OPTAC3 FAQs

OPTAC3 Web customers: The upgrade on your account has been carried out on 8 February 2011. You do not need to do anything.

OPTAC3 PC/Server installation customers: please visit this page for information on how to carry out the upgrade to Version 3.0.

Information imported from digital driver cards can be edited within the Calendar View area. In order to perform this operation, please log in to OPTAC3 as a Standard User. Once you have logged in please click on "View Data – Drivers" in the blue ribbon at the top of the screen. Thereafter please click on the Calendar View icon and select a driver. The Calendar View will now display activities for the current month.

Please click on a day and then on "Day View" button, details for that day will be displayed in a graphical form. To edit activities, please left click with your mouse on the activity you would like to modify and then select the alternative activity. You can repeat this operation as many times as you like, please ensure you click the "Save" button after you have completed your changes.

By clicking on "Change" you can now switch between the edited data and original data.

It is important to note that for enforcement purposes, the raw digital data that can be exported from OPTAC3 is always left in it original unedited format.

Yes. The OPTAC3 Admin User can perform this task. Depots can now only be created by the Admin user. The Admin user then assigns the depots to the corresponding Standard user. Assigned depots can easily be altered at a later stage by clicking "Edit" next to the username.

Please be aware that Standard Users can only view the drivers and vehicles for the depots they have been granted access to. Drivers and vehicles that have not been allocated a depot are viewable by all Standard Users.

It is possible to identify if you are on the Web, PC or Server version by clicking on the OPTAC3 icon on your desktop. The OPTAC3 application will open. If you can read "http://www.optac3.com/" in the address bar , located at the top left hand corner of the new window then you are using the Web version. If you can read "localhost" in the address bar, then you are using the PC or Server version.

If you stop using OPTAC3 you will be able to export your digital data by using the options in the "Export" menu. As for the analogue data, you already have that data available on your analogue charts. It is not possible to export analogue data from OPTAC3.

Remember that you will only need an Activation Code if you are using the OPTAC3 PC or Server versions.

If that's the case, we recommend that you retrieve your Activation Code by clicking on the Retrieve link on the License Activation page. If this is not successful, then you must contact our Customer Support Team on 0870 887 9202 or by email: optac@stoneridge.com

Before you call please ensure that you have the following information to hand: Company Name, Address, the name of the person who will be responsible for the software, as well as his/her telephone number and email address. Finally, you will also have to provide us with the serial number of the USB Software Key, so have the silver bag supplied in your box to hand when you contact our Customer Support for the first time!

If you are planning to install the software in the evening or during the weekend when the Helpdesk is closed, why not contact the Customer Support Team in advance - they will be able to provide you with an Activation Code.

OPTAC3 can be used with the OPTAC Download Tool, digifobpro and the Siemens VDO Download key. If you are unsure whether your download tool is compatible with OPTAC3 then please contact a member of our Customer Support Team who will be able to assist you.

If you are using OPTAC3 on the web, there is no need to back up your data. All the data you upload to OPTAC3 is saved onto our Stoneridge secure server, which is mirrored in real time onto a back up server. These two servers are in two different locations, in order to make online data storage on OPTAC3 even more secure.

If you are using the PC or Server version of OPTAC3, we strongly advise you perform back-ups in case of computer failure or a fire. A back-up is the only safeguard you have, so please make sure you perform this procedure regularly and that your backed up data is stored in a secure location.

Regardless of which version of OPTAC3 you are using, you must still make sure that your analogue charts are safely stored, as a scanned image of an analogue chart is not a legal document.

All the data you upload to OPTAC3 is saved onto our Stoneridge secure server which is mirrored in realtime onto a back up server. These servers are in separate locations, making online data storage on OPTAC3 even more secure so you don't need to worry about losing data.

Moreover, access to your OPTAC3 web account is secured by a user name and password; it can only be accessed by someone in possession of this information. Stoneridge will not under any circumstances provide your data to any third-party.

