WHG’s recent TechDrive Roadshow in Melbourne was a huge success, with over 150 attendees from across the telematics, transport and logistics industries.
Taking place at the Campground Kitchen in Braybrook, the event was a valuable opportunity to learn about the latest developments in telematics, location data advancements, IoT and fleet solutions.
Guests included prominent fleet managers and freight and logistics operators, as well as leading speakers such as Peter Anderson, CEO of the Victorian Transport Association, and Matt Griffiths, chief technical officer at transport management software company Allotrac.
Those in attendance also got the chance to learn about some of WHG’s exciting new products – from next-gen telematics platform iLink to a smart watch that enhances driver safety and detects fatigue.
Meanwhile in the warehouse next door, you could check out some interesting technology, truck and vehicle displays, including a race truck from Leon Thorpe, a prime mover from Don Watson, vehicles from TR Group and more.
WHG’s director of operations Dylan Hartley told Big Rigs that the event wasn’t just a chance to learn more about telematics, but a fantastic networking opportunity.
“I think TechDrive is an opportunity to bring industry together with regulatory bodies and suppliers, to really get a feel for what’s out there and the latest developments in emerging technology,” he said.
“In our industry, we don’t often have opportunities where we can get together and reflect and network with each other, and TechDrive allows us to do that.”
One of the highlights from TechDrive was a talk from Gavin Hill, general manager of Strategic Engagement and Performance at Austroads (Transport Certification Australia).
Regulatory compliance can be a confusing topic, but Hill’s presentation on “Smart Navigations: From Past To Present & into the Future” was clear and easy to follow.
“Our role is pretty simple,” said Hill. “It’s to provide assurance in the use of digital technology and data.
“Other countries face similar challenges to Australia, and they’re looking at us as the innovators around how the European community and developing countries can do what we are doing.”
Later in the day, Calvin Hartley, Director of IAWS at WHG, demystified the complexities of IoT as he introduced IoT Connect, a revolutionary solution for logistics and supply management companies.
Another impressive piece of technology on display was FleetWEIGH, WHG’s Smart On-Board Mass System.
FleetWEIGH displays your live truck weight straight to your smart device, helping you load safely and stay compliant.
Dylan Hartley said that from a regulatory perspective, there hasn’t been a lot of communication around the smart on-board mass requirements that have been introduced, many of which are mandatory as of June this year.
“In particular, operators don’t understand their permitting requirements for smart on-board mass,” he said.
“FleetWEIGH as a product helps the operators with a fully compliant and approved smart on-board mass system that can be easily retrofitted to any combination.
“If an operator is struggling to get up to date with the new requirements, our teams are available to assist with getting them on board.
“The installation takes no more than three hours, and the lead time to get a vehicle fitted it under one week.”
He thinks attendees left TechDrive with a better understanding of the telematics landscape.
“There’s so much confusion around technology, it can sometimes be a daunting topic for operators,” he said.
“Sometimes when you’re in the office and you’re trying to manage all your day-to-day complexities, the thought of trying to understand a new technology or new system is really overwhelming.
“TechDrive puts you in a room with all the right people, in a space where we simplify complex topics, and it gives you an opportunity to ask questions and actually see the technology working.”
He was delighted with the turnout for this year’s TechDrive Melbourne event.
“It’s the biggest turnout we’ve had so far and we’re so pleased with how the industry has come out to support us,” he said.
“Hopefully next year will be even bigger and better!”