• monitoring the temperatures in the trailers present on the site
• monitoring the temperatures in the vehicles on the road
• sending alerts by e mail or text messaging if the programmed limits are exceeded
• producing tracking reports for the temperatures recorded, which can also be in graphical format
• producing reports giving histories of temperature-controlled transports
• ready-to-use reports for regulatory bodies and internal audits

On the other hand, thanks to the transmitting antenna installed on the vehicles being managed and receivers on one or more buildings at the site, the temperatures of the trailers are permanently controlled, even if the onboard computer is only on standby or if the trailers are disconnected overnight or for the weekend.

Freshness at Java

Technical information

• Rmoni’s solutions are EN12830 certified and meet the quality requirements of HACCP, ISO 22000, BRC, etc.
• reliable data transmission on radio frequency 2.4 GHz, IEEE 802 15.4 
• high-power transmitting gateways; robust technology adapted for the transport sector
• IP67 equipment, protected against immersion in water
• different lengths of temperature sensor; two to four sensors possible for each gateway
• sensors with a memory for recording temperatures (for tracking temperatures in disconnected trailers off site)
• sensors with long-life LiTCL batteries, using a single AA cell

About Rmoni

"The CarCube fleet management solution stands out because all the data recorded by the onboard computer is available for integration with other software such as a TMS or route planning system," explains Chris Boogaard, Country Manager for the Netherlands at Punch Telematix. "Because integration was the key principle when the CarCube was developed, our solution's design is logically structured and properly documented. That allows far-reaching integration projects with other systems to be implemented quickly."

Optimum planning

One example of this is the new interface between the CarCube onboard computer and the ORTEC Transport & Distribution (ORTEC TD) route planning system. It has been developed jointly by Punch Telematix and ORTEC. "The CarCube onboard computers use this connection to provide all the data for optimum route planning in real time and in the structured format that ORTEC TD needs," states Boogaard. "The modern integration of ORTEC TD and the CarCube gives work planners the best possible picture of the trips that are under way and the options for making the best planning choices."
The new connection between the CarCube onboard computer and ORTEC TD is currently being implemented at the logistics service supplier G. Snel in Woerden, NL.

About ORTEC

ORTEC is one of the largest providers of advanced planning and optimization software solutions and consulting services. Our solutions result in optimized fleet routing and dispatch,
vehicle and pallet loading, workforce scheduling, delivery forecasting and network planning. ORTEC provides both best-of-breed, custom made and SAP® certified solutions, supported by strategic partnerships. ORTEC has over 1.250 customers worldwide, over 700 employees and several offices in Europe, North America, Asia and the Pacific Region.

www.ortec.com

Transports Sarrazain of Toulouse started fitting Punch Telematix onboard computing to all their fleet in December 2009. Two hundred heavy vehicles (140 tractor units, 25 articulated trucks, 15 container trucks and 20 trailers) will be receiving an onboard CarCube computer with a touchscreen and a driver's card reader between now and 30 March 2010.
Two hundred trailers will also be fitted with a Punch Trailer ID tracking device. When a tractor unit is coupled to a trailer, the CarCube will identify it automatically and will inform the company in real time.

"As hauliers, we do a lot of work at our clients' hubs," explains Lionel Sarrazain, the company's director. "We make a lot of night-time deliveries at various sites of the principal parcel delivery groups in France (the Post Office, GLS, Geodis, DHL, etc.) and we need to be able to know where our trailers are. We also want to give our clients exact schedules for the arrival and departure times for their consignments. It is an extra service that fits in perfectly with our quality policy."

Lionel Sarrazain explains what he is expecting: "Providing quick and reliable information about the dispatching of goods, optimising the drivers' hours, cutting down on infringements (driving without a driver's card, speeding and so forth) - those are our main worries. But Punch will let us do a lot of other things too: improve our fuel analysis by checking the consumption figures between the vehicles, thanks to the graphical reports; getting the itineraries, particularly for the motorway routes; and editing technical reports (braking, use of the gearbox, etc.) thanks to the connection with the engine's CAN bus."

The Punch CarCube also allows social data to be retrieved remotely. "It's an important option that we took up because most of our 300 drivers rarely return to the Toulouse site," explains the company director.

One further point convinced Lionel Sarrazain: CarCube provides drivers with real time information about their behaviour as they are driving. "The box provides a series of parameters: speed, revs, acceleration, brake use and fuel consumption. The driver gets a signal in real time if he is not driving in line with preset values. This lets him change how he is driving and rationalise how the vehicle is used."

