What is a Smart OBM system?

Smart On-Board Mass (OBM) systems are devices that use digital technology to collect and transmit mass data from vehicles in a reliable and standardised way. Smart OBM systems that have been type-approved by TCA are now available from several major suppliers. View our type-approved OBM page.

Smart OBM systems need to be paired with a certified Application Service Provider (ASP). The ASPs use type-approved telematics devices when pairing with a Smart OBM system.

The following table shows the pairings between ASPs and Smart OBM system suppliers.

  Smart OBM system suppliers and their type-approved Smart OBM devices
  Airtec Corporation E-max Aust Elphinstone Weighing Systems Fleetweigh Pty Ltd Knorr-Bremse Integrated Vehicle Solutions Loadmass Right Weigh Tramanco
Application Service Providers and their Smart OBM compatible type-approved devices 89AX series AXS series Air-Weigh LoadMaxx Elphinstone Easyweigh™ Multi FleetWEIGH iMass LoadSMART T300 LoadSMART T300v2 LM300 Can-Coder LM-530 Smart OBM Exterior Digital Load Scales The CHEK-WAY Eliminator
BlackBox
  • 8006IAPC-HL
  • 8006IAPC-RC
 Cabled connection Cabled connection Cabled connection Not paired Not paired Cabled connection Not paired Not paired Cabled connection Not paired Not paired Not paired
MTData
  • Series 4000
  • Series 5000
  • Series 7000
 Cabled connection Cabled connection Cabled connection Not paired Not paired Cabled connection Cabled connection Not paired Cabled connection Cabled connection Wireless connection Cabled connection
Netstar
  • TRK2004G
 Cabled connection Cabled connection Cabled connection Not paired Not paired Not paired Not paired Not paired Cabled connection Cabled connection Not paired Cabled connection
Teletrac Navman
  • VT102
  • VT101
 Cabled connection

Cabled connection

or

Wireless connection

 Cabled connection Not paired Not paired Cabled connection Not paired Not paired Cabled connection Not paired Not paired Cabled connection
V-DAQ
  • TAG3036
 Wireless connection Wireless connection Wireless connection Wireless connection Not paired Not paired Wireless connection Wireless connection Wireless connection Wireless connection Wireless connection Wireless connection
WHG Telematics
  • GC-03-COMMUNICATOR
 Not paired Not paired Not paired Not paired Wireless connection Not paired Not paired Not paired Not paired Not paired Not paired Not paired
 
Wireless connection Paired with wireless connection
 
Cabled connection Paired with cable connection
 

Information for Transport Operators

On-board mass measurement can be very valuable for supporting your commercial operations. OBM systems provide you with critical information about the loading of your vehicles, which is important to manage safety and regulatory compliance while also maximising productivity. Smart OBM systems allow the digital collection and transmission of data for later analysis and reporting.

FAQs for Transport Operators

It many cases, it’s possible for an existing OBM system (already fitted) to be upgraded to a Smart OBM system.

Speak with the supplier of your OBM system, or contact TCA.

Speak to your ASP and supplier of the Smart OBM system. For more help, please contact TCA.

You’ll need a Smart OBM system if required by a road manager, regulator or other party which specifies, as a condition, either enrolment in TMA or a combination of TMA and the IAP, where Smart OBM systems are required.

More productivity-enhancing arrangements using Smart OBM systems are currently being planned. Stay up-to-date by subscribing to TCA.

 

There are three categories of OBM system operating under the National Telematics
Framework. The three categories differ in the functionality offered and their intended use, noting that the ability to accurately measure and report the mass of an axle group and a vehicle is consistent across all categories.

These three categories are:

  • Category A – OBM systems in this category electronically display collected data to drivers and/or loaders.
  • Category B – OBM systems in this category also collect and transfer the collected data.
  • Category C – OBM systems in this category collect data and transfer data records in a standardised way to a telematics device (in accordance with Interconnectivity of Telematics Device with Other Systems Functional and Technical Specification).

Only a Smart OBM system (Category B) or Smart OBM System (Category C) will work with an application of the NTF. Category A OBM systems have been type-approved, and may be suitable for a wide range of commercial uses, but do not comply with Smart OBM system requirements.

We have detailed differences between categories of OBM systems in our fact sheet.

View our OBM fact sheet

Yes, all Smart OBM systems need to be calibrated from time-to-time.

When TCA type-approves a Smart OBM system, it also approves the supplier’s recommended methods for maintaining accurate and reliable mass measurements.

You’ll need to follow your Smart OBM manufacturer’s recommendations for the maintenance and calibration of your device.

  1. Talk to your preferred service provider, potential OBM suppliers and shop around. Select a supplier who offers type-approved Smart OBM systems that work for you, and is supported by your preferred service provider. Get useful information about suppliers of type-approved OBM systems on our Type-Approved OBM Systems page.
  2. Have your chosen type-approved Smart OBM system installed in your vehicles.
  3. If you don’t already have one, get a permit or carry a copy of the applicable Notice from your road authority or the NHVR that allows you to operate to mass specifications at the level that you need.

Information for suppliers

TCA grants approval for OBM systems against the On-Board Mass System Functional and Technical Specification, which contains performance-based functional and technical requirements for OBM systems.

Approval may be in the form of type-approval or an equivalent approval mechanism acceptable to TCA. Suppliers of OBM systems must meet applicable requirements in the functional and technical specification, irrespective of the approval mechanism.

FAQs for suppliers

Type-approval of OBM systems involves the assessment of OBM system ‘types’ against the performance-based requirements contained in the OBM System Functional and Technical Specification. The specification contains requirements for three OBM system categories, which cater to different needs of different users. You can apply for type-approval for a Smart OBM system by contacting TCA.

If you are a new supplier of Smart OBM systems, you can obtain type-approval from TCA. For more information please visit Obtaining Type-Approval of an OBM System.