A tidal wave of new smart devices is coming to the EU. Are you ready for it?
A tidal wave of new smart devices is coming to the EU. Are you ready for it?
Did you know, that in recent years, the European Union has been making significant strides in updating its tachograph rules for the road transport within its borders? There are currently major changes underway, that could significantly impact any telematics installation project that you might be planning for 2024/2025.
The Significance of Tachographs:
Tachographs are devices used to record and monitor the driving time, speed, and rest periods of professional drivers. These rules aim to enhance road safety, prevent driver fatigue, and ensure fair competition in the road transport sector. The digital version of tachographs have been around for more than 10 years and require installation and service work from approved, qualified and certified installers.
Regulatory Changes and Mandates:
Since August 2023 “Regulation (EU) 2020/1054” of the EU mandates the installation of the 2nd -generation of tachographs in all NEW heavy-duty vehicles. These 2nd-generation devices offer improved functionalities and data accuracy, playing a crucial role in empowering authorities in any EU country to conduct remote checks on tachograph data.
However, by August 2025, ALL vehicles currently equipped with 1st-generation smart tachographs must have these replaced with the 2nd– generation technology. Furthermore, starting from July 2026, all new vehicles used in international road freight transport or cabotage operations, weighing over 2.5 tons, must also be equipped with second-generation intelligent tachographs. There are currently about 36 million commercial vehicles operating in the EU.
How will this affect your future telematics projects?
There is currently a massive demand for installation services for tachographs across all countries of the European Union and it puts additional pressure on any project related to the installation of devices for telematics, smart cameras, tolling and other IoT devices. Prices are increasing as the availability of resources becomes stretched.
Strategies for Success:
Therefore, planning ahead and defining the scope of the project early and accurately is crucial for any installation project to be completed on time. Make sure to openly talk about the situation with your clients to manage their expectations. Your sales and After-Sales teams should plan all project rollouts accordingly and get in touch with industry experts.
If your telematics/IoT project is furthermore targeting an international roll-out be aware that the local in country situation for installation services might be completely different than you would expect. Effective planning and communication within the project team and regular reporting to key stakeholders is essential for success.
Keeping all parties informed and involved throughout the project realisation helps to ensure smooth coordination and timely completion of the project. Ideally a project management and scheduling platform should be used to monitor the execution of the installation project. Speak with IPE to ensure that you have available the appropriately qualified installation partner to meet your requirements in whichever countries you need service.
This article is a part of a series. It is our intention to highlight the many challenges that come along with international installation projects.
IPE Mobility Ltd, provides a holistic approach to tackle all aspect of such a project. Our service will allow for a speedy, cost effective successful implementation of any installation project. Feel free to contact us.
