Author: Per Olof Ärnas (Chalmers Institute of Technology)

Parts of this text have already been published at http://drlogistics.se/2011/06/06/digitization-of-transportation-systems-part-2-%E2%80%93-connected-vehicle/

The data that flows to and from a vehicle belong to one of four categories. Order data (about the assignment), administrative data (about the handling of the vehicle as a resource), traffic data (about driving and navigating the vehicle in the infrastructure) and finally, operation data (measurements, which are produced in and around the vehicle). These flows of data have always existed, but traditionally managed with paper, pen and cell phone (or, prior to the phone, the radio). The digitization process of the vehicle aims at equipping the vehicle with a communications platform that doubles as a data collection node.

In Sweden, this industry is mature now and there are several “shelf products” that can, at a relatively low cost, equip vehicles with fully functional digital interfaces. We have now replaced the paper-based information and we are approaching the next-generation digitization where we no longer need to rely on metaphors like “documents” and “messages”. I’ve written more about this in Swedish (English translation is on its way…).

Features that are found in these systems today are, for example:

• Order Processing
• Route planning / navigation
• Fuel consumption monitoring
• Time reporting
• General communication (messaging)
• Photo capability (i.e. to document damaged goods)
• Electronic signature of the customer
• Barcode scanner

In the future, we can expect many more interesting features.

HTML-based user interfaces (instead of a native apps) are beginning to surface. No locally installed software in the vehicle anymore. An arbitrary device with an internet browser and a web connection is sufficient. Now, the GPS signal can be used directly by web applications (which previously has been a feature which has required installation of a client). This means that a haulage company very easily can hire sub-contractors without the installation of specific technology. These sub-contractors can have a fully functioning digital interface to the haulage firm without integration or investments.

The multitouch user interface enters the vehicle. Touch screens with multi-touch interface has revolutionized the consumer market. Babies learn to use an iPhone or an iPad in minutes. Traditional user interfaces based on precision pointers (mouse/pen) are swiftly becoming yesterday’s news on mobile platforms. A significantly redesigned user interface based on a larger screen and multi-touch would make the driving environment much better (and probably safer).

Easy collection of data from different places. Most difficult to digitize is the load information – i.e. how much you have loaded. When talking about pallets and full loads, it is usually no problem, but as soon as the goods fall outside the “standard template” it becomes harder. The most common goods type transported in Swedish road traffic is landfill. There are no bar codes or RFID tags on the gravel pits. No pallets or even containers. Goods are loaded and weighed, making each load unique. There are several manufacturers of truck scales. These sometimes offer a digital connection but none of them follow any pre-defined standard. For a carrier in the construction industry, this means that during a single day a truck can interact with scales of several different brands and with completely different IT systems. These must be standardized, of course, and the same applies to all types of load measurement. Other data that needs to be standardized is the state information such as temperature, pressure, load shifting, etc.

One vehicle – one computer. The systems development to date have primarily focused on internal functionality. As soon as an external IT system gets involved involved there are problems. Large integration costs are just the beginning. Today, there are examples of vehicles with three or four different computers in the cab as they have to different customers. Transport buyers have forced the haulers into solutions that they have procured and integrated with. This development must also be stopped. After all, you don’t need a special computer to send e-mail to an Apple MacBook and another to send to a HP. There are several initiatives in progress to solve this.

To summarize, the vehicle is the last analog outpost in the transport industry. That’s where all the troublesome information is handled, produced, interpreted and combined. And that’s where the interface between the analog and the digital world becomes most apparent.