When Things Ain’t What They Seem
August 2, 2006
BSM Technologies Inc. and Spectra Inc. have jointly developed a remote air brake diagnostic and monitoring solution for both trucks and trailers.
Brake problems on big trucks and buses are the number one safety and maintenance concern with operators and regulators throughout North America.
The two companies co-developed the remote brake diagnostic monitoring system based on Spectra’s brake sensor technology, coupled with the remote monitoring function of BSM Wireless’ vehicle tracking and fleet management solutions. The combination of technologies ensures that brake problems will be reported to maintenance in real time. In addition to monitoring through the Brake Inspector in-cab display module, the BSM interface will send an email alert in real time to the fleet maintenance department as well as the driver so that the problem can be dealt with immediately.
“The ability to identify a brake problem remotely, anywhere in North America, will allow maintenance personnel to direct the driver to the nearest repair facility and avoid costly roadside fines, reduce vehicle downtime and mitigate potential accidents,” said Spectra CEO Andrew Malion. “We are thrilled to be part of what will be a quantum leap in preventative air brake maintenance procedures.” Rest of article here:
OK, I like this idea. It improves maintaince, operations and certainly, safety. But am I tho only one who wonders how the heck they think this is gpoing to work? When a company with “wireless” in their name tells you that they cover “North America”, you better be using somewthing more than a terrestrial cell network to do your communication slink from vehicle to data user. If you visit BSM Wireless’s web site to see how they suddenly are able to give brake performance data over all of “North America” you’ll see a bunch of cartoons showing how their systems work.
My guess? Unless you are driving full-time in a city, where this is clearly aimed, better forget it … out in the backwoods of Manitoba or on the access road to Fort Sill this things isn’t going tp send anyone anything.