Dubbed RIO, the system bundles digital solutions with a uniform information and application system for logistics.
MAN has also been announced as the first sponsor of RIO, and is now taking responsible for developing the brand within the Volkswagen Truck & Bus Group.
Andreas Renschler, CEO of Volkswagen Truck & Bus, explains that RIO will combine information from tractors, trailers, bodies, drivers and orders, scheduling systems, etc, as well as traffic, weather and navigation data. Algorithms being developed will then offer analysis, forecasting and transport re-optimisation.
“RIO will fundamentally change the world of transportation as we know it,” states Renschler.
“For the first time, our unified platform enables the registration, management, and integrated use of all data and information available in the transportation system,” he exlains.
“That is beneficial for our customers because it makes their business more profitable. And it is good for the environment, because we will see fewer empty trucks on the road.”
“What we can see emerging here is a platform where each user will benefit individually from its added value – regardless of how the fleet looks, which vehicle with which body is carrying the sales order, and which logistics software is used,” adds Joachim Drees, CEO of MAN Truck & Bus.
“Logistics 4.0 can only succeed if artificial barriers and data islands are overcome. That is why we are making every effort to support the development of RIO.”
As of spring 2017, new MAN trucks, he says, will all be equipped with RIO as standard.
In addition, any Scania customers can connect with the platform on request. And, using a retrofit box, any vehicle can be integrated into the network.
Markus Lipinsky, chief digital officer at MAN and responsible for RIO, comments: “This is not about launching another telematics system. Instead, we deliberately designed RIO as an open platform that brings together the numerous island solutions.
“I am convinced that one technology company alone cannot master the complexity of the logistics industry. We are therefore looking for as many partners as possible with the same objective: to optimise the global transportation chain, thereby reducing costs and emissions.”
RIO will be available early next year (2017).