OPTAC3 can only be used with the supplied Panasonic Scanner. We strongly recommend that you contact our Customer Support Team if you wish to use a Panasonic Scanner you already own.

The Panasonic Scanner used with OPTAC3 is compatible with all type-approved analogue charts.

You do not get charged for accessing OPTAC3, but you are charged for each file successfully imported into OPTAC3.

This means that whenever you transfer data from your download tool or when you import a scanned chart into OPTAC3, credits will be debited from your OPTAC3 web account or from your OPTAC3 USB Software Key.

This is how the calculations are made : One card download file equals one credit, one vehicle download file equals one credit and one analogue chart equals one credit.

Viewing data, editing reports, exporting data: this is not charged, so take advantage of this great tool that makes data analysis easy!

If you are currently using OPTAC3 under your Free Trial period, you are not being charged for importing data.

If you are using OPTAC3 on the web, the application will be updated automatically. You will only be requested to install new versions of the Import Wizard utility.

If you are using the OPTAC3 PC or Server versions, we will send you a CD or provide a weblink to download the latest version. Please make sure we have your correct details and that the CDs we send are installed.

You can purchase the Download Block of your choice from this website. Simply click on Products and you will find the Download Blocks listed on the left-hand side among the other products. If you would rather speak to our Sales Team, they are available Monday to Friday, 8am to 4.30pm, on 08000 73 15 77.

Download Blocks are only available for OPTAC3 web customers and you can choose only to buy what you require: digital only, analogue only or a combination of both! With OPTAC3 on the web you can buy as little or as often as your business requires.

First of all, we are delighted to welcome you as a new customer. Have you already decided which version of OPTAC3 you would like to buy?

We would recommend you speak to our Sales Team, who are available Monday to Friday, 8am to 4.30pm, on 08000 73 15 77.

They will be able to advise which product is best suited for you and will make your purchase as easy as possible.

And please don't forget to let us know if you would like to retain the data you currently have in your Free Trial Account!

Simply click on the Home icon in the blue menu bar (Ribbon) at the top of the page. On the Home Page, you will find our Hints and Tips and on the left-hand side the number of downloads available to you.

OPTAC3 uses Internet Explorer as an interface to view data. Internet Explorer is installed on all Windows PC's and therefore is easily accessible and familiar to the majority of PC users.

First of all, make sure you have Administrator rights for the PC. Then click on Start > Settings > Control Panel > Folder Options > View.

Scroll through the Advanced Settings list and you will find an entry called "Use Simple File Sharing". You must de-select this option and click Apply. Your Simple File Sharing is now off and you can continue with the installation of OPTAC3.

In some cases, the Installation Wizard will ask you to insert the Windows XP CD. This happens when the Installation Wizard tries to use certain Windows system files and cannot locate them. These files can be found on your Windows XP CD, so the Wizard will ask you to insert the CD, and will then copy the files it requires. Once that's done you will be prompted to insert the OPTAC3 Installation CD again to continue with the installation.

Please remember if you require any assistance our Customer Support Team is here to help.

If you stop using OPTAC3 you will be able to export your digital data by using the options in the "Export" menu. As for the analogue data, you already have that data available on your analogue charts. It is not possible to export analogue data from OPTAC3.

OPTAC3 works with Internet Explorer 7 and 8. If you are using an alternative browser then this will display the browser message.

To enable a client PC to access OPTAC3 PC/Server the firewall on the PC/Server with OPTAC3 installed on it must be configured. If the PC/Server is Windows XP then port 80 needs to be accessible. On other supported operating systems port 85 needs to be accessible.

To fix this error, click on Start and then Run. Type in the following command "%windir%\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v2.0.50727\aspnet_regiis.exe -i"

To reset your OPTAC3 web admin password, click on the Forgot Password link. An e-mail will be sent to the user who setup the OPTAC3 account with a new admin password.

Yes, there are two types of OPTAC3 users: Admin and Standard users.
The Admin User can only configure the system. Therefore, the Admin user must set up all Standard Users, who will then be able to import, view data and generate reports. If you are the only person using OPTAC3 you must still create one Standard User.

