GPS-based systems are becoming more and more advanced, with the goal being to get us closer to a fully functional “brain” in the cab making important decisions for the life of the fleet. Effective Control Transportation’s (ECT) FOLO System is one of the latest products designed to wirelessly monitor truck performance and enable fleet managers to react before a problem has begun to cause damage.
“It’s not just tracking, it’s a full fleet management system,” Claude Lemay, president of ECT, told Fleet Owner. Through the use of seven modules, the system offers a “complete sweep” of the fleet, tracking safety, maintenance and focusing extensively on fatigue, said Lemay.
With the FOLO system, the technology is able to detect a drowsy driver before he falls asleep, using its cameras to see details such as closing and opening of the eyes to note the problem a few hours before a problem would take hold, Lemay said. If necessary, the system can stop the truck completely if the driver is clearly heavily fatigued.
According to the company, the technology offers a real-time look wirelessly and securely at all aspects of the truck’s operation, telling the truck where it is and whether there are any issues that need to be resolved. “Save money, save lives, in a secure environment,” said Lemay.
The system is designed to save money as well as make a driver safer. “From a business point of view, the cost of fuel is enormous. Our main goal is to reduce the cost of maintenance, better allocating your assets…if you can manage, and track, and plan, you can save a lot of time and money,” said Lemay. He added that with the maintenance system, fleets are able to postpone scheduled maintenance or make it sooner according to need.
Another way of saving money is through the reduction of legal intervention, Lemay stated that, “When money gets tight, corners get cut and accidents go up, leading to billions of dollars in lawsuits.” He added that ECT has opened a dialogue with insurance companies about the FOLO systems as well as with fleet owners.
The system requires the purchase of a license for the equipment, plus a monthly monitoring fee that depends on the number of modules used. The system contains seven modules but individual fleets can pick and choose which ones they would like to use in their trucks. The technology works with existing software, including Legacy systems, or ECT can provide software for installation.
