The Surfsight AI-12 dashboard camera (dashcam), manufactured by Israeli telematics technology company Surfsight, tracks specific driving events and vehicle locations, which are stored on board and automatically uploaded to the cloud. This enables users and fleet managers to remotely monitor vehicles and driving events.

The solution is suitable for smaller fleets, logistics and courier companies, because it provides most of the functionality of a full digital video recording system using dual video feeds, accelerometers and intelligence built into the device to monitor events such as harsh braking or swerving, and to monitor drivers’ eyes to warn of distracted driving should be detected, explains video technology specialist integrator GIT executive Laurence Smith.

The dashcam is distributed and supported locally by GIT. It provides a good balance between the functionality of a digital video recording system and the cost of a standalone dashcam system, while ensuring live feeds, recording and event logging, he says.

The system does not require significant information technology equipment resources, and can be scaled up quickly and as required by the client, such as installing additional cameras in the vehicle loading bays and adding them to the system if required.

The alerts, their priority and importance can also easily be set through a series of digital switches on the Web-based interface. Alerts are sent by email to the relevant team and/or reporting system for resolution, Smith adds.

“Clients and their employees can, thereby, use any Internet-capable device to monitor their vehicles.”

The device uses an on-board fourth-generation modem to transmit the required data – typically a location, the type of alert triggered and a video of five seconds prior to and five seconds after the event – to the relevant system or manager, says Smith.

“Clients can also access live video from the device or retrieve footage from the secure digital card of the device. The system also provides tracking and breadcrumb (the route taken by the vehicle, including the duration of each leg and stops) functionality to help fleet tracking, planning and management.”

The Surfsight device can also help to monitor driver behaviour and compare it to the performance of other drivers, as well as improve driver safety using eye tracking and audible distraction alerts for the driver.

The device is easy to install and can be linked to the vehicle battery, cigarette lighter or the on-board computer plug. The electronics, Sim card and storage card of the device are protected by security screws and a tamper alert is sent if this is removed outside authorised times, adds Smith.

The alerts can be customised to suit the fleet’s needs, such as a panic button that will also trigger an alert, indicate the location, and upload a video immediately.

“We believe this is a smart, suitable solution for various fleet management needs. It is customisable and easy to run and maintain,” he concludes.