DAF is the brand on which ONYX telematics shows its full potential. The XF, XG, XG+, CF, XD and LF models are among the most heavily used tractors in Europe, and with DAF we do not only read vehicle data, in the XF model we can clear fault codes remotely. This guide explains from the ground up what telematics is, what you can do with it in DAF vehicles, and why our solution is exceptionally effective for this brand.
A short story from the road
Let us start with a real scenario that explains the value of telematics better than any definition. A DAF tractor got stuck on the motorway because a reported fault limited engine power. Instead of calling a tow truck, the dispatcher cleared the fault code remotely from the platform. The driver reached the service under its own power. Towing would have cost around EUR 8,300. This is not theory, it is a concrete saving delivered by well-deployed telematics on a DAF vehicle.
What telematics is and why it concerns every DAF vehicle
Telematics combines vehicle position (GPS), technical data from its electronics (the CAN bus) and the transmission of that information over the cellular network to a server accessible from a browser. In practice telematics turns a DAF truck into a data source that tells you in real time where the vehicle is, how it is driven and what is happening to its components.
DAF telematics consists of four elements:
- An on-board device connected to power, GPS and the CAN bus.
- The CAN bus, the internal vehicle network through which data from all systems flows, including the tachograph.
- Data transmission over the 4G LTE cellular network.
- A cloud platform with maps, reports, alerts and files.
Modern telematics does not force its way into DAF electronics. It uses the FMS interface, a factory-provided safe data output.
What telematics gives you in a DAF truck
Remote diagnostics, fault reading and clearing
This is the strongest area for the DAF brand. Telematics reads fault codes (DTC) straight from the vehicle electronics, and for DAF, fault reading is confirmed on our side. Moreover, in the DAF XF model, remote fault clearing is confirmed. As a result:
- You learn about a fault before the driver reports it.
- You know exactly which component is reporting the problem.
- In many cases you clear the fault at a distance, and the vehicle reaches the service on its own.
- You plan the repair ahead, because you know which part will be needed.
24/7 GPS monitoring
You see where each DAF is, which route it took and where it stopped. Route history lets you reconstruct every trip, account for stops and confirm delivery with no calls to the driver.
Remote download of DDD tachograph files
A device connected to the CAN bus communicates with the tachograph and automatically downloads DDD files from the driver card and the tachograph memory. The duties are firm: driver card data must be downloaded at least once every 28 days, and tachograph memory at least once every 90 days, with penalties for failure reaching PLN 10,000 per vehicle. Telematics sets a schedule with a margin and does it automatically.
Fuel and driving style control
The system reads real fuel use, engine RPM, cruise control use, harsh acceleration and braking from the CAN bus, then builds driver scoring. You reward the best and train the weaker.
Alerts and reminders
The system warns of a fault immediately, reminds you of inspection deadlines and key service duties. Geofencing notifies you when a vehicle enters or leaves a defined area.
The FMS interface in DAF: why it is the foundation
Every modern DAF can share data through the FMS interface (Fleet Management System). It is an open standard developed in 2002 jointly by six European truck makers, including DAF, MAN, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, Iveco and Scania. The goal: to let manufacturer-independent telematics read data from any brand without risky tapping into the internal bus.
The FMS interface exposes, among others:
| Data group | Example FMS parameters |
|---|---|
| Driving | vehicle speed, tachograph speed, engine RPM |
| Fuel | total fuel used, fuel level |
| Operation | distance, engine hours, service distance |
| Load | axle weight, mass |
| Driver | tachograph data, driving time |
| Identification | VIN, FMS software version |
For a DAF fleet owner this matters because a direct connection to the vehicle internal bus can affect the warranty and the reliability of the electronics. The FMS interface is a factory-intended, safe output of the same data, which ONYX telematics uses.
DAF telematics versus the factory DAF Connect system
DAF develops its own DAF Connect system, which shows location, fuel use and vehicle utilization. It is a good tool if your entire fleet is DAF only and you want to stay in the manufacturer ecosystem.
The advantage of independent telematics shows up with a mixed fleet and with diagnostics. First, you see DAF, MAN, Volvo, Iveco and Mercedes in one panel, on one set of reports and with one payment term. Second, for DAF XF we offer remote fault clearing, a function that genuinely saves you from towing rather than just informing you of a problem.
How ONYX telematics reads data from DAF vehicles
Our fleet telematics works on any brand, but it is on DAF that it shows its full potential.
- DAF fault code reading confirmed, and for DAF XF remote fault clearing.
- Remote DDD download from the tachograph and driver card, on schedule and in line with the rules.
- 24/7 GPS, route history and geofencing for XF, XG, CF and the other models.
- Fuel, driving style and driver scoring straight from the CAN bus.
- Inspection reminders and real-time fault alerts.
- Installation through the OBD socket in about 5 minutes or full CAN and tachograph integration by a technician.
- Browser access, an API and a ready integration with ONYX TMS.
DAF telematics for different models and uses
| DAF model | Typical use | What benefits most from telematics |
|---|---|---|
| XF | long-haul transport | confirmed remote fault clearing, remote DDD, fuel |
| XG / XG+ | premium long-haul | diagnostics, fuel control, scoring |
| CF | distribution and regional transport | route optimization, alerts, zone control |
| XD | new-generation distribution | route history, diagnostics, fuel reports |
| LF | urban deliveries | location, stop control, vehicle protection |
Where to start with DAF telematics
- Define the goal. For DAF it is most often reducing downtime and towing costs through diagnostics and fault clearing.
- Check vehicle equipment. Most DAFs have the FMS interface, which simplifies and speeds up installation.
- Choose the scope. GPS, GPS with DDD download, or the full package with diagnostics, fault clearing and fuel control.
- Plan the installation. Through OBD it takes a few minutes; CAN and tachograph integration is a technician job.
- Configure the platform. DDD schedule, alert thresholds, geofencing zones and fuel reports.
Want to use the full potential of telematics on a DAF fleet, including remote fault clearing on the XF? Get in touch and we will tailor the scope to your transport profile.
Bibliography and sources
- FMS-Standard, official documentation of the Fleet Management System interface, www.fms-standard.com
- ACEA, Heavy Truck Electronic Interface Group, description of the FMS standard for commercial vehicles
- DAF Trucks, overview of the XF, XG, XG+, XD, CF, LF models and the DAF Connect system, www.daf.com
- Regulation (EU) No 165/2014 on tachographs in road transport, regarding data download deadlines
- ONYX product materials on the scope of diagnostics, fault reading and clearing
