Tachograph Solution — Compliance and Implementation Guide
This document provides all the information necessary to successfully deploy a customer’s Tachograph solution. Customers, Partners, and Support can follow the steps described in this guide. This guide also covers the recommended steps to ensure proper use of the Tachograph solution, and answers some questions you may have.

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Compliance and Implementation Guide

ES, DE, IT and FR

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Overview

This document provides all the information necessary to successfully deploy a customer’s Tachograph solution. Customers, Partners, and Support can follow the steps described in this guide.

Besides explaining the basic concepts of the Tachograph solution, this document lays out some pre-deployment conditions, and describes the setup and deployment process of the Tachograph solution. This guide also covers the recommended steps to ensure proper use of the Tachograph solution, and answers some questions you may have.

! IMPORTANT Use of the Tachograph solution elements outside the manner in which they are presented in this document and associated documentation may not be compliant with tachograph regulations. Please reach out to your Partner or Support for questions.

Background

Understanding the Tachograph solution

Fleets using vehicles with tachograph need visibility and control over the data registered by the tachograph for vehicles and drivers to comply with regulations and operate efficiently.

The Tachograph solution processes tachograph data of the vehicle and driver card files, as well as obtains real-time information of the tachograph. Fleet managers rely on this information to manage their fleet operations, and seamlessly monitor and organize their drivers’ working day while being in compliance.

The Tachograph solution also analyzes the downloaded files to calculate the infringements, so fleet managers can target undesired driver behavior to help train drivers accordingly.

The Tachograph solution includes:

  1. Telematics device (GO device + IOX-UREADER + Tachograph harness) — Installed in the vehicles to allow the system to remotely download the files and obtain the real-time data from the tachograph.
  2. Tachograph Module — Available in the client’s Fleet Management Application under the Compliance menu.
  3. RCS software — Installed in the client’s computer/server to connect the company card to the system and allow remote downloads.
  4. Card reader — Card readers that support ISO 7816 are compatible with the system that will be connected where the RCS software is installed.

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! IMPORTANT: The RCS software should be running 24/7, and the company card must be inserted in the card reader that is connected to the computer/server where the RCS is running.

Product SKUs

The following SKUs are associated with this product:

SKU

Description

GO9

(Telematics device)

Telematics device required to send all data gathered by the IOX-UREADER to the Fleet Management Application.

IOX-UREADER

(Interface harness, compatible with GO9)

The IOX-UREADER is the interface between the Geotab GO device and the tachograph, allowing the GO device to read and download real-time digital-tachograph data.

HRN-URTACHO02-A

Tachograph connection harness. Cable for the connection of IOX-UREADER to the rear of the tachograph for tachograph files download and real time information (including driver ID and Status).

HRN-CW03K3 (Optional, refer to Pre-deployment steps)

Harness for the Telematics Device needed when a three wires installation is required and the harness ignition cable needs to be connected to the vehicle ignition.

How do I order this product?

1

Log in to MyAdmin, and in the Main Menu, select Store.

2

In the search bar at the top of the page, enter the Product Code (SKU) you would like to order, then click Lookup.

3

In the quantity field, enter the quantity you need and then click the blue shopping cart icon to add the products to your cart. You can click More Info to see more information about the product.

4

Once you are done adding products to your cart, click the shopping cart icon at the top of the page to view your cart and begin the checkout process.

5

Review your order, then click Proceed to checkout.

6

Complete the Order Information by filling out all required fields. Required fields are marked with an asterisk (*). You may use any device plan as long as you use the provided Promo Code. Click Next to continue.

7

Complete the Shipping Information by selecting a valid shipping address and assigning the order to a valid contact. Click Next to continue.

8

Review your order and check that the quantities and items are correct. Enter a valid Promo Code in the allocated field, if applicable. Click Next to continue.

9

Complete the order by selecting Place order. You can save an order for review at a later date by selecting Save order for later, or cancel the order by selecting Cancel order.

