Transport Certification Australia (TCA), a key authority within Austroads, is significantly expanding its telematics data capabilities. This initiative reflects TCA’s dedication to enhancing data management and improving road safety and efficiency in Australia’s public sector.
TCA oversees the National Telematics Framework, which has gained international recognition as an ISO15638 standard. This framework enables the consistent and reliable collection of telematics data from over 30 approved service providers and hardware suppliers. TCA’s assurance role involves evaluating these providers against strict performance-based technology specifications, ensuring that the data collected is both consistent and of high quality.
Matt Brunsdon, Chief Data & Technology Officer at Austroads, stated, “Running multiple highly assured data collection schemes, across a marketplace of 30 approved telematics service providers and suppliers of hardware, TCA receives data that is generated every 30 seconds from over 17,000 vehicles across Australia.” This regular data collection is crucial for effectively monitoring and managing road usage. TCA aims to expedite the publication of this data for road managers and regulators, thereby improving their decision-making processes.
The demand for TCA’s telematics services has significantly increased, underscoring its vital role in enhancing operational efficiency. The data analytics generated from telematics enable transport agencies to assess freight vehicle operations, streamline cross-border access for operators, and prioritise infrastructure enhancements. Brunsdon remarked, “The surge in demand highlights the importance and critical reliance on TCA’s services. In response, we have embarked on a project to modernise our existing data platform, aiming at enhancing its capacity and service delivery.”
The modernisation of TCA’s data platform will provide near real-time, high-quality data that reveals valuable insights into traffic volumes, vehicle routeing compliance, and the overall effectiveness of freight and transport initiatives. This upgrade will enhance the accuracy of information available to stakeholders, facilitating better planning and operational decisions.
To achieve this modernisation, TCA has chosen Databricks as its technology platform, known for its medallion architecture that efficiently processes data and strengthens governance. Brunsdon states, “Databricks’ platform is particularly well-suited for quickly onboarding and processing data, supporting enhanced data governance and insights.”
TCA has formed a partnership with Mantel Group, recognised as the Databricks Asia Pacific Japan Emerging Partner of the Year 2024, to harness their expertise in modernising data platforms. Brunsdon states, “Mantel Group’s expertise in data platform modernisation and their understanding of TCA’s business objectives make them an ideal partner.”
This initiative not only upgrades TCA’s telematics capabilities but also lays the groundwork for digitising over 90 years of Austroads’ road and transit data. By unlocking valuable insights, TCA promotes positive outcomes in managing Australia’s road networks, ultimately enhancing digital governance and data management within the public sector.