Fleet operators wavering over adopting digital tachograph remote download technology have been warned not to get “left behind”.

Derek Broomfield, chairman of transport solutions firm Novadata, said that holding off on “going remote” would mean some UK fleet operators get left behind quite unnecessarily.

“Remotely downloading driver card data without the need to return to depot creates more productivity and faster lead times for your customers. It’s simply the way forward for the industry and no one should get left behind,” stated Broomfield.

He elaborated that firms adopting the technology are “quite literally driving ahead”, as they are “able to accommodate more business, with their fleet out on the road for longer, collecting or delivering to a fuller schedule”.

With the “natural momentum moving from manual tachograph downloads to remote downloading in full swing”, Novadata said proactive fleet operators are already reaping the benefits including easier compliance, reduced admin, stronger security, better driver oversight and lower costs.

“Fundamentally, it’s all about meeting your customers’ high expectations while ensuring your O Licence is secure. Your customers expect that you’re running a robust, efficient business that is aligned with DVSA regulations,” reminded Broomfield. “Adopting remote downloading technology, such as Novadata’s Remote Downloading & Tracking solution, provides an invaluable real-time feed. This enables managers/operators to see the current state of play with any or all of their drivers, at any time. And knowledge, as they say, is power.”

According to Broomfield, the move to remote tachograph data is a core part of future-proofing businesses.

“As the UK road transport sector increasingly does adopt digital solutions, remote tachograph downloading is well on track to become the industry standard. Your customers are already running digital operations on their sites, and they expect their logistics operators to keep up,” he stated.

Tachograph regulations require that driver card data must be downloaded within 28 days, while vehicle unit data must be downloaded within 90 days.  In addition, membership of the DVSA’s Earned Recognition scheme requires driver cards to be downloaded within 14 days, and vehicle units to be downloaded at least within 42 days. More secure, time-sensitive record keeping means operators can identify and address any problems promptly, making infringements – and encounters with the Traffic Commissioner – far less likely.

“Think of the reduction in office time spent chasing up vehicles and people if their data hasn’t been downloaded within their time limits. The remote downloading technology eliminates that last-minute stress, ensuring everything has been done in time. Instead, the driver can download everything daily if they so wish, but certainly comfortably within the legal deadlines, and without all the extra liaison and chasing up that goes on otherwise,” Broomfield concluded.