In the medium term, this particular businessman sees the Punch IT tool as a genuine aid for decision-making. "Used properly, this mass of information will let us identify the most profitable activities and adapt our organisation to suit."

http://www.sarrazain.com/

De Ploeger Groep, a leading logistics service provider with branches in Harderwijk, Tilburg and Poppel (Belgium) is equipping its in-house fleet of 200 trucks with CarCube onboard computers. These are replacing the existing solution, which has reached the end of its lifecycle.
Punch Telematix has integrated Ploeger's CarCube onboard computers fully with the TMW transport management system. This is allowing the logistics service provider to make substantial efficiency gains in its transport activities.

Wide-ranging functionality and state-of-the-art technology

After a thorough selection process, Ploeger made a carefully considered decision in favour of the CarCube onboard computers. "We compared various systems in terms of functionality, stability, flexibility and price," says Adwin Ploeger, the director of the Ploeger Groep. "The CarCube came out best."
The deciding factors for Ploeger were the modern technical basis of the CarCube, the stability of the system and the project-oriented approach and strong market position of Punch Telematix. Ploeger expresses his admiration for the comprehensive tasks module, the CANbus connection, the journey time aid and the driving style assistant. "Thanks to the extensive functionality of the CarCube, we can continue to improve our efficiency both in the short term and the longer term," declares Ploeger.

Problem-free integration with the TMS

One of Ploeger's requirements was that the integration of the CarCube onboard computers with the TMS and the FleetWatch timesheet/expenses software from LogicWay had to be realised within two months. "The project-oriented approach of Punch Telematix and the open character of the CarCube solution meant that this all went to plan," explains Ploeger. The 200 onboard computers are currently being built into the logistics service provider's in-house fleet of trucks. Moreover, Ploeger is also equipping a number of its permanent subcontractors with a CarCube Express, the charter solution from Punch Telematix.

Efficiency at a stroke

The far-reaching integration of the CarCube onboard computers with the TMS yields benefits for Ploeger on a number of fronts. For instance, TMW can continuously update the planning based on the expected arrival times at the CarCubes calculate and pass on to the TMS.
In addition, the work planners and customer service department have real-time information available about deviations from the planning or special information about deliveries. This enables the logistics service provider to take immediate action in these situations, thereby avoiding additional costs. Furthermore, the TMS can check the agreed KPIs using details that are reported by the CarCubes and generate performance reports for Ploeger's customers.
The CarCube onboard computer supports Ploeger's drivers by recording the numbers and types of return pallets simply. The TMS processes the data to create a consistent pallet administration. The driving style assistant on the CarCube is also important for Ploeger. "It's a solution that's easy to use, which helps motivate the drivers to work with it," says Ploeger. "So the system also genuinely makes savings."

"For us, the fact that Ploeger chose the CarCube proves that its advanced connectivity solutions set it apart," says Chris Boogaard, Country Manager for the Netherlands at Punch Telematix. "The excellent cooperation between the Ploeger Groep, Jan Vieveen's PER consultancy and Punch Telematix was one of the many reasons why integration with TMW was realised within two months. We can also deliver interfaces that Ploeger wants to use to improve its processes further in future, such as a mobile scanner. This means that Punch Telematix is the onboard computer specialist for logistics service providers."

About the Ploeger Groep

The Ploeger Groep has offices in Harderwijk, Tilburg and Poppel (Belgium). It is one of the leading third-party logistics service providers (see also www.ploeger.nl). The group offers its customers logistics services, transportation contracts, bulk packaged transport in the Benelux countries and internationally, and dispatching. In addition, Ploeger specialises in the logistics of foodstuffs and confectionery, wine and drinks and (non-food) consumer products.
The Ploeger Groep is a dynamic unit comprising over 400 staff, more than 200 transport units, 45,000m2 of warehouse capacity and more than 70 years of experience in logistics.

www.ploeger.nl

 
"We intend to offer perfect logistics services to our clients. Therefore, the perfect handling of business processes and information is of particular importance. With the flexible functions of CarCube together with our software we are able to operate complex logistics processes in an exact and proactive way", says Sven Vogel, Head of the information technology and member of the management board of the Lehnkering GmbH. "CarCube sets a milestone for Lehnkering. The system helps us to realise a seamless process integration beginning with the IT-systems of our clients up to our drivers."

CargoWare continuously reports the current position and the "track & trace information" of the vehicles. Therefore, Lehnkering is able to efficiently plan the disposition of its trucks and their drivers to avoid empty runs as much as possible. Submitted telemetric data and a telematic assistant analysing the driving style in terms of braking, changing gears or acceleration, also helps to reduce fuel consumption. 
In addition, the on-board computer transmits all order and delivery data plus the current position; it works as a navigation and communication system that can be used as a handsfree set and for sending text messages.

