Tacho readers and software for small business

[EL11SEG]

Hey folks, just in the process of a new business start up and looking at tacho readers and software options. Not looking to spend thousands and only one tacho will be downloaded.

Can anyone give me any new pointers? I have seen this thread from 2011 but looking for more up to date recommendations.

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=10...

Cheers

Avril

[truck71]

Try the FTA.

[EL11SEG]

truck71 said:

Try the FTA.

Many thanks for that. I probably should have put I am looking for pointers on what systems to think about from owner operators ( if there are any that see this thread) . I will be 1 maybe 2 vehicles and these kits can range from £100 to £1000 in value.

[D_T_W]

I don't think you'll find many Owner/Operators on here Ave, but if it's for just a few cards then pretty much any system will work fine. Not knowing what you're doing but I'm guessing you don't need an O Licence for it?

I think both the FTA and RHA offer services, but you're arguably better off getting the cheapest one you can as you're nae daft and know your hours so it will be there more to record than analyse what you're doing.

[Mammasaid]

As the 'CIO' for a small partnership which runs one 18T wagon, when we got it we also got a VDO key which plugged into the Tacho and downloaded all the data from both the driver's and company cards.

Something like this (though there's probably a newer version available.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/VDO-Continental-Download-...

We then use TMS Cumbria to upload the files to a Smart Analysis portal which then does any heavy lifting for us, highlighting any infringements etc.

Costs us a small fee, but worth it for compliance.

[EL11SEG]

D_T_W said:

I don't think you'll find many Owner/Operators on here Ave, but if it's for just a few cards then pretty much any system will work fine. Not knowing what you're doing but I'm guessing you don't need an O Licence for it?

I think both the FTA and RHA offer services, but you're arguably better off getting the cheapest one you can as you're nae daft and know your hours so it will be there more to record than analyse what you're doing.

Aye aye stranger. Yep need the operators licence. Picking van up from Glasgow on Friday and found D out this week that VOSA gave me duff info on who could be my TM so I've lost my one. So........ Doing my PSV TM exam in December to save messing about. Just seems to be so many types out there. Will look at both cheers.

[D_T_W]

EL11SEG said:

Aye aye stranger. Yep need the operators licence. Picking van up from Glasgow on Friday and found D out this week that VOSA gave me duff info on who could be my TM so I've lost my one. So........ Doing my PSV TM exam in December to save messing about. Just seems to be so many types out there. Will look at both cheers.

I only have the Freight one otherwise I'd have offered!

[EL11SEG]

D_T_W said:

I only have the Freight one otherwise I'd have offered!

Aye I could see that working

[EL11SEG]

Mammasaid said:

As the 'CIO' for a small partnership which runs one 18T wagon, when we got it we also got a VDO key which plugged into the Tacho and downloaded all the data from both the driver's and company cards.

Something like this (though there's probably a newer version available.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/VDO-Continental-Download-...

We then use TMS Cumbria to upload the files to a Smart Analysis portal which then does any heavy lifting for us, highlighting any infringements etc.

Costs us a small fee, but worth it for compliance.

Cheers, had a wee look. I will now be doing the TM job (if I pass the exam) so I have had a look on the NOVA Data site and had a talk with them about my options.