Deutz Ag last week announced it is the first engine manufacturer to develop its own telemetry system for industrial engines. The current condition of the engine and all machinery can be constantly and reliably evaluated in real time using key engine data such as coolant, oil and fuel levels, which are transmitted to a central server.

Deutz, which has road-tested this system, says customers are highly satisfied with the possibilities and opportunities that Deutz Telematics offers. The data can be read and evaluated on any Internet-enabled computer from anywhere in the world. Also, Deutz Telematics works bi-directionally so that it can provide remote access to defined functions as well as analyzing and monitoring the machine.

Additional functions include geo-fencing theft protection in which an Internet interface enables users to stipulate the operating range of their machinery. If this limit is exceeded, a warning signal is emitted or a text message is sent to the owner.

By constantly monitoring the capacity utilization and availability of their engines and machinery, customers are able to identify excess capacities and improve the efficiency of their vehicle fleets. Deutz Telematics is also designed to optimize the entire scheduling process because positional data and the equipment's status are available to the user at all times. Furthermore, downtime can be reduced drastically because the system sends timely information in the event of error messages.

Deutz Telematics is engineered for easy installation, consists of only a few components and can be flexibly adapted to meet customers' needs. It is also compatible with non-Deutz engines. The Deutz Telematics controller that receives positional data via a Global Positioning System is attached to the engine.

Using a Controller Area Network (CAN) bus or digital/analogue inputs, the controller records engine data such as speed, operating hours and oil or fuel levels and transmits it at freely configurable intervals by Global Packet Radio Service (GPRS) to a central server. The server receives the engine data and prepares it for Internet access.