Ready for the future with smart trailers

For decades, SAF-Holland has been renowned for durable suspension systems, safe fifth wheels, clever commercial vehicle accessories – and will be adding intelligent trailer technology to this portfolio in the future. “Digitalisation, currently a key factor in our industry, also creates added value in trailers – for commercial vehicle manufacturers and transport companies. Processes that are digitally optimised with the SAF TrailerMaster increase effectiveness, allowing fleets to better address the increasing competitive pressure,” says David Meder, Product Manager Smart Trailer at SAF-HOLLAND. Freight forwarders can use the real-time overview from the SAF TrailerMaster and the performance reports for the individual trailers to increase the productivity of their fleet, for example: They will be able to coordinate their vehicles more profitably and prevent downtime in the future. If, for example, the tyre pressure is continuously monitored and adapted when required, this will also reduce fuel consumption. That saves costs and reduces CO2 emissions.

The SAF TrailerMaster, developed by the British SAF-HOLLAND subsidiary Axscend, connects components, makes processes digital and automates the communication between trailer, driver and fleet operator. The telematics application shows all vehicle and movement data centrally and in real time: This allows fleet managers to always keep an eye on the location, load or mileage of the trailer as well as the technical condition of tyres and brakes – for more transparency in everyday transport operations.

The SAF TrailerMaster also supplies timely information if conditions in the trailer change, helping to avoid breakdowns and failures. “That improves maintenance management for the entire fleet. The convenient service scheduler also saves time and cost. You can see your entire fleet a glance and receive information when an important deadline comes up for the trailer,” explains Oliver Beierlorzer, Director Sales OE & Fleets DACH+HU. This means that fleet managers can plan workshop visits and downtime better and in advance. All documents for the service tasks can be managed centrally and exported to other systems. Evaluations based on defined criteria reveal any potential for improvement in maintenance processes at individual branches.

The telematics system from SAF-HOLLAND makes safe and reliable transport possible: It prevents dangerous overloading and expensive breakdowns caused by wear. The collected real-time data are also safe – stored in a protected cloud.

The SAF TrailerMaster web portal processes the synchronised movement and vehicle data in a clear structure, whether on a PC, notebook, tablet or smartphone. This allows the freight forwarder to view the status of their entire fleet at a glance and document trailer and transport processes. The vehicle and movement data update automatically so that all events can be monitored and steered centrally. The fleet manager manages all vehicles via the Fleet Desk – from registration to possible rentals to decommissioning.

Simple user interfaces that require only a few clicks, clearly structured dashboards, colour coding and diagrams as well as the powerful search function make the web portal intuitive and user friendly.

When reliable support is required on the road every day, the Driver app comes into play. The mobile application connects the driver, vehicle and trailer: In the event of breakdown, it enables fast diagnostics and forwards damage notifications to fleet managers and workshops. With the digital departure check, the driver uses a checklist and photo upload to document defects on the vehicle. Push notifications provide additional information about the current situation on the trailer. “The Driver app supports the driver, makes driving less stressful and allows the driver to focus on what is important: driving safely and reliably transporting the cargo,” summarises Oliver Beierlorzer.

The hardware of the SAF TrailerMaster is easy to install. The software is equally easy to install and configure. It can then be used to quickly assign rights and functions. Where necessary, the experts from SAF-HOLLAND offer support for hardware and software installation, offer advice and train employees.