Basic concepts

See the table below to review some basic concepts required to understand the Tachograph solution.

Tachograph

Data logger device for vehicles that is compulsory in Europe. The drivers are required to insert their driver cards in the tachograph to store data about their activities.

Driver cards

Driver license cards issued in the EU for drivers operating vehicles with tachograph to store their activity and allow the download of the information.

Company Card

Cards provided to companies in the EU. They contain a unique digital certificate that can be used to lock the vehicle’s tachograph and allow the system to remotely download the tachograph and driver card files.

GO device

Telematics device required to send all data gathered by the IOX-UREADER to the Fleet Management Application.

IOX-UREADER

IOX device that connects the Telematics Device to the tachograph.

Tachograph harness

Cable used to connect the IOX-UREADER to the tachograph.

Tachograph files

Files stored in the tachograph internal memory containing events related to the tachograph and vehicle.

Driver card files

Files from the driver cards where the driver activity is recorded.

Fleet Management Application

Web platform that contains all information necessary to manage your fleet.

Tachograph Module

Solution within the Fleet Management Application that focuses on tachograph-related features.

RCS software

Software that connects the company cards to the system to perform remote downloads of tachograph and driver cards files.

Card reader

Smart card reader that supports ISO 7816 connected to the client’s computer/server needed to insert and connect the company card. For more info please check RCS User Guide

Features of the Tachograph solution

The Tachograph solution has its functionalities divided in three modules: files, driving times and infringements. Each module has a specific goal and several tabs.

Files

Status

Check the status of vehicles and drivers’ downloads.

Downloads

Manage the tachograph and driver cards file downloads.

Company cards

Manage the company cards associated with a database.

Inspections

Organize the files available in the system based on specific periods and vehicles. Use this view when the government requests the company files to run a check/inspection.

Connectors

Establish a connection with integrated third-party platforms that also analyze tachograph data.

Driving times

Status

Check all drivers and their driving times.

Activity chart

See a graph representing a historical view of driver activities.

Work report

Check the activities performed by drivers each day based on their historical activity data.

Rest report

Analyze the length and location of the rests performed by drivers.

Infringements

Infringements report

Check the infringements found after analyzing the files for vehicles and drivers.

Places report

See the driver place records registered on each driver card. It detects duplicates and mismatches caused by errors.

Records report

See all available records on cards and in tachograph files, including events and faults, control activities, over-speeding events, and tachograph calibrations.

Certificates

Manage attestation of activities.

NOTE: The certificates on this page are not valid since February 2023, when new regulations were defined, but you can use this tab for historical reference.

Activity analyzer

Analyze the driving time and rest periods regulation with detailed information about the counters used to calculate total driving and resting times.

File analyzer

Analyze raw file data and detect corrupted or unexpected data in legal files.

Tachograph and RCS user guides

Refer to the Tachograph Solution User Guide and RCS User Guide to learn about additional features of the Tachograph Solution and RCS software.

Pre-deployment steps

Before you start using the Tachograph solution, verify if the digital tachographs present on the vehicles are compatible with it.

Understanding the compatibility of Tachograph

See the Remote download (RDL) compatibility section of the IOX-UREADER Installation Guide to check the compatibility according to the supported tachograph brands (Stoneridge, Actia, Continental, and EFAS).

  1. Stoneridge: All Stoneridge models support remote download from revision 7 (REV7).
  2. Actia: All Actia tachograph models that include the word REMOTE or have a reference number greater than or equal to 921871 support remote download.
  3. Continental: Most Siemens VDO models from version 1.3a support remote download.
  4. EFAS: Remote download is available on model EFAS-4 with version 2.00–2.15 and higher.

Some older digital tachographs might be incompatible with the Tachograph solution. Always enter the tachograph’s model number into the compatibility check tool to verify. See the compatibility guide to know how to find the model numbers.

If the model number is not recognized, the tachograph might still be supported, but it has not been checked yet. Please contact your Reseller or account manager to ask internally.