Login as an Admin User. Click on "Users", then "User Management" tab. Click on "Add User". Fill in the details required then click "Accept".

The OPTAC3 Import Wizard is the application required to import digital data files or analogue charts into OPTAC3. It must be installed on all computers you wish to import data from regardless of whether you are using OPTAC3 on the web, on a PC or on a Server. If you only wish to view data or generate reports, you do not need to install the Import Wizard utility on your computer.

Login as an Admin user, click on "Configuration", then "System Configuration". Click on the underlined word: SETUP and when prompted, click on Run. The application may require a few minutes to download and install.

First of all, please make sure that your computer meets our System Requirements. During the installation of OPTAC3 you may need to install files directly from your Windows XP CD. Therefore please make sure this CD is available. Then insert the OPTAC3 Installation CD. It will run automatically. From then on, you will find on-screen instructions to follow. For any issues during the installation of the software, please contact our Customer Support Team on 0870 887 9256, they will be very happy to assist you.

Please contact the Customer Support Team on 0870 887 9256 if you require assistance with a server installation of OPTAC3.

Before connecting your scanner to the computer please ensure that the OPTAC3 Import Wizard is installed on your PC. Set up your scanner following the enclosed Panasonic Installation Guide; please do NOT install the Panasonic Scanner Driver & Utilities CD (step 8) as this is NOT required. You are now ready to start scanning charts.

Please remember : If you are using OPTAC3 on the web, there is no need to back up your data. If you are using OPTAC3 on a PC or on a Server, you will be able to back up your data via the OPTAC3 Database Maintenance program. Click on Start, then Programs, then select Stoneridge. Click on OPTAC3 DB Maintenance program shortcut. Follow the on-screen instructions.

If you log in as an Admin User, it is important you take some time to set up the OPTAC3 parameters. We would suggest you start by installing the Import Wizard on the PCs that will be used to import the data. Next create some Standard Users. Finally, make sure you visit the Configuration menu: you will have to set up a few parameters such as the Working Time Directive functionality. You can also amend your Local Time settings through this menu and switch on the Daylight Saving Time feature.

Yes you can. Log in as an Admin user, click on "Activity Log", then "Activity Log Viewer". A detailed breakdown of user activity will be displayed underneath.

Enter your User Name and your Password at the top right-hand corner of the screen. Then click on Login. If you are logging in as an Admin user, your password will be provided by Stoneridge. If you are a Standard user, your user name and password will be provided by your OPTAC3 Admin user.

Click on "Company", then on "Depot Management". Click on the "Add" button and then fill in the required details. You can then click on "Add" and return to the main screen or click on "Add Next" and then keep entering new depots.

Click on "Drivers", then "Analogue Drivers Management". Click on "Add". In the new window, fill in the details. If a driver drives both digital and analogue, we advise you to link the two drivers' records. This way, your reports will give you a complete overview of your driver's activity, regardless of the vehicle that was being driven.

Click on "Vehicles" then "Analogue Vehicles Management". Click on "Add". In the new window, fill in the details. If a vehicle used to be fitted with an analogue Tachograph but is now fitted with digital, we advise you to link the two vehicles records. This way, your reports will give you a complete overview of your vehicle's activity, regardless of the Tachograph type used.

No, you do not need to create drivers and vehicles that are digital only, they will be automatically created when you import the files into OPTAC3. However, you must create analogue drivers and vehicles. When using OPTAC3 for the first time we advise you to import all your digital data, then create your analogue vehicles and finally your analogue drivers.

The default username is "Admin" and the default password is "Stoneridge1". This will login as the administrator account and allows the creation or editing of user login details.

Yes, but only one digital file at a time. Click on the "Data Input" tab then the "Import Digital Files" icon. Click the "Browse" button, select the digital file you wish to import and click "Process" to begin.

Ensure your OPTAC Download Tool is connected and switched on. Click the shortcut for the OPTAC3 Import Wizard on your desktop. Login and select the "OPTAC Download Tool" option.

