{"id":23820,"date":"2022-03-07T16:54:35","date_gmt":"2022-03-07T15:54:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.intellias.com\/?p=23820"},"modified":"2023-08-28T11:00:49","modified_gmt":"2023-08-28T09:00:49","slug":"guidelines-for-creating-your-efficient-eld-software","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/intellias.com\/guidelines-for-creating-your-efficient-eld-software\/","title":{"rendered":"Guidelines for Creating Your Efficient ELD Software"},"content":{"rendered":"

To improve road-traffic safety<\/a> and streamline the monitoring of long-haul truck drivers across the US, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued the ELD mandate. It requires transport operators to equip their fleet with electronic logging devices or ELDs to control drivers\u2019 hours of service. And just like any other advanced solution, this smart device depends largely on the efficiency of the software that enables its operation.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s take a look at what core considerations to follow to create a full-fledged ELD solution.<\/p>\n

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What is an ELD solution?<\/h2>\n

An ELD solution is a portable device that records a driver\u2019s hours of service (HoS) and duty status by synchronizing with the vehicle\u2019s engine. The solution comprises a mobile application for the driver, fleet management software<\/a> for the dispatcher and a telematics<\/a> appliance that connects to the engine control module.
\n\"Guidelines<\/p>\n

There are two types of ELD solutions:<\/p>\n

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  1. An all-in-one package that includes portables with pre-installed applications both for drivers and freight forwarders<\/li>\n
  2. Software that can be installed on portables that drivers and freight forwarders already use<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    ELD solutions with the fleet video telematics<\/span><\/a> must comply with the requirements provided in the mandate and must be registered with FMCSA, while the hardware component of the solution must also be certified by the producer.<\/p>\n

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    Learn how we\u2019ve developed a set of fleet management solutions that consolidate telematics data from vehicles in the field<\/p>\n

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    <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n Read more<\/span>\n\t\t <\/a><\/div>\n

    Benefits of an efficient ELD solution for your business<\/h2>\n

    If for any reason you\u2019re still skeptical of whether you need an ELD solution or not, don\u2019t be: since December 2019, an electronic logging device is a prerequisite, and all trucks must have it. This requirement is based on the advantages that ELDs provide not only to the authorities but also to your business.<\/p>\n

    It\u2019s easy to guess that carrier companies have a big concern about the high cost of the solution, which in their mind may outweigh the advantages. But we recommend considering ELDs as a wise investment since the benefits from their introduction will certainly recover and surpass the expenses in the long run.
    \n\"Guidelines<\/p>\n

    Improved road-traffic safety<\/h3>\n

    Unlike its predecessor \u2014 the outdated manual method when drivers recorded their HoS in paper logbooks \u2014 ELDs communicate directly with the engine and use its operation as reference. While drivers could easily fake their HoS and duty status on paper logbooks, that\u2019s no longer an option with this independent monitoring device.<\/p>\n

    So now, they can\u2019t drive longer hours than they are allowed to, which significantly reduces the risk of traffic accidents caused by fatigue. It reduces the road toll in the first place, as well as financial damage.<\/p>\n

    Cost savings<\/h3>\n

    Risk mitigation for traffic accidents saves companies from severe financial losses usually incurred by servicing of wrecked vehicles, compensation to victims or excessive insurance fees. Moreover, ELDs as monitoring devices compel drivers to use fuel and vehicles rationally, which also results in considerable cost savings.<\/p>\n

    Streamlined compliance<\/h3>\n

    Drivers no longer have to fill in paper logbooks and office personnel no longer check those logs, which simplifies compliance with the mandate and FMCSA\u2019s provisions. Truck e-logs not only spare personnel from processing reports but also facilitate and accelerate reporting to regulatory authorities.<\/p>\n

    Time efficiency<\/h3>\n

    E-log apps not only facilitate reporting and compliance, but they also contribute to good time management. According to FMCSA\u2019s estimations, paperwork would take up to 15 minutes per day, which is approximately 90 hours per year. Moreover, ELDs provide accurate data, while manual reporting relied on rounding, which would waste more than five hours per week.<\/p>\n

    Also, roadside inspections used to be time-consuming, and automatic reports address this issue.<\/p>\n

    Predictive maintenance<\/h3>\n

    ELDs are permanently connected to vehicles\u2019 motors, which is why they can detect the slightest malfunction before it becomes evident. This helps companies take proactive measures and maintain the engine<\/a> before it\u2019s out of order, thus keeping related expenses and downtime to a minimum.<\/p>\n

    Fleet efficiency optimization<\/h3>\n

    ELD devices provide real-time data on fleet usage, disposition, a driver\u2019s duty status, engine condition and other, which allows companies to optimize itineraries and driver engagement for higher productivity<\/a>.<\/p>\n

