Bluetooth and the connectivity is one of the issues which we may need to think about to get the most out of electronic monitoring and getting all the electronics to talk to each other.

Often, good communication depends on the structure of the network. If a system uses point to point bluetooth, like we use between our phone and CarPlay in our car, then the range has to be taken into consideration.

With more sophisticated communication, like that between onboard mass measuring devices used for mass monitoring, the best way to get good communication of the data is using a bluetooth mesh network.

The mesh works like a wireless router does in your home, using multiple nodes to aid communication across the network. If a unit is not picking up a signal it can use another route to send the data. As these systems develop it is important that they keep up with the standards and are using the latest technology.

If something like a Smart OBM (on-board mass) is using previous generation technologies there could be problems with accuracy in communication.

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The mass measuring units on a multiple trailer combination should pass the message on from one to the next, making sure the data makes its way to the main monitoring unit which handles communication for compliance.

Point to point communication from the rear trailer of three to a telematics blackbox in a truck cabin may have intermittent communication.

Each generation of this technology has gotten better. Using a mesh, it is conceivable to have 10 trailers in a row and the communication will still be effective.

The alternative to using wireless communication is to rely on wired communication, and on multi combination vehicles this also has its issues.

When you have humans involved, to make sure the plugs are connected or the connections do not have issues with corrosion or moisture in the joints, issues of communication can arise there as well. A damaged cable creates issues which might necessitate rewiring to maintain proper communication and therefore compliance.

There has been some concern expressed in the industry that the technological development is moving so fast that the enforcement side of the equation are finding it hard to keep up with new technologies coming in and struggling to maintain the same level of informed oversight to ensure all of the systems coming onto the market are going to securely meet the specifications set out in the legislation.

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This then develops into a situation where the operator who buys a system, which is classified as compliant by the authorities, may find themselves in a situation where the data they are supplying to the authorities is compromised.

The delays and continuing discussions around the development of a new Heavy Vehicle National Law are also part of the problem and leave room for confusion. Once the HVNL is enacted, and that is still some time away, the guidelines for all of the compliance authorities involved should be clearer and some of the blurred lines may come into a sharper focus.

There does not appear to be a clear path on the policy side of things and the barriers to entry have been adjusted slightly to bring more players into the OBM field. This may help to satisfy the demand for this kind of equipment, but if the result is ineffective recording, and therefore, compliance, something is wrong somewhere.