The Telematics Monitoring Application (TMA) has been introduced as an alternative to the Intelligent Access Program (IAP). In Victoria and Queensland, there are some combinations that require TMA and not IAP anymore. Road Managers have spoken of TMA as the new application of preference as it provides them with information about how the road network is being used rather than when vehicles are not conforming to access, mass, or speed conditions (which is what IAP provides).
It’s a telematics application, much like a rulebook, that tells telematics providers how to exchange data with Transport Certification Australia (TCA) when a transport operator has a requirement to do so. It also specifies how all related parties, including jurisdictions and other government bodies, can use and access the information with a large focus on privacy.
Vehicles are enrolled in TMA and provided with certificates of enrolment from their provider. Enrolment in TMA requires the telematics hardware in the truck to be Type-Approved by TCA, ensuring these systems meet specific performance and functional criteria, such as connection with Smart On-Board Mass (OBM) systems. Telematics providers of TMA are also Certified by TCA to ensure the provision of TMA services are of high quality and assurance.
It’s a way for TMA telematics systems to collect axle and gross weights from OBM systems installed in the truck and trailers automatically. Smart OBM requires suppliers’ OBM weighing systems to be Type-Approved by TCA, this ensures that the hardware provides accurate weights, maintains high quality and assurance, and ensures the information collected correctly represents the combination on the road.
As a part of TMA, identifiable information is reported by telematics providers to TCA periodically, generally this is done weekly or monthly, and includes:
Whether you need to setup new systems to meet VIC requirements, or transition older systems for QLD & NSW (or both), here is our comprehensive guide and checklist to help operators meet these requirements in a way that is best suitable to your business. You don’t want to spend money on something that is not fit for purpose.
We work with over 600 transport operators (and counting) to meet TMA and Smart OBM requirements; this is what we know!
Generally, it can take up to 2 months for a 20 vehicle and respective trailer rollout. This provides enough time for installation, calibration, confirmation of functionality, and issuing of certificates. Scale up or down for your size fleet.
Considering the VIC deadline is fast approaching, operators should be in contact with TMA providers and OBM suppliers as soon as possible.
Generally, the costs from telematics suppliers can range from $150-$350 per month, per vehicle. In some cases, you may also have to purchase hardware outright, and lock yourself into a 36-month contract.
Generally, the costs from OBM suppliers can range from $5,000 to $20,000 for a prime mover and 3 trailer combination.
We have public pricing and annual terms; you can check out our pricing here: Pricing (v-daq.com.au)
Precure, Purchase, Implement, Maintain. Generally, this is how it’s going to go! Start off by looking around at your options, you need to ask the right questions to determine which TMA and OBM system is best suited to your business. This takes the longest, and we have expanded on this process below. You then need to make a purchase and start implementation. Many suppliers are there to help you by offering installation assistance, installation services, and general support for a staged rollout. Our telematics systems are self-installed on the windshield just like a toll tag, and wirelessly communicates to all OBM systems. It’s only one piece of the puzzle, but still a time and cost saver.
When training drivers and staff how to use the TMA and OBM system, some of the most common ongoing requirements are:
Lastly, manage ongoing changes with your TMA provider and OBM supplier. When you plan on getting new trucks or trailers, or selling old ones, make sure you know what’s involved when removing and reinstalling both TMA and Smart OBM systems. There may be costs, so ask!
Our telematics system being self-installed, is easy to transition from vehicle to vehicle as your fleet changes, with no additional costs.
All OBM systems are different, and you need to pick the OBM brand that is best suited to your business operations. There are many things to consider such as cost, installation, calibration, driver requirements, hardware installation, and vehicle downtime.
You may have some vehicles with existing OBM systems (maybe you bought them a while ago, maybe the trailers came with them), it doesn’t mean that they are the right choice for you, so you can still benefit from looking around! Either way here are the questions to ask.
Q. What is the cost of the OBM System?
Q. What is the lead time for parts?
Q. What are the costs for installation, or do you support self-installation?
Q. What are the costs of calibration, or do you support self-calibration?
Q. How often do I need to calibrate?
Q. What is involved in the calibration procedure (very important, explain your business and make sure the OBM system is fit-for-purpose)?
Q. What are the driver requirements when changing trailers being towed?
Q. What after sales support do you offer?
Q. How do drivers and loaders view weights when loading or unloading?
Q. What is the system warranty and process for replacements if something stops working?
A final note: You need to pick one OBM brand for your business, you cannot mix and match various brands.. yet 😉
If you have an Interim OBM system (one connected to IAP) you need to check with your OBM supplier if your Interim OBM system is compatible with Smart OBM, and if not, whether it can be upgraded to Smart OBM. If you have an Interim OBM system, contact your supplier and get an understanding of:
Q. Are my current Interim OBM systems compatible with Smart OBM?
Q. If not, are there any costs involved with upgrading my OBM system to Smart OBM?
Q. How does this Smart OBM system connect with my TMA system?
Q. Are there any costs to connect this Smart OBM system with my TMA system?
You should receive one certificate of conformance for each prime mover/truck that has an approved Smart OBM system installed.
Firstly, some important points:
All telematics brands are different, even though your exiting telematics provider may provide IAP, TMA, and Smart OBM. Here some questions to ask when looking around:
Q. What hardware models of telematics systems do I have?
Q. Do these hardware models support Smart OBM?
Q. If they do, what OBM brands and OBM models do they support?
Q. What are the total costs of changing from what I currently have to TMA + Smart OBM (upfront and ongoing)?
Q. What is the process of changing from IAP (or TMA) to TMA + Smart OBM?
Q. Do I need to sign a new contract? If so, for what minimum term?
Q. What is the cost of the TMA System?
Q. What is the cost of the TMA system when Smart OBM is required?
Q. What is the lead time?
Q. What are the costs for installation, or do you support self-installation?
Q. What are the driver requirements?
Q. What aftersales support do you offer?
Q. How do I access certificates that are issued and updated?
Q. What is the system warranty and process for systems which stop working?
Try out another TMA provider. Remember, you don’t have to use the same brand for your in-cab software as your TMA and Smart OBM system.
You should receive one certificate of enrolment for each prime mover/truck that has an approved TMA system installed and is enrolled into one or more schemes.
