMS compatible.
For those of us not familiar with this type of technical jargon, this feature allows multi-branded fleets to plug the data from the Hino-Connect module straight into their own third party fleet management systems, providing customers with full visibility of their entire fleet, not just the Hinos.
Using the real-time data combined with historical insights, Hino-Connect will automatically analyse the cause and effect of driver performance, safety behaviour, and vehicle utilisation using simple dashboards available in the portal.
Hino-Connect also gathers live vehicle performance data to provide full operational visibility to business managers including brake application count, gear change numbers and even the amount of time a vehicle is operating within its optimum RPM band.
Hino-Connect uses its Driver Score Reporting to monitor key indicators like harsh braking or acceleration, over revving or speeding, to identify poor performance that can then be addressed through coaching to enhance driving techniques.
The parameters used can be modified to ignore instances such as minor over-revving of the engine when the engine brake is activated. Hino-Connect can also identify the drivers who are achieving the most effective operation of their vehicles.
“Hino-Connect is a natural evolution of the decade-long partnership between Hino Australia and Directed Electronics, which has been made possible by the high level of support provided by the team at Hino Motors Ltd in Japan,” says Gus.
“Directed Electronics has built the hardware and firmware to suit the current market and their high level of expertise and capability allows us to deliver the right ‘plug and play’ solution for the Australian market and provides flexibility to adapt the system for the future needs of our customers. Business managers can also track current fuel usage of individual trucks and use the forecasting tool to estimate future fuel costs.”
The live GPS tracking and detailed trip reports allow fleets to update their customers with accurate delivery times while also identifying inefficient routes.
Automated email notifications provide full visibility of the Hino trucks’ Active Safety Systems including any Pre-Collision System activation alerts to provide another level of fleet safety.
Hino-Connect also proactively monitors maintenance reminders so customers can schedule ahead and liaise with their service dealers in order to minimise downtime.
“At Hino, we are committed to leveraging our detailed knowledge and understanding of our trucks, our dealer network and our customers to developing and delivering impactful digital solutions,” says Gus. “While others can claim business intelligence, we believe Hino-Connect truly delivers this for our customers.“