Before proceeding please ensure access to the Download Key has been granted through the Siemens Key Configuration software. Click the shortcut for the OPTAC3 Import Wizard on your desktop. Login and select the "Multiple File Import" option. Select the DOWNLOAD directory on the Download Key.

Click the shortcut for the OPTAC3 Import Wizard on your desktop. Login and select the "Multiple File Import" option. Select the folder where the digital data is stored.

Ensure your Panasonic Scanner is connected and switched on. Place the analogue charts you wish to scan in the Panasonic Scanner. To make user processing of the charts even faster, we recommend that the charts are orientated face up and with the earliest date to the back. Click the shortcut for the OPTAC3 Import Wizard on your desktop. Login and select the "Analogue Chart Scanner" option.

Although not a requirement it is recommended that you enter all centre field information from the analogue charts. This will help provide even more information on your reports.

Please ensure that you have scanned some analogue charts into OPTAC3. Login to OPTAC3 and select "Data Input". Click on the "Process Scanned Analogue Charts" icon. Select the "Unprocessed Charts" tab and click the "Open" button next to the chart you wish to process.

Analogue Chart errors can be recorded in the "Chart Errors" tab when processing charts.

Click on the "Data Input" tab, select the "Processed Scanned Analogue Charts" icon and then choose the "Non Drive Days" tab. Click the "Add" button and then select "Edit" for the driver for whom you wish to create the holiday or sick leave for.

Log in to OPTAC3 and select either "View Data - Vehicles" or "View Data - Drivers" tab. Click on the "View Digital Data" icon and then click on the "Select" button next to the desired driver or vehicle.

Driver and Vehicle activity is displayed using a colour coded system. Driving is illustrated in red, Other Work in blue, Periods of Availability in yellow and Rest/Break in green.

Please note speed from a digital vehicle can only be obtainined by performing a VU Download. Login to OPTAC3 and select "View Data - Vehicles" tab. Click the "View Speed Information" icon and then click the "Select" button next to the desired vehicle.

By selecting the "View Combined Digital and Analogue Data", you will be able to view all data in local time. Select the "View Data - Drivers" tab and click the "View Combined Digital and Analogue Data" icon. Click the "Select" button next to the desired driver.

Yes, by selecting the "View Combined Digital and Analogue Data" icon, you can see a monthly overview of driver activity.

The Calendar View gives the best overview of driver activity. Access the Reports section of OPTAC3 if you wish to print off reports on driver and vehicle activity.

To resolve this issue open the Reporting Services Configuration on the PC/Server with OPTAC3 installed on it. This can be found in Start, Programs, Microsoft

To change a date on a processed analogue chart, open the chart. Once the specific chart is opened, click on the "Analogue Charts" title at the top of the screen to display the hidden centre field details. Once the date has been changed, click on the save button at the bottom of the screen.

This message appears as the chart trying to be saved has no vehicle against it. To resolve click on the Traces tab, type in the vehicle details and then click on the Add button. Once a vehicle has been added the chart can now be saved.

All the reports within the software contain useful information, however the top six reports we recommend are the Drivers Letter, Card Download Reminder, VU Download Reminder, Unknown Driver, Missing Mileage and the Weekly Averages Graphical report.

The Driver's Letter and Infringements reports will display any applicable infringements for the date range specified. It is also possible to view infringements in the Day View within the "View Combined Digital and Analogue Data" section of the software.

Login to OPTAC3 and select either "Vehicles" or "Drivers" in the menu bar. Select the "Export Digital Data in Legal Format" icon. Highlight the drivers or vehicles you wish to export and click "Show Data". Your data will be exported to a compressed Zip file format. It is not possible to open raw digital data from a driver card or VU.

To print reports in OPTAC3, click on the Print icon. An Active X control must be installed for the print control to work. If the print control is blocked please check the browser security settings for Active X controls. Alternatively any report can be exported to a different format and saved electronically.