Accurate odometer and run-hour data is essential for maintenance scheduling, asset utilisation reporting, and compliance. Datalink GPS tracking devices include built-in on-device odometer and run-hour logging.
What is On-Device Odometer Tracking?
The on-device odometer uses GPS speed and position data to calculate the cumulative distance travelled by each vehicle. This figure is continuously updated and reported to the platform, giving you an accurate picture of total kilometres travelled without relying on manual odometer readings.
What are Run Hours?
Run hours (also called engine hours) measure the total amount of time a vehicle’s engine has been running, as determined by the ignition input signal. This is particularly useful for:
- Equipment that is billed by the hour rather than distance (e.g., cranes, generators, forklifts)
- Scheduling maintenance based on engine runtime rather than distance
- Tracking idle time versus productive use
How Odometer and Run Hours are Used
Datalink’s platform uses odometer and run-hour data to power several key features:
- Maintenance Reminders: Automatically trigger service reminders when a vehicle reaches a set number of kilometres or run hours.
- Utilisation Reports: Understand how actively each vehicle or asset is being used over any time period.
- Driver Reports: Break down distance and run hours by driver using Driver ID data.
Preventing Towing from Inflating Odometer
Datalink devices include a ‘Transported Trips’ feature that can detect when a vehicle is being towed (i.e., moving without ignition on) and exclude that distance from the vehicle’s odometer and run-hour logs. This ensures your odometer data accurately reflects driven distance only.
Resetting or Calibrating the Odometer
If you need to synchronise the on-device odometer with the vehicle’s dashboard odometer (e.g., for a newly deployed device), this can be adjusted in the Device Manager portal. Contact Datalink support at support@datalinktech.com.au or 03 7064 0515 for assistance.
