Slashing costs with smart trailers

The transport industry is witnessing a significant transformation as artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly integrated into everyday operations. Trailers are not being left behind…

Among the leading innovations is the new iC Plus running gear generation from BPW, which uses AI to analyse brake performance and predict maintenance needs, ultimately reducing costs and enhancing safety. This technology, which has been successfully tested in the UK for years, is now being rolled out across Europe, marking a new era in trailer management.

Intelligent brake monitoring

BPW, a company long committed to digitalising the transport industry, has taken a significant leap forward with its iC Plus running gear. This new system comes equipped with telematics hardware as standard, enabling it to analyse braking performance using advanced algorithms. These intelligent algorithms detect patterns in the data that suggest when maintenance on critical components is necessary. This proactive approach helps prevent costly and potentially dangerous failures before they occur.

One of the standout features of the iC Plus system is its ability to monitor brake performance without the need for additional sensors. Instead, it utilises data already collected by the electronic braking system (EBS). By interpreting this data in context, the AI can differentiate between temporary issues – such as those caused by hitting a severe pothole – and genuine maintenance needs, like a sluggish brake calliper or a weakening spring in the cylinder. This advanced analysis ensures that only necessary maintenance is performed, avoiding unnecessary workshop visits and minimising vehicle downtime.

Proven success

Brake performance monitoring is not a new concept for BPW. In the UK, where trailers are subject by law to stringent brake checks, this technology has already proven its worth. Fleet operators have benefitted from AI-driven insights that reduce the need for frequent brake testing, thereby saving both time and money. With the introduction of the iC Plus running gear generation, BPW is now extending these benefits to transport operators across Europe.

Advanced brake lining wear monitoring

In addition to its sophisticated brake performance analysis, the iC Plus system also includes a tried and tested method for monitoring brake lining wear. This feature utilises a sensor that sends signals to the fleet manager, allowing them to plan brake lining replacements with sufficient lead time. This not only optimises maintenance schedules, but also ensures that the vehicle remains in top operating condition, further reducing the risk of unexpected breakdowns.

The effectiveness of this system is enhanced by BPW’s comprehensive digital services. The company’s digital maintenance management system, in conjunction with idem telematics, integrates statutory inspection regulations, maintenance instructions for its axles, and real-time vehicle status updates. The system meticulously documents all maintenance work, creating a digital vehicle file that eliminates the need for traditional paper records.

Streamlining fleet management

Caren Freudenberg, product manager at BPW, emphasises the broader impact of the iC Plus system on fleet management. “Together with idem telematics, BPW has created a new generation of running gear that makes both vehicle operation and the entire transport process more economical,” she notes. The system’s rolling data analysis capability significantly reduces unnecessary workshop visits, maximising vehicle availability and enhancing overall fleet efficiency.

The information gathered by iC Plus is accessible at any time through the cargofleet 3 telematics portal from idem telematics. This portal provides fleet operators with detailed insights into utilisation, operation, driver performance, and vehicle condition. By making this information readily available, the system helps fleet managers identify potential inefficiencies and areas for improvement, leading to more informed decision-making.

Moreover, the platform’s open-system architecture enables secure and controlled data exchange with external applications, such as transport management systems or enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. This interoperability ensures that fleet data can be seamlessly integrated into broader business processes, further enhancing operational efficiency.

A smarter future for transport

The integration of AI into trailer management through the iC Plus running gear generation represents a significant advance for the transport industry. By leveraging intelligent algorithms to monitor brake performance and predict maintenance needs, BPW is helping fleet operators reduce operating costs, improve safety, and increase vehicle uptime. As this technology rolls out across Europe, it is set to become a key tool for transport companies seeking to remain competitive in an increasingly digital world.

The iC Plus system from BPW is not just about making trailers smarter, it’s about making the entire transport process more efficient, economical, and safe. As AI continues to revolutionise the industry, innovations like this will play a crucial role in shaping the future of transport.

* BPW is currently evaluating and testing the systems and equipment in South Africa. The company is exploring ways to find the most cost effective way to introduce the IC plus system into the market. Watch this space for more information.