FAQs

Here you’ll find the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. Click the question to reveal the answer.

We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) about our products, services, and usage of our website which may be helpful to you. If you have a question that isn’t covered here, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Common queries about the digital tachograph, smart cards, vehicle units, etc.

• 1 Where can I get a digital tachograph unit?
  All in-scope vehicles over 3.5 tonnes sold in the UK and the EU after May 2006 are required by law to be fitted with a digital tachograph.
  If you wish to fit a digital tachograph to a truck that does not have one fitted, or replace a broken digital tachograph, then you will need to contact one of the tachograph manufacturers directly or your vehicle dealer for advice on suppliers in your area.

• 2 How often should I download data from my driver cards and vehicle units?
  By law, you are required to download driver smartcards at least every 28 days and vehicle unit data every 90 days.
  Ideally, you should download driver cards and vehicle units more frequently to ensure you have regular backups of your data and any infringements can be spotted and dealt with quickly.

• 3 What are the different types of digital tachograph smartcard?
  There are four types:

  1. Driver Card. Carried by your drivers and inserted into the digital tachograph when the driver is on duty.
  2. Company Card. Used by the company for authorizing vehicle downloads, etc.
  3. Workshop Card. Available only to approved calibration centres.
  4. Control Card. Available only to VOSA and the Police for carrying out enforcement.

• 4 Who can supply me with Digital Tachograph smartcards?
  In the UK, Driver Card and Company Card application packs are available from the Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). Call the DVLA digital tachograph helpline on 0300 790 6109.
  Workshop Card application forms are available from VOSA. For further information and to get the required forms call the VOSA helpline on 0300 123 9000.

• 5 Why do I need a Card Reader and VU download tool?
  The Card Reader is connected to a PC and is used to read the information from your Driver’s Card.
  The Vehicle Download Unit is used to read Vehicle information from the Vehicle Unit (the Digital Tachograph).
  The information from both the Driver’s Card and the Vehicle Unit is required by legislation to be recorded and stored.

• 6 Which Vehicle Unit download tools can I use with Smartanalysis?
  You can use all of the widely available VU download tools, including:

  • VDO DLK Pro Download Key
  • Digidown
  • Digidown+ (new device combining card reader and VU downloader)
  • digivu
  • OPTAC
  • digipostpro
    Smartanalysis is also fully integrated with the leading remote download devices including:
  • digiDL

• 7 What are the differences between these VU download devices?
  The new remote download devices (including the digiDL) are the most convenient and efficient means of downloading data directly from your vehicles. These units can be fitted to each of your vehicles and transmit data wirelessly using either the GPRS network or WiFi.
  If you are interested in these devices, please contact our Support Team who will be able to advise on the devices available and the benefits and costs.

• 8 I get a ‘Download Fault 12′ message on the tachograph display when I download from a vehicle. Does this mean the download has failed?
  No, the download has not failed.
  The message ‘Download Fault 12’ during the download process does not indicate a problem with the download or data. Instead, it indicates that the tachograph has not stored data for certain days, likely due to disconnection of the power supply.

Questions and information relating to our Smartanalysis service

• 1 What is Smartanalysis?
  Smartanalysis is the industry-leading Internet-based tachograph analysis solution, enabling you to send analogue and digital tachograph data for analysis via any computer connected to the Internet.

• 2 Do I need Smartanalysis?
  If you operate vehicles fitted with analogue or digital tachographs, you need to manage compliance with transport legislation. Smartanalysis is an easy and cost-effective way of doing this.

• 3 What is needed to send digital tachograph data to Smartanalysis?
  To send digital tachograph data, you will need:

  • PC with minimum Pentium 4 500MHz processor
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional or later
  • 200MB free hard disk space
  • 256MB memory
  • One free USB port
  • Minimum screen resolution 1024×768
  • PC/SC / ISO7816 compliant USB Smart Card Reader capable of reading T0 and T1 type cards,
  • Broadband Internet connection 512kB or better.

• 4 What is needed to send analogue charts to Smartanalysis?
  For analysis of paper charts using Smartanalysis:

  • i. Post your charts to a tachograph analysis bureau partner, who will analyze and upload results to Smartanalysis.
  • ii. Scan charts from your depots and send them immediately to Smartanalysis for quick analysis without postal delays.

• 5 Am I tied to a contract with Smartanalysis?
  No. There is no contract and you only pay to submit data to the service.

• 6 Does Smartanalysis automatically analyze WTD rules for me?
  Yes, the WTD rules will be analyzed, providing accurate reporting on infringements, if records are filled in.

• 7 Does Smartanalysis automatically calculate Driver’s rules for me?
  Yes, all tachograph records entered are analyzed for Driver’s rules.

• 8 How much does Smartanalysis cost?
  With Smartanalysis, you can either pay-as-you-go at 25p per driver per day or pre-pay for a subscription and save over the PAYG rates.

• 9 How do I pay for Smartanalysis?
  You can pre-pay for your subscription or opt for Pay-As-You-Go billing, which is invoiced monthly based on usage.

Information and answers about the data you collect and how it is available

• 1 Are my records completely secure?
  Yes. All access is password protected and uses 128 bit SSL encryption.

• 2 Are my records available to DVSA or the Police?
  No.

• 3 If I use Agency or Part-Time Workers will I be charged for weeks they are not working?
  No.

• 4 Can I have a copy of my records?
  Yes. Your records are your property. Please contact us.

• 5 Can I record holidays and sickness?
  Yes. All days not working due to holidays can be recorded.

• 6 Can I get support if I have problems?
  Yes. Please contact our support team on 01249 477099 or email servicedesk@descartes.com.