Connecting With the ‘Brain”

News

22 Oct

Not all truckies are keen on the ‘intelligence’ being built into trucks these days. Some see it as an infringement upon personal liberties (How dare the boss know where I am!), others as a ‘Big Brother’ which could threaten their employment. And others simply do not like an automaton that should dare to suggest that they could improve their driving skills.

Well, welcome to the new age guys and gals, because it’s doubtful that you can go out and buy a new rig – any new rig – and be free of …. let’s call it ‘The Brain’.

**Here’s where ‘the Brain’ communicates with you**

But here’s the thing: If you work for someone who’s laid out a s**t load of hard cash for the latest and greatest so you can drive around in comfort - and to keep you safe - they surely have every right to know that their investment is being well looked after. If the truck reports that you’re giving it hell then maybe you don’t deserve the job.

Or it may be you who has gone out and parted with that s**t load of dollars and it will be you who will spend your days behind the wheel.

Can’t teach an old dog new tricks? Maybe, maybe not. But I’d lay good money on how surprised you’ll be when ‘the Brain’ tells you how often you’ve worked the brakes too hard, over revved, taken your eyes off the road, burnt valuable fuel that you could’ve saved and wandered out of your lane.

The ‘Brain’ will also do its darndest to keep you and others alive as well.

. . . . .

**Behind the ‘mask’ lies a world of intelligence**

Hino Australia has launched Hino-Connect, which will deliver its 700 Series (and from January1, 2022, the 500 Series, to which I believe it can also be retrofitted) customers the next generation of business telematics with real-time performance data tracking, remote diagnosis of vehicle faults 24/7 and dedicated Hino-Connect specialist support.

Available as standard fitment on the all-new Hino 700 Series, and following the success of the current multimedia unit which is standard across the range, Hino has once again partnered with Melbourne-based Directed Electronics to design and develop Hino-Connect, a system that communicates directly with the driver via the truck’s Multimedia unit, and delivers comprehensive levels of data to business managers through an online portal and app.

**700 Series - comfortable, safe and smart**

‘’More than just a mapping or tracking tool, Hino-Connect delivers 700 Series customers real-time insights into the operation of their fleets,” said Gus Belanszky, General Manager - Service and Customer Support for Hino Australia.

In an Australian-first, Hino-Connect will allow direct communications with drivers through the intelligent Multimedia unit.

“This is the next iteration of the intelligent Multimedia unit that is standard on all Hino trucks – while Hino-Connect is currently only available on all-new 700 Series, this is an exciting indication of what the future holds for Hino customers.”

So let’s take the mystery out of ‘The Brain’.

Business intelligence in real-time

· Using real-time data and insights, Hino-Connect will automatically analyse the cause and effect of driver performance, safety and vehicle utilisation using simple dashboards in the portal.

· Hino-Connect also gathers live vehicle performance data to provide full operational visibility to business managers including brake count, gear change numbers and even the amount of times a vehicle is operating within its optimum RPM band.

· Hino-Connect uses 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.

Business managers can also track current fuel usage of individual trucks, and use the forecasting tool to estimate future fuel costs.

Live GPS tracking and detailed trip reports allow fleets to update their customers with accurate delivery times while also identifying inefficient routes.

For increased fleet security, there are useful tools such as ‘movement without ignition’ alerts while geo-fencing ensures operators will be notified if a vehicle leaves a designated area.

Automated email notifications provide full visibility of the Active Safety System with Pre-Collision System alerts to provide another level of fleet safety.

Hino-Connect also proactively monitors maintenance reminders so customers can schedule ahead and minimise downtime.

**Is this the best route? ‘The Brain’ can tell you**

Remote diagnostics and case management

In the unlikely event of a severe vehicle fault, an alert and remedy is delivered straight to the driver via the multimedia unit, and to the customer and Hino-Connect Specialist via email.

A unique feature is the case management and the support provided by Hino-Connect Specialists, who liaise between the customer, driver and dealer to track and oversee the progress of the repair or maintenance to get the truck back on the road quickly.

The 700 Series, like all Hino products, is supported by Hino Advantage, a suite of business solutions that are designed to reduce costs over the life of the vehicle.

These include Hino SmartSafe, capped price servicing, Hino Genuine Parts, 24/7 Hino roadside assist, and finance options.

The all-new 700 Series models come with a 3 years or 500,000km standard warranty (whichever comes first), and the option of extending the warranty to 5 years.

Connecting 700 Series customers

Customers who buy a 2021 all-new Hino 700 Series will receive 5 years of complimentary remote diagnostics and Hino-Connect Specialist support including vehicle engine control monitoring; severe fault alerts; and case management of fault rectification.

In addition, they will also receive 12 months of complimentary business intelligence access, which will provide in-depth operational management of their fleet including live tracking and trip analysis; fuel consumption and forecasting; vehicle performance monitoring; and maintenance support. After 12 months, customers can choose to extend the business intelligence access and API integration for up to an additional 48 months.

“For customers with multi-brand fleets, Hino-Connect will seamlessly integrate through an API (Application Programming Interface) data integration feed, providing customers with full visibility of their entire fleet,” said Gus Belanszky. “The all-new Hino 700 Series is safer, cleaner and is now connected.”

Postscript: Hino is giving me the keys to a 700 Series FS2848 in November for a few days. This is the 14 pallet heavy rigid model which will be 80% loaded (they assure me they’ll also get me into the 700 Prime mover and trailer when possible).

I get to drive it where I want and I have a variety of terrain in mind. ‘The Brain’ will of course be on board and I’ll be interested in the results which – good or bad – I’ll share with you….

…. Because ‘The Brain’ doesn’t worry me in the slightest and I’m sure I’ll learn quite a bit from its findings. Stay tuned.