! IMPORTANT: The Tachograph solution works only with European digital tachographs, and it does not support tachograph physical disks.

Assumptions and constraints

The following information may help to answer some common questions about the Tachograph solution:

  1. Device installation must be done by a qualified installer.
  2. Once installed, the device does not require constant revision or periodic maintenance. If needed, upgrades and configuration can be done remotely.
  3. Downloads are automatically scheduled to avoid oversights or delays and all information is kept in backup, as required by law.
  4. Data transfer is over-the-air (OTA) and files can be downloaded in all available formats: DDD, TGD and V1B/C1B.

NOTE: Tachographs must support remote download: Stoneridge v7 or later, VDO version 1.3a or later, Actia Smartach Remote types, EFAS-4 version 2.00–2.15 or later. Some VDO tachographs require an additional cable and an upgrade card to activate frontal remote download.

Deployment Processes

Follow the steps below to install the Tachograph solution in the vehicles once the hardware is received, set up the customer’s database for the Tachograph module, and configure the RCS software.

NOTE: Ensure the telematics devices are assigned to the customer’s Fleet Management Application database BEFORE installing the devices.

  1. Proceed with the Vehicle installation, with the GO device (GO devices connected to OBDII port or using three wires harness HRN-CW03K3) + IOX-UREADER + Tachograph harness (HRN-URTACHO (discontinued)/HRN-URTACHO02-A) installations:

    1. Connect the IOX-UREADER to the tachograph using the HRN-URTACHO (discontinued) or HRN-URTACHO02-A harness (optional HRN-CL01S2 for tachograph frontal connection) following the IOX-UREADER - Installation Guide, as well as to the Telematics Device.
    2. Depending on how the Telematics Device is installed (directly to the OBDII port or using the three wires harness):
      1. OBDII: Install the Telematics Device into the vehicle, following the instructions in the GO Device Installation Guide.
      2. Three wires harness: Connect the HRN-CW03K3 harness to the Telematics Device, when a three wires installation is required and the harness ignition cable needs to be connected to the vehicle ignition.
    3. Use the MyInstall tool to verify the installation of the Telematics Device.
    4. Using the Device Installation Wizard (user guide of DIW), check the readings from the tachograph to ensure that everything has been correctly installed and the IOX-UREADER has the correct configuration loaded (this step is mandatory to ensure the solution works correctly).
  2. Set the relevant settings in the customer’s database for the Tachograph module and review how often the remote downloads will be performed. On the Fleet Management Application, navigate to the Compliance section, click Tachograph, then Files. Then navigate to the tab Settings view and set the following:
    1. Click on the Country within the “Tachograph Configuration” section to select the company country. Do the same with the field Tachograph files format to select the file format used in the company’s country.
    2. Set Automatic download period for Vehicles and Drivers. The recommended values that are set by default are:
      1. Drivers: every 15 days.
      2. Vehicles: every 30 days.
  3. NOTE: Different rate plans allow different download frequencies per device. Devices on the Asset Plan can only achieve a frequency of 15/30, while devices on EU Regulatory can achieve 1/7. See the table below for details.

  4. Tachograph Features

    Base

    EU Regulatory

    Pro

    ProPlus

    Remote Download (RDL)

    Frequency of remote downloads: Driver/Vehicle

    15/30 days

    1/7 days

    1/1 day

    1/1 day

  5. In the “Working Time Directive (2002/15/EC)” section, enter the hours range that is considered night work according to the working regulation of the company’s country.
  6. For more information, refer to the Tachograph Module User Guide.

  7. Set up the required settings in the RCS software once it is installed in a computer/server on the customer offices where the company card(s) will be connected via card reader(s).
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  9. ! IMPORTANT: Before starting the configuration process, create an administrator account in the Fleet Management Application to connect the Remote Card Server (RCS) and link any company cards.

    1. Download and run the RCS installer file to install it.
    2. Have the credentials of the account created in the Fleet Management Application database available, and go through the configuration steps found in the RCS User Guide.