    E-logging devices enable easy communication between drivers and dispatchers, which also improves fleet efficiency.<\/p>\n

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    Fleet Management Software Development Services<\/p>\n

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    Apply advanced technologies and telematics data to improve fleets efficiency.<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n Learn more<\/span>\n\t\t <\/a><\/div>\n

    How to develop ELD software: Core functionality<\/h2>\n

    Now that you\u2019re convinced that a robust electronic logging device (ELD) application is a must, let\u2019s figure out what functionality it should have. For smart devices, software should be well-thought-out and reliable and should transform a mediocre application into an efficient ELD fleet app.<\/p>\n

    \"Guidelines<\/p>\n

    Hours of service recording and alerting<\/h3>\n

    An ELD must record hours of service and duty statuses accurately and without delays. There are \u201con-duty,\u201d \u201con-duty not driving,\u201d and \u201coff-duty\u201d statuses. As a rule, the default status is \u201con-duty not driving,\u201d and the \u201con-duty\u201d status activates as soon as the engine is started.<\/p>\n

    To prevent form and manner violations, an ELD application sends audio notifications to the driver sometime before a violation occurs. If the driver waives the permitted hours of service despite the notification, the freight forwarder receives an alert.<\/p>\n

    An ELD device records not only hours of service and duty statuses but also a driver\u2019s ID, the time, date, speed, mileage, and carrier details. Every 24 hours, a driver must confirm this information.<\/p>\n

    Automatic IFTA and DVIR reporting<\/h3>\n

    ELD applications automatically report required data, such as mileage and fuel consumption, to IFTA (International Fuel Tax Agreements). This essential ELD system functionality significantly facilitates the process of reporting to transportation companies, and, what\u2019s more important, maintaining timely payment of fuel taxes. With this feature, drivers no longer need to be obsessed with collecting receipts from filling the tank, as everything is automatically tracked.<\/p>\n

    Automatic driver vehicle inspection reporting (DVIR) not only serves to maintain a vehicle in working order but also to prevent it from getting into accidents due to equipment disruptions. ELD systems for trucksautomatically inspect brakes, tires, and lights as well as detect any mechanical disruptions that need to be checked.<\/p>\n

    Chatting<\/h3>\n

    Direct messages and group chats are key to maintaining uninterrupted communication between drivers and freight forwarders. Communication of drivers with freight forwarders is crucial, as it allows fleet managers to provide an instant warning on delays or other possible incidents during a trip.<\/p>\n

    Moreover, electronic logging device (ELD) software is a great solution for drivers, dispatchers, and freight forwarders to be on the same page. In case of a location change, time delay, or other last-minute changes, all parties remain informed and notified, which leads to smooth transportation.<\/p>\n

    Mapping and GPS positioning<\/h3>\n

    A transportation solution<\/a> without maps and GPS is unimaginable. Mapping and GPS functionality provides real-time information on itineraries, traffic conditions, rest areas, gas stations, auto repair services, and more.<\/p>\n

    It also allows dispatchers to supervise fleet navigation via a GPS asset tracking system<\/a> and record a driver\u2019s speed, direction, and real-time location. Moreover, ELD GPS tracking functionality is a magical wand in case of vehicle theft.<\/p>\n

    Mapping in ELD systems is a significant logistical approach, as it helps in planning the trip considering weight limits on highways, construction areas, and speed limits.<\/p>\n

    Driver behavior monitoring<\/h3>\n

    Electronic logging device (ELD) software also includes a non-essential but useful feature to monitor a driver\u2019s behavior by providing freight forwarders with information on uneconomical or unsafe driving.<\/p>\n

    Once a driving violation has been detected, the engine communicates to the app, informing the freight forwarder of the issue. Soon after the problem is identified, manager can speak with the driver to address the behavioral problem.<\/p>\n

    This functionality in ELD fleet management software prevents drivers from getting into accidents that may occur due to extreme fatigue, exceeding the speed limit, or violating hours of service rules.<\/p>\n

    Accident reconstruction<\/h3>\n

    This feature helps companies understand the nature of and reasons for accidents. An ELD tracking systemworks by having a telematics device read data from the accelerometer and speed profile.<\/p>\n

    Another benefit of this feature is that it allows fleet managers to identify the guilty party in the event of an accident. Driver log software may identify precise details like braking path, speed, and throttle using data from the driver\u2019s GPS.<\/p>\n

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    Learn how we\u2019ve helped to implement an intelligent solution that brings together cars, people, and road infrastructure into a safe, efficient system<\/p>\n

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    How to develop ELD software: Technical capabilities<\/h2>\n

    To add value to your business, you not only need to equip your ELD solution with advanced functionality but also ensure that its technical implementation is well-designed. Consider the following technical requirements to know how to make a high-quality ELD system for trucks:<\/p>\n