Tracking brake performance with idem telematics
Trailer technology provider BPW has described how its idem telematics Brake Performance Monitoring System can help fleets streamline their compliance and maintenance routines.
The system continually monitors the performance of the trailer brakes in real-time and provides a facility to acquire the data in the form of reports, says BPW. Constant monitoring enables the operator to detect system failures before the regular maintenance period, preventing problems from escalating.
The idem technology is said to provide visibility and peace of mind for the fleet manager, who will be given a clear view of the braking performance of each trailer within the fleet to assist with safety, compliance, and maintenance scheduling.
Meanwhile, workshop/maintenance managers will receive notification, via alerts, of any defective brake performance requiring investigation, so that repair and maintenance can be actioned immediately, thereby minimising downtime.
The system can provide insights such as earlier identification of brake force loss, as well as highlighting problems with vehicle compatibility.
Sharing the data from the brake performance monitoring system demonstrates compliance with the DVSA Earned Recognition scheme, says BPW, reducing regular brake roller test requirements to one per year. Automated EBS error alerts also enable proactive repair and maintenance scheduling.
“The system uses some of the data from the electronic braking system (EBS), and together with data acquired from other systems, is able to produce performance figures for the semi-trailer brakes,” explained the company.
“The BPW idem brake performance monitor can be used as an alternative to roller brake testing. There is an additional feature whereby BPW Limited is able to identify incompatibility and fine-tune the brake calculations to improve the life of the products. The data can be transmitted via a telematics system, processed and made available to others.”
The firm continued: “The pressure on the service coupling (or the equivalent electrical signal) tells you how much braking the driver/tractor unit is expecting. How much retardation is being achieved can be calculated from the speed and the distance travelled. This performance data is collected and stored and over time gives a measure of the trailer’s braking performance.
“The system is very good at monitoring braking events in real time and comparing those results to the demand from the driver/tractor. The longer the system is used for, the more accurate the data becomes; reports can produce data on a daily, weekly, monthly or annual basis.”
