Flexible mass monitoring with On-Board Mass (OBM) systems
Transport Certification Australia (TCA) today advised that type-approved OBM Systems will soon be available through the National Telematics Framework.
Often referred to as electronic weigh scales, OBM Systems are widely used to manage vehicle loading, to demonstrate conformance that mass limits are being met for other parties along the supply chain, to enable higher productivity access to the road network, and to manage loading practices to improve road safety.
TCA Chief Executive Officer, Chris Koniditsiotis, said, “The inclusion of OBM Systems within the National Telematics Framework digital platform ensures the collection of mass information is not a ‘one trick pony’ and can be used seamlessly across different industries, policy areas and regulators.”
TCA type-approval includes an assessment of accuracy and integrity of OBM Systems, as well as an assessment of the business standing of OBM System suppliers – a key indicator of OBM System suppliers’ ability to deliver the level of business continuity and support expected by stakeholders.
In addition to meeting these core obligations, OBM Systems may offer varying functions and capabilities to meet different stakeholder needs, expectations and future policy requirements.
One of the most prominent differentiators between OBM Systems is the way mass information is presented and recorded – from the provision of electronic displays, through to mass information collection, and interconnectivity with telematics devices. Three categories of OBM System type-approval cater for these functional capabilities, as summarised below:
| Category | Description |
| Category A | OBM Systems in this category electronically display mass information to drivers and/or loaders |
| Category B | OBM Systems in this category also collect and transmit mass information |
| Category C | OBM Systems in this category collect and transmit mass information in a standardised way to telematics devices (in accordance with TCA’s Interconnectivity Specification) permitting the ability to ‘plug and play’ |
Being part of the National Telematics Framework provides the scalability and interconnectivity to suit stakeholder needs. This fusing of data collected from different devices and systems, in a standardised way through the National Telematics Framework, opens the door for new opportunities for industry and government to do business.
TCA will keep end-users up to date with the availability of type-approved OBM Systems, as they become available. Additionally, a reminder to providers and suppliers of OBM Systems interested in receiving type-approval to contact TCA.
Further information on OBM system type-approval, including the application process can be found on the OBM system page.