"Before going for this system we considered several aspects. Not only because of the increasing efficiency but also the lasting arrangements of our logistics services we favoured the implementation", says Hans van den Bosch, CEO of Lehnkering Chemical Transport GmbH. „CarCube is a very flexible system through which we are able to meet our obligations towards our clients and the environment. The sequences of operations are efficiently organized and the carbon dioxide emission is sustainably reduced." Moreover, the Punch Telematix' module „FleetHours" introduced automated expenses accounts.

The CarCube is an on-board computer that combines the areas of telematics, telemetry, navigation and telephony in one single device. While the driver gets all information clearly arranged on one display, the dispatcher is able to place orders via a back-office application and to identify the current position of the truck as well as its fuel consumption. As the on-board computer sends all telemetric information via an FMS-interface in real time, it is possible to reduce the fuel consumption not only for future but also for ongoing trips.

For 25 years Punch Telematix, with its headoffice in Belgium, has been developing on-board computers. Since 2008 the CarCube is also sold in Germany by the Punch Telematix' subsidiary in Muenster, a town in Westphalia/Germany. „We are particularly pleased we have with Lehnkering another logistics service provider among our clients operating throughout Europe", says Carsten Holtrup, Managing Director of Punch Telematix Deutschland GmbH.

About Lehnkering

Lehnkering is one of the leading logistics service providers in Central Europe with turnover totaling approx. € 650 million and more than 2,700 employees. The company has had more than 135 years of extensive experience in providing logistics and services in the chemical and steel sectors. Lehnkering provides its customers with individual solutions as a neutral service provider and partner. They consist of classical logistics services (Logistics) and far-reaching value-added services (Services).

www.lehnkering.com

Greater efficiency

After a thorough evaluation of the on-board computer market, G. Snel is making an unequivocal choice for the CarCube by Punch Telematix. During the evaluation the logistics service provider had a number of specific requirements in the field of fine-meshed distribution. The most efficient solution was found in the CarCube by Punch Telematix. CarCube helps drivers to deal with their many deliveries quickly.  The planning also profits: G. Snel has several planning departments, spread all over the Netherlands. Using the web-based software by Punch Telematix they can follow all vehicle movements in sundry locations, simply and in real time.

Economical driving behaviour

Another important argument and evaluation criterion was that the CarCube provides drivers with information about their driving behaviour while they are driving. The CarCube-driving style assistant visualises a number of parameters: speed, rpm, gear, braking behaviour and stationary fuel consumption.  The driver receives a signal in real time if he doesn't drive in accordance with the pre-programmed values. In this way he can adjust his driving at any time and immediately saves on fuel and maintenance. For the installation of the on-board computers G. Snel is also setting the speed restrictors more strictly. Tests have shown that the active driving-style guidance results in fuel savings of up to eight percent.

Infallible communication

Another decisive argument for choosing the CarCube is the efficient communication. One day ahead G. Snel's TMS e-mails which goods will be delivered by which supplier. With the CarCube system and Ortec planning software planners and drivers instantly know the exact delivery time too. Is there a delay? Then the system will notify this immediately via text-messaging or e-mail. In addition the CarCube has all conceivable functions that a company like G. Snel needs: tracking and tracing, message communication, digital tachograph read-outs, packing registration, telephone and navigation.

Time recording

All time recording is executed by LogicWay. This party is an old friend for G. Snel. The board of directors at G. Snel thinks that the detailed knowledge of the usually rather complex timesheets is in safe hands there.

Going into the future with a headstart.

G. Snel wants to install the CarCube into all their vehicles by the end of 2009. In this way the company will start the New Year with a fundamental improvement of its efficiency and environmental friendliness.

About International Transport Company G. Snel B.V.

G.SNEL is a logistics service provider, centrally based in Woerden. Besides international deliveries, G. Snel also covers the Benelux with their daily 24-hour distribution network. In addition to traditional transport solutions G. Snel also has the capacity for volume and container transport. Cooler trailers for foodstuffs and plants as well as tautliners in all possible combinations. G. Snel provides a complete package of services from deliveries, container handling to intercontinental forwarding.
www.snel.nl

The reason to replace the existing onboard computers was rather straightforward. The company needed a solution to further simplify and increase the speed of communication between the planning departments and the drivers. Analysis revealed, however, that such solution cannot be provided within the current configuration since these onboard computers have reached the end of their life cycle, from a technical as well as a functional standpoint.

From carefully considered choice to perfect match

The decision to go for Punch Telematix's CarCube was not taken lightly. Following an extensive competitive selection process and piloting exercise, Jan de Rijk Logistics decided in favour of Punch Telematix, mainly for the following reasons: (i) the solution's ease of use, especially in sending text messages and customising job descriptions, (ii) the seamless interfacing with existing applications, such as the company's planning application and MDRS Pro administration and (iii) the capabilities of the CarCube solution's comprehensive integrated analysis and reporting tool.