Ongoing Supervision

Always check the Status page for Files, as it displays the most critical errors and important actions. These messages are highlighted in yellow and displayed at the top of the page. Pay close attention to the Vehicles, Drivers, and Company Cards summary widget that offers a complete overview of the fleet’s warnings and errors.

You can also receive the information mentioned above by subscribing to the Tachograph Weekly Status Overview email, which is sent every Monday. It provides updates on the outstanding downloads, expired company and driver cards, tachograph calibration that are closer to the expiration date, and more. To subscribe, navigate to Groups & Rules > Rules and look for the Compliance section to enable the Tachograph Weekly Status Overview email.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the IOX-UREADER product warranty the same as that of the Telematics Device?

No. The warranty for Tachograph products (IOX-UREADER and harness) will be 1 year after shipping/activation date or alternatively under a specific Partner agreement.

Is a professional installation required?

Yes. You are required to use certified installers or workshops to avoid issues when installing your devices. Professional installation provides sufficient technical knowledge and expertise for mobile device installation and integration in modern vehicles.

Can all digital tachographs be adapted to digitally download the information?

No. There are certain restrictions according to the manufacturer:

  1. Stoneridge: All models after and including version 7.
  2. Siemens/VDO: All models after and including version 1.3.
  3. Actia: All models that include the word "Remote" or have a reference number greater than or equal to 921872.
  4. EFAS: All models since model EFAS-4 with version 2.00–2.15 and higher.

If you are still unsure, you can check by going through the steps in the Pre-Deployment Steps section or reach out to your Partner.

Can analog tachograph data be downloaded remotely?

No. The analogical tachograph data is recorded in a paper chart and cannot be shared remotely.

Once I've installed tachograph hardware and software, is there anything else I must do to begin automatic downloading?

No. Simply ensure that your company card is connected to the card reader, and that the computer you are using for information verification is not turned off at any time. Downloading will begin automatically.

Once I've installed tachograph hardware and software, can I still download information manually?

Yes. Later, if needed, the downloaded files can be uploaded into the system.

Can the digital tachograph data be downloaded manually or remotely without the company card?

No. The company card must always be inserted in the card reader for authentication purposes. The company card needs to be inserted in the card reader linked to the RCS software.

Can I download information from the digital tachograph remotely, even when the vehicle is several thousand kilometers away from the office or even in a different country?

Yes. Our new, innovative equipment allows remote downloading of tachographs anywhere in Europe.

Who is responsible for the information contained in the digital tachograph?

Tachograph information is the responsibility of the company or person holding or leasing the vehicle. The tachograph retains the information on vehicle and driver cards for 365 days. This information is also stored on our cloud servers, eliminating the risk of data loss due to accident or damage.

Before an inspection, what files do I have to deliver?

According to the current regulations, you must provide all vehicle files indicated in the inspection, as well as all driver files with activity in any of the vehicles during the indicated period. Use the Inspections page to calculate the minimum required files.

Can I view all the driver’s vehicle information?

Yes. This information can be found on our platform.

How much is the average data consumption (Mb/month) per vehicle, requiring remote download?

The Tachograph module requires around 5Mb/month per vehicle to transfer tachograph and driver files, depending on the download frequency.

What are the system limitations?

The system has no technical limitations. If a company needs to download data every day for its vehicles with tachograph, the system can accommodate one or more company cards connected to help increase the frequency of downloads at the cost of consuming much more data. For any other information, please reach out to your Partner.

Can blocks be activated/deactivated in the M-file? Is it possible to download detailed speed profiles?

All blocks, called TREPs, are downloaded, and it is not possible to deactivate any of them. Detailed speed (TREP4) is available in all downloaded tachograph files. There are five types of TREP available in the tachograph files:

  1. Overview (TREP 1): Includes data such as vehicle ID, last VU download and by which type of card.
  2. Activities (TREP 2): All tachograph recordable actions performed in the use of the vehicle by a driver or other cardholder. Does not include faults.
  3. Events and faults (TREP 3): All faults recorded on the tachograph including overspeeds, power interruptions, and time adjustments.
  4. Detailed speed (TREP 4): Vehicle speed is recorded every second the vehicle is moving. There is a limit of 24 hours of data.
  5. Technical data (TREP 5): Details relating to the vehicle unit identity, software version, and calibration.

