To improve long-haul truck automation and control, JBS Friboi, an animal product processing company, has equipped 1,500 long-haul trucks with advanced tracking and fleet management telematics solution, VOLKSNET.

VOLKSNET is an Iridium (News - Alert)-based, Zatix-powered telematics solution. This on-board intelligence system works as the information source for the management of the long-haul fleet of vehicles, retrieving information from each vehicle's central electronic unit.

The VOLKSNET presents security, telemetrics, logistics, tracking and monitoring of vehicles, in real-time, including: monitoring, tracking and control of the operation vehicles and of the movement of shipment, via GSM/ GPRS and satellite technologies.

Connected to the satellite network via Iridium short-burst data (SBD) based technology, the VOLKSNET has the ability to switch to cellular carriers when in range of service. This system can gather data that can contribute towards driver performance analyses and accident prevention measures.

In addition, the VOLKSNET permits interaction with the vehicle and the driver via a local terminal. This enables drivers to perform pre-programmed actions, independent of the central office, as well as automates common operations.

VOLKSNET’s all the features not only helps in considerably reducing maintenance, fuel costs, theft and accidents, but also cuts back on man hours that is required to manage large fleets effectively.

In a press release, Deise Santana, commercial director for Zatix, said, "VOLKSNET is an advanced tracking and fleet management telematics solution that allows JBS Friboi headquarters to maintain complete control over all vehicles in operation resulting in enhanced fleet management, efficiency and productivity and increase in core business performance.”

According to Armando Volpe, director for JBS Friboi, the VOLKSNET monitoring and tracking system facilitates the company to better manage vehicle logistics as well as driver operations. The system reports events such as harsh breaking and acceleration, speeding, and even gear changes in vehicles without automatic transmission.

Volpe also said that the VOLKSNET system also enables the company to monitor the above factors in real-time not only to ensure driver safety, but also to assist the company in delivering product on time and in excellent condition to customers all over South America.

Santana added, “The VOLKSNET solution is the result of a partnership with MAN Latin America (Volkswagen trucks) and Zatix, Iridium's value-added reseller."

Constant real-time monitoring service is offered by the Iridium satellite constellation. The Iridium constellation of low-earth orbiting (LEO) cross-linked satellites provides critical voice and data services for areas not served by terrestrial communication networks.

"The Iridium satellite constellation allows for constant real-time monitoring, making the operation safer and more profitable. Although they only recently started using the Iridium-based Zatix solution, JBS Friboi is already seeing a large reduction of accidents and transportation issues," added Santana. "Working with such a large fleet that travels all over, from big cities to large farms in the countryside, would not be effective, or even possible, without the Iridium communications solution."

Zatix is a Sao Paulo-based comprehensive tracking firm. It offers complete solutions and monitoring services, location, tracking, telemetry and logistics.

Iridium Communications Inc. is a mobile satellite service company that serves commercial markets through a worldwide network of distributors, and provides services to the U.S. Department of Defense and other U.S. and international government agencies.