Schmitz Cargobull TrailerConnect® – The digital platform for data integration, live tracking & semi-trailer services

Smart services – Real-time semi-trailer status monitoring 
Logistics experts in the field of temperature-controlled transport will find the real-time status monitoring function and potential downtime forecasts particularly beneficial. Schmitz Cargobull has been working on proactive monitoring of its S.CU cooling units for several years in a bid to detect problems and abnormalities at an early stage and quickly rectify them before the cargo or cooling chain is compromised. This proactive monitoring has now been expanded to the semi-trailer and, in addition to fault analysis, also offers users the chance to monitor the semi-trailer status in real time. Thanks to 24/7 monitoring, customers are informed at an early stage and receive warnings and recommended actions in the event of faults. 

With predictive maintenance, proactive monitoring will be further developed and the maintenance of Schmitz Cargobull S.CU transport refrigeration units will be taken to a new level in the future. Predictive Maintenance is using advances in data analysis and machine learning so that it will be able to predict maintenance and repair requirements for S.CU cooling units at an early stage in future. 

An algorithm is used to link historical repair and maintenance data with real-time operating data from the sensors in the cooling unit, while artificial intelligence is used to look for patterns and anomalies. Using certain fault patterns, potential failures can be predicted within the next seven days. The customer receives all information in the TrailerConnect® portal via the TrailerConnect® FleetWatch fleet monitoring dashboard, from where they are able to find their nearest service partner directly from the portal. An automatic fault analysis is created in the TrailerConnect® FleetWatch dashboard to monitor the operating status of S.CU cooling units in real-time and provide recommended action for fault rectification. By integrating predictive maintenance into their Full Service agreements for transport cooling units, Schmitz Cargobull customers can rest assured that they will increase the operating efficiency and service life of their cooling units and achieve lower operating costs in future. Schmitz Cargobull will be the first semi-trailer manufacturer to offer predictive maintenance for its cooling units.  

The intuitive FleetWatch dashboard, which is integrated into the TrailerConnect® portal, provides users with an overview of their fleet status and upcoming maintenance work. What’s more, FleetWatch includes a full maintenance calendar and a digital vehicle file containing all vehicle-relevant documents.

TrailerConnect® load carrier tracking for real-time monitoring and tracking of loads and loading equipment during transport
Schmitz Cargobull is the first OEM to offer this solution as a factory-fitted feature. The load carrier tracking system consists of a Bluetooth receiver that is installed in the semi-trailer. This receiver helps to create an infrastructure that is able to receive signals from Bluetooth tags* attached to load carriers and load equipment. This data is then securely transmitted to the TrailerConnect® portal via the TrailerConnect® telematics control unit. On the TrailerConnect® portal, users can view the scanned load carriers and load equipment, configure messages and, if necessary, send data to third parties via the TrailerConnect® Data Management Center and TrailerConnect® TourTrack. 
The system is fully integrated into TrailerConnect® and sends alarms if loaded goods and their tags are left behind. Data can be easily sent using the TrailerConnect® Data Management Center and TrailerConnect® TourTrack and users have the option of linking their tour information to load carriers. Losses and thefts of the relevant load carriers and load equipment can be quickly detected and reduced, increasing transparency in the supply chain. 

TrailerConnect® Data Management Center (DMC)
When it comes to transparency and connectivity, Schmitz Cargobull supports freight forwarders in their daily transport operations with its TrailerConnect® Data Management Center (DMC). Using this solution, freight forwarders can provide their contractors and customers with order-relevant data 
selectively and securely. To enable the real-time data to be used even more efficiently, Schmitz Cargobull relies on strategic partnerships with more than 30 established providers, such as ZF Transics, RIO, Trimble, CO3, etc. 
With the DMC’s import function, customers are able to standardise their entire fleet – regardless of the individual manufacturers – on the TrailerConnect® platform. 

The benefits of the TrailerConnect® Data Management Center for haulage companies are clear. It can be used with connected systems straight away, without any need for extra IT work. The entire fleet’s real-time data is monitored and managed from a central location. Outgoing interfaces with common real-time visibility platforms and telematics system can be used immediately. Users manage the data release process themselves, actively decide which data should be selectively shared and therefore retain data sovereignty. 

This means full protection for the user’s business and logistics network. Sensitive business data regarding the haulier’s own network and the sub-contractors involved is protected. All semi-trailer and transport data is protected in accordance with GDPR and can be accessed from one place for the entire fleet. Together with TrailerConnect® TourTrack, the user is able to access all information in real-time, keep a close eye on routes and respond quickly to changes in the workflow. Interactive temperature management and other functions are available on a tour- and order-basis (FTL/LTL).

TrailerConnect® TourTrack
TrailerConnect® TourTrack comes into play once all data along the supply chain is connected. With the TrailerConnect® TourTrack service, freight forwarders can keep an eye on their journeys and transport orders and monitor and manage their business with just a few clicks. Routes can be imported from transport management systems (TMS) into the TrailerConnect® portal quickly and easily or created manually so that they can then be managed in real time. Vehicle information can also be shared via a link (track & trace) or an interface to a third-party system. Only the selected data (from a particular tour or order (LTL) is shared with other platforms, e.g. the shipper’s real-time visibility platform (RTVP). 

As a result, transport firms can retain full control over their data, while still offering the end customer the required level of transparency for the flow of goods. This means that logistics companies and shippers receive any information relevant to them from across the entire supply chain, including location and temperature data or the estimated time of arrival (ETA). Unplanned deviations become immediately visible, delays can be analysed and key temperature data can be automatically sent to the recipient.

*Bluetooth tags that have been tested and approved by Schmitz Cargobull as being secure and compatible with the system.