Features Your Electronic Logging Device Must Have in 2021

Electronic Logging Devices are often used on fleet vehicles. A fleet vehicle is a group of motor vehicles that are owned or leased by a business or government agency, rather than an individual or their family. Examples of fleet vehicles include those operated by taxicab companies or public utilities, bus companies, police departments, and car rental companies. Electronic logging devices are irreplaceable assistants at fleet management, optimizing supply chain routes, keeping drivers and vehicles in good condition, collecting insightful statistics, and cutting many related costs.

What is an electronic logging device (ELD)?

An ELD is a type of hardware that attaches to a specific part of a fleet vehicle (engine or onboard computer) to collect a particular type of data (e.g. driving hours, vehicle speed, and fuel consumption). The data collected by the ELD can be shared with the company employing the fleet vehicle via connected software. These vehicle tracking devices collect and transmit valuable administrative information in real-time. This makes fleet managers’ lives much easier and assists in reducing extra costs. It also boosts the performance of your supply chains efforts.

Most company information is now digitally logged. ELD’s upload information automatically and can be used to make predictions, forecasts, analyze statistics, and make important business decisions. You can reduce the risk of accidents on your fleet’s routes, identify unreliable drivers, optimize resource use, and much more.

It’s suggested that all ELD’s be connected to a mobile application because they tie the device, drivers, and fleet managers together and allow the ELD to monitor various metrics and behaviors through a convenient interface.

A monoblock with a display or a solid monoblock that is managed through a dedicated app (such as the EZlogz platform) is the most popular type of electronic logging device.

What specific capabilities and features should a monoblock have to meet your fleet optimization and management needs?

Let’s take a quick look.

These are the essential characteristics of ELD’s

Although electronic logging devices can come in many sizes and formats, there are some essential hardware and software features that every device must have in order to perform basic and more advanced functions. These are just a few examples.

Fuel tracking 

This is a cost-saving feature that can reduce your fuel waste and calculate the fuel you require to complete your job to ensure uniformity and efficiency on routes. 

Integrability

A top-of-the-line electronic log device can be easily and universally integrated. It can be used to manage a fleet of vehicles and is easy to integrate with other vehicles.

Two-way messaging

A good ELD should provide reliable, real-time communication between dispatchers and drivers. This can be achieved best with the help of a chat or messaging service.

All-in-one dashboards

Simplicity and accessibility is a time-saver and a cost-saving measure. A reduced workload for employees leads to higher productivity and positive motivation for busy fleet managers. It might be tempting to get an ELD that appears to have more features but that often complicates usage, you’ll want a well-reviewed simple device. 

Document management

An ELD can be used by drivers to scan and digitize documents and then file them in a central application.

Safety reporting 

Based on the performance metrics collected an ELD can help drivers avoid dangerous road occurrences that could lead to fatal outcomes.

Live logs and real-time data transmission

It is important to have access to all the essential data without latency. Streamlining supply management is possible by allowing fleet managers to instantly check logs and receive data in real-time. A strong connection is essential for ELD installation. This system must be installed by a trusted company.

Cloud-connected storage

All data collected via electronic logging devices must be stored dynamically to ensure that nothing is lost or corrupted. However, you also require reliable backup methods. A connected cloud hosting service serves both of these purposes.

Conclusion

EZlogz can assist you in setting up these key features as well as any custom integrations. A robust platform is available with an intuitive admin dashboard, detailed traffic visualization, and high-performance GPS tracking. This will help you improve the efficiency of fleet management.

Adam Hansen
 

Adam is a part time journalist, entrepreneur, investor and father.