DTCO® 4.0: THE SMART TACHOGRAPH

Automatic Collection of Position Data by Satellite

Another requirement of the EU Directive is improved location tracking during defined periods. The position data for a truck are to be automatically recorded when beginning and ending the daily working time, as well as after three hours of cumulative driving time. The amendments to support fleet management solutions provide the basis for the use of these data – for example, for geofencing. To do so, the DTCO^® 4.0 uses the GNSS global satellite architecture, and accesses individual satellite systems such as NAVSTAR GPS from the United States, GLONASS from the Russian Federation, and the European Galileo system. This ensures that the device can always pick up a sufficiently strong signal.

Data Security Using the “Privacy Button”

The DTCO^® 4.0 makes it possible to share a wide range of data with other systems. The ITS (Intelligent Transportation Systems) can retrieve individual data from the tachograph, and provide this information to fleet management systems such as TIS-Web^® or VDO FleetVisor. The DTCO^® Smartlink allows the driver’s mobile devices to communicate with the tachograph, or with the fleet management system.

Consistent data protection is guaranteed for the driver in the process. Only 18 of the 72 datasets available are not classified as “personal.” All other data may only be shared from the cockpit using the ITS interface when the driver has authorized the query using the “Privacy button.” Above all, this concerns data from the driver card, or information about driving and rest periods. This ensures that the high security and data protection standards that apply when processing personal data are complied with in accordance with EU Directive 2016/679.

The encryption of the communication between the tachograph and KITAS 4.0, which processes speed and route impulses, has been improved cryptographically. An electronic encryption method, along with a new method of applying seals, ensures no manipulation can occur.  The existing driver cards and new driver cards (G2) are fully compatible with the new DTCO 4.0 as well with the previous models.

Fit for the Future

The new DTCO^® 4.0 already features the functions which will come to play a role in the future. The DSRC interface is equipped with the technical prerequisites necessary to use country-specific functions for toll payments and monitoring tolls. It will also be possible to send the payload data. With a similar mode of operation to the one used to measure speed, sensors installed on the axles send encrypted weight and axle load data to the tachograph, which can also be queried by the supervisory authorities. By 2021 at the latest, it will obligatory to record and declare these data within the single European market. Along with the emissions class, datasets like this can be used not only as the basis for more exact toll payments, but might also be of interest to insurance companies. After all, policies that are far more individual could be developed: with the corresponding savings potential for the carriers.

Training Courses for the New DTCO^®

In order to familiarize auto repair shops, fleet managers and drivers with the extensive performance features of the new DTCO® 4.0, the VDO Academy is holding professional training courses from October 2018 on.