Why video telematics the next step in tackling driver distraction
We’ve had a busy year at Teletrac Navman; we reached a milestone of 100,000 vehicles tracked across ANZ, we’ve undertaken the New Zealand Construction Industry Survey alongside Civil Contractors NZ, and we’ve jumped on board The Safety MAN Road Safety Truck.
Over the next few months we’ll be introducing several new additions to our technology suite including RUC Manager, our NZTA approved system to manage and automate Road User Charges (RUC) licence purchasing and rebates.
I sat down with Ian Daniel, Managing Director of Asia Pacific to get the inside scoop on RUC Manager.
Q: First things first, how does RUC Manager work?
A: You need two things. One is the electronic distance recorder and licence display that attaches to the windscreen of each vehicle. This will display the up-to-date licences and feed tracking information to the back office. The second part is our RUC Manager software which is web based so you can log in wherever you have internet — it’s not attached to any one computer. The software manages and purchases new licences, and separates on-network from off-network travel. You can even set it to automatically prepare and email claim forms directly to the NZTA. Of course, you can login to make changes and manually manage whatever you need to as well.
Q: If I already have DIRECTOR, can I download the RUC Manager software?
A: No, the RUC Manager package is separate from the DIRECTOR software. To use RUC Manager you’ll need our GPS tracking device installed – it’s part of an overall solution for connecting your fleet and your trucks. Depending on your business needs, your package could include components such as RUC Manager, machine and tyre pressure monitoring, in-cab messaging and navigation devices loaded with industry focused applications and customisable forms, and even satellite communications for those who work in rural areas.
Q: Will it benefit a small business?
A: Yes definitely. Smaller businesses have less resources and fewer staff to track and manage all of the details needed to be compliant and get rebates. The automation of this process saves hours and hours of work. RUC Manager can help with cash flow because it purchases RUC licences as and when needed, in amounts that suits each vehicle. You’ve got money flowing back in regularly through accurate and automatic off-road claim rebates lodged with the NZTA.
The fines for non-compliance are hefty — up to $25,000 for an individual and up to $100,000 for organisations, so small businesses especially need to stay on top of their licencing.
Q: How come Teletrac Navman’s electronic RUC system is coming out now and not earlier?
A: If you take a look back to see how we got here, we began to pivot more strongly towards transport as a company after Danaher acquired Teletrac and it merged with Navman Wireless in 2014, We then acquired Transtech in 2016, which gave us access to unique assets and technologies that were relevant to the global transport industry.
Now we are global leaders who provide an elegant and comprehensive overall solution catering to specific needs and priorities of the global transport industry. So, it’s a natural progression for us to build more into our transport offerings by creating tailor-made regulation products for each country and region.
And while it’s important to effectively manage RUC licencing and rebates, it is just one area of a wider picture of what a business needs. Our global benchmarking research, conducted in NZ, Australia, the UK and other key markets show that firms are focused on many areas and we cater to all the needs of fleet operators.
Want to streamline your RUC compliance and rebate process? Get in touch with us now 0800 447 735