A so-called electronic walk-around check system has been launched by Truckfile, adding to the company's existing workshop management system.
Paul Clarke, managing director of the company, explains that truck drivers need no longer use paper, but a simple ruggedised handheld reader to do their mandatory checks.
That unit automatically recognises small weather-resistant RFID tags permanently attached to the vehicle exterior in the inspection zones, as per VOSA guidelines.
It identifies the vehicle, the driver and the components to be checked, and won't allow the driver to proceed until they sign off each location.
Drivers pass or fail what they see against a checklist, noting problems as either non-urgent or unsafe.
If it's the latter, the system automatically notifies the transport manager that the vehicle is off the road, and links the information into the Truckfile workshop management system database.
LBS Builder Merchants is one of the first operators to take up the system and, according to the company, it works very well.
