The connect:portal online platform gives the user access to all technical vehicle data collected by means of remote transmission access via a computer or mobile devices, regardless of his or her location. The new management and analysis software connect:desk that is installed locally at the respective fleet operator, serves to organize and assign drivers to vehicles and manage driver authorization, driving licences and trainings. Maintenance planning, usage analysis, fleet optimisation, shock reports, driver and vehicle reports are also managed on this decentralized platform. The functions of connect:desk are scalable according to the customer's requirement and the platform also enables the vehicle data stored in the Linde Data Cloud to be accessed and processed.
 

The connect: Data Unit transmits control and sensor data over the mobile network to the Linde Data Cloud. The retrofit kit is installed and connected on site by a service technician. He mounts the components with the included mounting material in an easily accessible and secure position, installs the wire sets and connects the device to the CAN bus and power supply. The system is immediately ready for operation.
"In general, not all the vehicles in a particular fleet are replaced at once, and occasionally there are also vehicles from third-party manufacturers in use. This means that the technical requirements for wireless data transfer are usually different or exist only partially,” explains Maik Manthey. “To cater for such cases too, we have developed retrofit solutions for the wireless networking of such existing and third-party vehicles.” Both the connect: data unit and the connect: access management unit with PIN-code or RFID reader are available as upgrade kits. The connect: data unit is loaded with updates or new software over the mobile network and can thus record and transmit additional control and sensor data without intervention on the vehicle. A Bluetooth retrofit kit is offered for the decentralized integration of forklifts and warehouse handling equipment that can so far communicate only via cable.

“Soon we will also use the vehicle details in the Linde Data Cloud to make our own service processes much more efficient,” Manthey says in conclusion. “For example, we will automatically capture and transmit error codes so that the service technician does not necessarily have to be on site for fault diagnosis. Moreover, we will also know when to bring forward scheduled maintenance on the vehicle in order to prevent more severe defects, and we will automate the ordering of spare parts. That means more transparency, faster processes and enhanced vehicle availability for the customer.”