In fleet management, accessing tachograph data often feels like trying to crack a complicated puzzle. Operators find themselves juggling multiple systems — one for GPS tracking, another for tacho downloads, and sometimes even separate setups for different vehicle brands. This patchwork approach not only makes the technical setup a headache but also increases the chance of missing crucial data or slipping up on compliance.
But what if it didn’t have to be this complicated? What if you could handle all your tachograph operations from the same system that already manages your GPS tracking?...
That’s exactly what we’ve been building at flespi. We’re thrilled to roll out our new tacho functionality — a powerful middleware solution designed to connect your tracking devices with fleet management platforms seamlessly. With our tacho-bridge protocol and handy open-source tools, remote tachograph data extraction becomes as easy as sending a command to your GPS tracker.
The real magic here is in the simplicity. You stick to your favorite fleet management platform while flespi takes care of all the behind-the-scenes tacho communication. No more juggling multiple tools, no more compatibility headaches — just smooth, automated data extraction backed by flespi’s signature reliability and flexibility.
Key Benefits
When it comes to tachograph data extraction, durability isn't just a nice-to-have feature — it's a critical requirement. Fleet operators need to ensure that every .ddd file is successfully downloaded and stored, regardless of network conditions or system availability. This is where flespi's middleware approach truly shines.
Durable design
Our tacho functionality is built on the same solid principles that power our telematics hub: reliability, scalability, and simplicity. When you initiate a tachograph file download through flespi, several features ensure smooth operation:
Automatic retry mechanism for failed download attempts
Persistent storage of downloaded files for up to 10 years
Robust authentication system to maintain company card availability
Comprehensive logging for transparency and easy troubleshooting
Middleware Magic
By placing flespi between your GPS trackers and fleet management platform, you unlock several strategic perks.
Hardware Independence: With one integration point for all supported devices, a unified API streamlines tachograph operations across manufacturers, and new device models can be easily onboarded as they become available.
Platform Flexibility: You can continue using your preferred fleet management system, access tachograph data via REST API or MQTT, and simultaneously stream data to multiple platforms for maximum efficiency.
Operational Simplicity: Centralized management of company cards, an automated authentication process, and clear visibility into the entire tachograph data flow ensure a hassle-free operation.
Technical Implementation
We’ve designed our tacho functionality around two key principles: simplicity for end-users and flexibility for integrators. Here’s an overview of the core components.
- The Tacho Bridge Application is an open-source, cross-platform solution compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux. It features an easy setup with minimal configuration, allowing direct integration with card readers and card hotels for seamless operation.
- To streamline management, we utilize Virtual Devices: the Tacho Bridge App device monitors application performance, while the Tacho Bridge Card device is used for managing individual company cards. Both offer real-time status tracking and detailed logging, fully integrated into flespi’s device hierarchy for effortless oversight.
- The system also includes a smart Authentication Layer, which automates company card authentication, ensures secure communication channels, and incorporates built-in retry mechanisms. Additionally, it provides real-time status monitoring to keep operations running smoothly.
Supported hardware
We currently support tacho functionality for several professional-grade tracking devices:
Ruptela FM-Tco4 HCV
And that’s just the start! We’re actively testing integrations with additional manufacturers to expand coverage (check our catalog for the latest list of supported devices).
Seamless data flow
Here’s how the system amazingly works:
Your tracking device requests tachograph authentication.
flespi handles authentication via the Tacho Bridge Application.
The tachograph data is downloaded and stored in flespi.
You access the data via REST API or forward it to your platform.
Cost transparency
We know cost matters, so we’ve designed a clear and predictable pricing model aligned with our platform’s core principles. It means no hidden fees (per-authentication charges, per-download fees, or additional licensing costs).
The pricing is trivial: you’ll pay for one tacho-bridge channel to support your company card infrastructure, a standard device cost for each registered company card, and storage for downloaded .ddd files, with full control over retention policies.
Let's get started!
Setting up tacho functionality in your flespi account is straightforward.
Initial Setup: Start by creating a tacho-bridge channel, downloading and installing the open-source Tacho Bridge Application, and configuring the app with your channel details.
Card Registration: Create a Tacho Bridge Card device for each company card, link the cards in the application using their printed numbers, and verify connectivity within your flespi account.
Integration: Configure your tracking devices with the company card numbers, use our REST API to manage tachograph downloads, and forward the data to your fleet management platform for seamless operation.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to refine and enhance our tacho functionality. For detailed setup steps and the latest news, visit our Tacho Integration Guide.