Continental CST’s telematics promises ‘all in one’ solution

Pointing to the daily pressure on terminal operators to meet shorter loading times, an increased number of demand peaks and a general increase in volumes, the company’s Julian Alexander said that tyre manufacturers are facing “huge operational challenges”.

The business line manager told Port Strategy that the tyre specialist is consequently “continuously investing in ways to optimise” its harbour tyre portfolio.

“We strive for two things: tailored solutions that optimally meet the local market requirements and to offer everything from a single source – from a complete harbour tyre portfolio all the way through to customised service solutions,” he said.

Mr Alexander added that connected services and the availability of digital data are also important aspects for ports, especially when it comes to reducing operating costs and vehicle downtimes.

In response to this Continental CST has launched a new telematics system to “enhance the efficiency and safety of vehicle fleets”.

“Telematics rank among the growth drivers in port logistics,” said Mr Alexander. “Port operations are a good example: by remote data collection, this increases safety by moving data collection from on-site into the safer working environment of the operations room. In addition fast loading times and short down times are vital in harbour logistics worldwide.”

Continental CST’s ContiFlexBox complements the company’s ContiPressureCheck tyre pressure monitoring system by enabling the collection and provision of tyre and vehicle related data and transmitting it to a central server via wifi, Bluetooth or GSM transmission for analysis and preparation for usage.

A GPS signal in the ContiFlexBox furthers the collection of vehicle related data. Ports can then use the collected data for efficient fleet management.

Continental CST describes the combination of the two technologies as an “all in one” solution combining the measurement of tyre related data and a telematics system.