Date published: 01.09.08 - not release date

SCM Chipdrive Driver Card support for digital tachograph

Ease of use and ready compliance at an attractive price

SCM Microsystems has introduced a comprehensive software utility package to support fleet operators in the read-out and management of digital driver cards. Driver cards together with strict rules governing the operation of commercial freight and passenger vehicles are now in force for new vehicles fitted with digital tachographs.

This legislation widens the scope for recording drivers' hours to include van-based minibuses and other light commercial vehicles, over 3.5 tonnes which previously did not require tachographs. The companies employing drivers, if only on temporary contracts, will be responsible for ensuring that drivers reporting for work have had sufficient rest and are eligible to drive within the duty time frame.

The new CHIPDRIVE reader and software solution enables fleet managers to check that drivers are roadworthy before starting a new shift. On the road it can be used to display and read-out data from the driver cards. Managers can use the data to analyse driving and resting times and schedule working and availability times, as well as perform additional functions.

As a management tool, the new CHIPDRIVE reporting facility can be used to display and manage data for as many drivers as required. Information about each driver is automatically collected when his or her card is inserted, eliminating the need for manual entry.

The data can also be retrieved from the reader at a later point in time, even if the card is not inserted. The user can also specify whether the data collected from the card should be archived automatically, on command or not at all.

Once data is archived to the reader, the driver can encrypt the data if desired before transferring it to the transport company via a simple e-mail interface.
The CHIPDRIVE Driver Card solution also includes an overview function, which provides a summary of all vehicles within a transport operation, so fleet managers can see which vehicles were used when, by what drivers, and for how long.

Despite the robust capabilities offered by the new solution, the CHIPDRIVE reader and software are designed to be quite simple to use, featuring a graphical interface that is logical and easy to understand.

The new CHIPDRIVE Driver Card Solution is currently available in German and English. Other languages can be downloaded from the CHIPDRIVE website at http://www.chipdrive.net

A module for reading data from digital driver cards was already included in a previous version of CHIPDRIVE Smartcard Commander -- a software program for editing and managing data saved on different types of smart cards. All SCM Chipdrive products are marketed in the UK by Security IP.

However due to significant demand from drivers and transportation companies throughout Europe, SCM Microsystems now offers the driver card support package as a dedicated application with numerous enhancements.

To expand the client base in the UK, Security IP is recruiting prospective distributors and who are already involved in the support aftermarket for commercial transport fleet operators. See www.securityip.com

Background: Digital Tachograph
As of May 1, 2006, all new commercial freight and passenger vehicles weighing more than 3.5 tons and buses with more than nine seats throughout the EU must be equipped with a digital tachograph. This control tool collects and archives data such as the date, time and distance covered, and enables more accurate monitoring of drivers' driving and resting times. The intention is to reduce road accidents caused by overtired drivers by simplifying and standardizing the collection and management of critical data about the number of consecutive hours driven. Every commercial driver in Europe must carry a digital driver card that downloads and stores all driver activities when inserted into the tachograph.

About CHIPDRIVE
CHIPDRIVE ® is a trademark of SCM Microsystems. The CHIPDRIVE product range offers small and medium-sized enterprises and individuals affordable, customized solutions for security, authentication, home banking and ecommerce. Secure card readers are based on industry standards and are ideal for providing user authentication and home banking. Smart card-based software solutions for applications such as network logon, encryption and time recording rounds off the range of CHIPDRIVE(R) products. CHIPDRIVE stands for compatibility with industrial standards, easy handling and highest possible security. For more info, please visit http://www.chipdrive.co.uk
About SCM Microsystems

SCM Microsystems is a leading supplier of solutions that open the Digital World by enabling people to conveniently access digital content and services. The company develops, markets and sells the industry's broadest range of smart card reader technology for secure PC, network and physical access and digital media readers for transfer of digital content to OEM customers in the government, financial, enterprise, consumer electronics and photographic equipment markets worldwide. Global headquarters are in Ismaning, Germany. For additional information, visit the SCM Microsystems website at http://www.scmmicro.com.
Note: All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Media Contact:
UK Mike Ottewell
MJO Associates
Tel 01538 361217
E-mail: mjo.associates@tiscali.co.uk

Enquiries:
Andi Robinson
Chipdrive c/o Security IP
Phone: 0845 125 9092
F: 0845 125 9093