ZF Brings ABS-Based Smart Trailer Solution to North America

ZF is bringing Scalar, which it says is the first ABS-based smart trailer telematics solution, to North America.

This scalable digitalized solution gives fleets access to critical trailer metrics in a simple dashboard, with just one hardware device and the Scalar user dashboard. It provides real-time fleet operations, wheel-end and maintenance monitoring system, giving fleets connected insights, from GPS position tracking to aggregate load status and tire health.

Scalar software provides an interface tailored to trailer diagnostics. Using real-time cloud connectivity, Scalar EVO Cast (the hardware — the new and improved TrailerCast) sends fleets the information they need to always stay informed on vehicle location, status, and health. It prompts action when issues arise, helping prevent the escalation of critical issues.

• GPS location of trailers: Display of recent alarms, integrated mini-dashboard and geofencing.
• Overview of fleet health status: Health score based on iABS data, recent history of trailer messaging and calendar display.
• Events profile: Trips, recorded events, error codes and more
• Scalable, open platform with growing capabilities, including AI-based fleet orchestration for automated, connected and electric vehicles.

When critical events occur, Scalar EVO Cast is designed to interpret and communicate vehicle alerts via the cloud.

• Cloud connectivity: Enables GPS position tracking and critical issue alerts.
• Vehicle uptime: Helps monitor health state of trailer systems
• Service and repair:  Supports optimized planning of maintenance cycles

Scalar was shown for the first time in North America at the Technology & Maintenance Council annual meeting in late February/early March. It is now available for order in North America.

Fleet Orchestration Platform

ZF shared more about the fleet orchestration platform last fall at the IAA truck expo in Germany. It’s designed to optimize commercial fleet operations, including fully automatic and live planning, routing, scheduling, and dispatching solutions. Officials explained that it helps commercial fleets achieve new levels of efficiency with intelligent end-to-end systems that “orchestrate” the whole process of freight logistics.

This orchestration has the potential to help improve fleet efficiency by sending the right driver to the right vehicle at the right time, according to ZF. This includes helping select the most fuel-efficient and less environmentally impactful routes.

During its Global Technology Days last year, ZF also showcased two key proof-of-concepts to demonstrate Scalar’s future capabilities. This includes supporting driver safety using advanced processing of data from a vehicle’s advanced driver assistance systems. Additionally, by processing data from cargo monitoring sensors, such as CargoCam, Scalar has the future potential to provide better protection and management of trailer payloads.