What are the minimum hardware requirements for the RCS software?

The minimum hardware requirements are a Linux/Windows machine with USB capabilities and a stable Internet connection. For information regarding the minimum requirements, please see the RCS User Guide.

How many company cards are supported per single RCS software?

The solution supports ten company cards on Windows and up to 254 company cards on Linux. The numbers can vary depending on your hardware configuration. For specific details, please see the RCS User Guide or reach out to your Partner.

Are the Card Racks supported by RCS? If yes, does this include a different version?

Yes, the RCS software supports Card rack readers, particularly important to offer hosting service. The RCS software supports the HyperCard Rack family by LisleDesign. For a proper use under this configuration, please reach out to your Partner for all instructions. For details, please see the RCS User Guide.

Which ports are required for RCS to work?

The RCS opens a connection to our servers at ports 443 HTTPS.

Which communication protocol uses RCS?

RCS connections use HTTPS protocol to ensure secure connections.

Is the RCS communication encrypted?

Yes. It uses TLS 1.3 encryption.

Can I get a local copy of the tachograph and driver card files?

Yes. You can use the API to create a service to automatically download new files, or you can use the RCS local download feature. Please reach out to your Partner for more details.

Can I upload manually downloaded files?

Yes. If you have previously downloaded files, or if you have downloaded files with other tools, you can upload them using different approaches:

  1. Using the upload found by navigating to Files > Downloads in the Tachograph module.
  2. Sending them via email to the RDL email address found by navigating to Files > Status and clicking the gear icon.
  3. Using the RCS software and its Upload files to database feature.

When an automatic download period is modified, when does the change take effect?

For both drivers and vehicles, any changes made to the automatic download period are applied after the next completed download.

Appendix

Overview of Implementation Steps

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Software guides

Tachograph Solution User Guide

The Tachograph Solution User Guide is a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on how to use the Tachograph Module solution in the Telematics Fleet Management Application.

RCS User Guide

The RCS User Guide is a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on how to set up and use the RCS software once it is installed in a computer/server on the customer offices where the company card(s) will be connected via card reader(s).

Hardware guides

Telematics Device Installation Guide

The GO9 Support Document is a short guide featuring the Telematics Device installation steps.

MyInstall for Telematics Device

MyInstall is a tool used to validate whether the Telematics Device installation has been performed correctly and to allow communication between GO and IOX-UREADER devices. Access the MyInstall User Guide to learn how to use it.

Device Installation Wizard (DIW) for IOX-UREADER

The Device Installation Wizard for IOX-UREADER is a tool used to verify that the IOX-UREADER installation has been performed correctly, and to send the necessary configuration to the IOX-UREADER to allow communication with the refrigeration unit.

Harnesses Guide

The list of the required harness (CAN C/D ports or frontal connection) to be used can be found in the IOX-UREADER Harnesses Identification and Application.

Tachograph Solution Ordering Sheet

The Tachograph Solution Ordering Sheet lists the hardware needed to connect the tachograph to the vehicle.

NOTE: The list does not cover the frontal connection case of some special tachograph, which will require the harness HRN-CL01S2 apart from GO + IOX-UREADER + (HRN-URTACHO (discontinued)/HRN-URTACHO02-A).

Installation guides

IOX-UREADER Installation Guide

The IOX-UREADER device Installation guide is to ensure the device installation is performed correctly.

Marketplace

IOX-UREADER

The IOX-UREADER is the interface between the Telematics Device and the tachograph, allowing the Telematics Device to read and download real-time digital-tachograph data. It also includes a contactless connection with the vehicle CAN Bus line for engine data. This data is available in the Tachograph Module on the Telematics Fleet Management Application

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