The level of flexibility and cooperation demonstrated by the Punch Telematix project team during the pilot phase also proved to be an important factor in the company's choice.

"Jan de Rijk Logistics has a strong reputation for exploring the edge of new technologies and innovations," says Willem Heeren, Managing Director of Jan de Rijk Logistics. "We are convinced that onboard computer and communication technology will become a vital and integral part of end-to-end supply chain systems solutions. As such, we consider the introduction of Punch Telematix's CarCube within our fleet as an important step in further developing our supply chain capabilities."

Chris Boogaard, Punch Telematix Country Manager Netherlands: "Jan de Rijk Logistics is quite a reference, a company of great stature in the European market. So we are very proud and pleased indeed that after careful comparison and evaluation of the alternatives they opted for the CarCube. Also, the fact that they were impressed with the approach of our project team is a much-appreciated compliment and an encouragement for us to continue with the same zeal and determination."

About Jan de Rijk Logistics

As logistics service provider operating in Europe, Jan de Rijk Logistics is active in four lines of business, including International Transportation, Distribution, Warehousing and Forwarding. As a Group, Jan de Rijk Logistics serves a wide range of sectors; however it has built up a particular expertise in a number of key industries which are considered strategically important, such as Air Cargo, Automotive, Aerospace, Hi-tech Consumer Electronics, Tobacco, Pharmaceuticals, Perishables and Non-food Retail. The company has over 1,000 employees and generated total revenues of Euro 194 million in 2008. Jan de Rijk Logistics' company-owned fleet consists of nearly 700 vehicles and 1,300 trailer units. It operates over 80,000m² of warehouse capacity. The company's headquarter is located in Roosendaal, the Netherlands.
 

"We have a mature product based on future-proof technology. That's why we're convinced we can become one of the leading providers of telematics systems in Poland in just a short time," says Grzegorz Ogrodowski, the sales manager for Poland. The Polish branch can already point to its first successes. For instance, 140 CarCube units have been sold to the logistics services provider MIRATRANS. A deciding factor in this company's decision, in addition to the professional advice during the pilot phase, was the problem-free integration into its existing logistics processes. The equipment is then being built in by Punch Telematix employees or certified fitting and service partners.

The CarCube is a fully equipped on-board computer that has been developed specially for the transport and logistics sector. In addition to Europe-wide GPS navigation and hands-free equipment, the complete system has a dual-band modem (GSM/GPRS) as standard, allowing the transport centre to determine both the current location of the vehicle and its speed in real time. On top of that, peripheral devices such as a scanner or temperature sensors can be connected up to the on-board computer. Recorded details of revs, speed and the route taken in addition to evaluation of the vehicle data allow the fuel consumption to be worked out.

"One of the core benefits of our system is that it provides the relevant information for both the driver and the centre in real time," says Ogrodowski, who has worked in the transport and logistics sector for almost fifteen years. Unlike the solutions of many of its competitors, the CarCube from Punch shows they are going for a purely Internet-based solution (ASP/XML integration), so that the centres can view, retrieve and evaluate the vehicle data using an Internet browser. Similarly, instructions or messages can be transmitted for the driver, who gets all the information via an easy-to-operate touchscreen monitor in his truck cab.

Given the capabilities of the CarCube - which is one of the best-selling telematics solutions for transport and logistics services in Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium - Ogrodowski is concentrating primarily on building up and expanding the distribution structures.  "We want to talk specifically to companies who are not so much looking  for an on-board computer as for a complete and established solution that can be integrated quickly and simply into the existing processes. That's what we want to do, and we're really going to go for it over the next few years."

The next opportunity for interested parties to see the CarCube in action will be on 13 October at the Truck & Business Event in Warsaw.

Solid, the gold standard of the smart card and disc data reading and exploitation software market, and Punch Telematix, one of the European leaders in the development of innovative embedded computing solutions, announced a joint venture at the beginning of the year.

This partnership is made a reality today thanks to the possibility of directly retrieving data from smart cards and discs via the latest version of Punch Telematix' FleetWorks platform. An additional advantage is that as this development is native to Punch Telematix' web application, no software installation is required on the client side.

In parallel with the advanced functions of the new Solid Version 5, this integration opens the way for the many existing clients to an unparalleled ease in the processing and archiving of company data. 

Just as intuitive and even more user-friendly thanks to its completely updated graphical interface, the new Solid Version 5 also allows the driver and vehicle data to be better exploited through their reproduction as fully customisable graphics and tables. Your information is then automatically integrated into your existing systems (payroll, HR, TMS).