GPS World

Category: Transportation

  • Tracker Allows Parents to See How Fast Teens Drive

    Tracker Allows Parents to See How Fast Teens Drive

    Photo: State Farm
    Photo: State Farm

    Telit’s cellular and GNSS Internet of Things (IoT) modules will integrate Yon Motor, a new product from Nastek Indústria e Tecnologia, bringing to market a tiny vehicle tracker with a user-friendly mobile app. Besides vehicle security, speed is a top concerns for parents of teenage drivers. Yon Motor targets this market, delivering real-time location and speed data to a smartphone app along with a number of vehicle security features.

    The innovative project was developed in partnership with Telit.  The company’s GL865-QUAD and SL871 GPS modules are integrated in the miniature Yon Motor to deliver machine-to-machine communication and location awareness respectively.  The free Yon Motor mobile app is available for download in iOS and Android.

    “What parent would not want to know about their children’s night out or would not sleep better knowing that they are respecting speed limits? The idea of Yon Motor was to create something that could get people closer through Internet of Things,” says Lauro Cruz, CTO, Nastek. The Yon Motor tracker was built with latest generation technology. Moreover, the solution is lightweight and waterproof, permitting parents to secure it to any motor vehicle.

    “The Yon mobile app lets users follow vehicle movements in real time and can be downloaded for free to a smartphone. The tracker helps combat car accidents involving young people, since parents have full visibility of their children’s driving speeds and the routes they take,” Cruz said.

     

  • SmartChoice Program Lets Fleets Choose Level of Video Protection

    SmartDrive Systems has introduced the SmartDrive SmartChoice Program, a video-based safety program that provides fleets the freedom to choose the level of video protection that best aligns with their specific business priorities and needs.

    Whether the company’s primary objective is exonerating drivers from frivolous claims or preventing collisions with 360-degree visibility to risk, SmartDrive’s SmartChoice Program offers a product line to meet each fleet’s requirements. The new SmartDrive Shield and SmartDrive Defender, in conjunction with SmartDrive Assurance, offer flexibility in video-based safety by providing a program allowing users to start now and upgrade at any time with existing hardware.

    “With our SmartDrive SmartChoice Program, we put choice squarely in the hands of our customers, ensuring every fleet now has a better way to protect its drivers with video,” said Steve Mitgang, CEO of SmartDrive, “We understand that a video safety program needs to fit the culture of the individual fleet. With three video-safety product lines and our distinctive open platform, SmartDrive’s SmartChoice Program lets fleets decide what they need, how best to deploy video within their operation and when the time is right to scale their investment, by moving up to a more comprehensive solution as their requirements expand.”

    With the SmartDrive SmartChoice program, fleets can choose from among three product lines, each with unique capabilities and benefits, as described below:

    SmartDrive Shield — A road-facing camera combined with on-demand video offload and easy-to-use review workflow, SmartDrive Shield is designed for fleets that have owner operators or are not yet ready for integrated coaching, and are focused on capturing every collision, exonerating when not at fault and providing drivers the ability to record issues on the road, such as delivery verification and security incidents.

    SmartDrive Defender — Configurations of up to two cameras offer road-facing and cab views, with automatic video offload, risk scoring and integrated coaching. SmartDrive Defender is designed for fleets that want to protect every driver by identifying high-risk incidents — including speeding, lane departure, hard braking and collisions — and provide proactive coaching to reduce collision frequency, improve safety and reinforce good driving skills.

    SmartDrive Assurance — Deployment of up to four cameras enables a 360-degree view of the vehicle and insight into the most frequent causes of collisions — such as U-turns, backing, unintended lane changes, roll-overs and close following — delivering a high level of coverage and complete visibility to risk. SmartDrive Assurance is designed for fleets focused on maximum protection and prevention of safety and compliance-related incidents.

    The SmartDrive multi-tiered video-based safety program identifies unsafe driving with an extensible platform, integrating video, vehicle data, audio and driving data for a unified and comprehensive view of risk. The SmartDrive SmartChoice Program offers unmatched flexibility for fleets with a wide range of priorities, while ensuring that companies’ investments in video solutions are protected and can evolve as their operational needs change and technology advances.

    Fleets that previously felt video safety didn’t fit their driver or operational environment now have an option with SmartDrive Shield, a no-coaching, road-facing only solution focused on exonerating drivers in not-at-fault collisions. When ready for an integrated safety program, fleets can easily move to SmartDrive Defender or SmartDrive Assurance, leveraging the same flexible video analytics platform.

    “With our SmartChoice Program, it’s all about letting fleets decide what’s best for them, in terms of  onboard system integration, how many cameras they incorporate, what type of risk they want to measure, and how or if coaching is part of their operations,” emphasized Mitgang. “SmartDrive Shield, Defender and Assurance not only reduce collisions, but also save fleets time and resources, which can then be focused on delivering increased value to their customers through on-time delivery, accuracy and better overall service.”

  • Omnitracs Unveils Next-Generation Navigation Solution

    Omnitracs-logoOmnitracs LLC has added Omnitracs Navigation to its portfolio of solutions. Omnitracs Navigation uses Big Data collected from more than 250,000 customers contributing more than four billion data points. The company terms Omnitracs Navigation the “next generation of navigation solutions” — it provides critical information to drivers through a user-friendly interface, with fast, near real-time updates and extensive fleet configuration options.

    Omnitracs Navigation delivers critical information drivers need in a meaningful and distraction-free way, enabling them to be time efficient, stress free and safe while navigating.

    Omnitracs Navigation provides fleets and drivers with the following features:

    • Data Publishing — All of the data is stored onboard with Omnitracs as the data publisher. Updates are sent to the unit automatically as the data changes so that the unit is always current. By leveraging traditional data (such as posted speed and traffic light locations) combined with real-time data (including current traffic and weather conditions), and Big Data (how a particular road is used at a certain time, and “black spot” high frequency accident zones), Omnitracs Navigation delivers a more consistent, predictable and accurate plan for maximizing the road network.
    • Actionable Data — Data is pulled from Omnitracs telematics units to build statistical models that create an enhanced, truck-preferred network that is constantly pushing new and actionable data to drivers. More than turn-by-turn instructions, the tool is constantly updated to ensure that drivers have a better and safer navigation experience.
    • Driver Community — Omnitracs Navigation has a closed-loop feedback mechanism, which brings driver feedback into the data-editing process and gives them an opportunity to improve their navigation experience, along with the navigation experience of fellow drivers. The loop is closed by informing the driver of how his or her feedback was used, leading to improved driver satisfaction and retention by acting as the driver’s trusted advisor.

    “Navigation has evolved with the advent of smartphones and GPS devices, and the days of folded paper road maps are gone,” said Rick Turek, chief navigation scientist at Omnitracs. “However, we know that current and hybrid systems aren’t yet perfected and still struggle in keeping data current. Imagine not knowing that a new road has opened up or that a road’s name has changed; these are the types of things that can easily frustrate drivers. Omnitracs Navigation is the next-generation navigational solution that delivers current and actionable data so that drivers can do their jobs more safely and efficiently.”

    Omnitracs Navigation leverages the proven technologies of HERE and INRIX. HERE Map Content contributes rich, automotive-grade data that enables large semi fleets to navigate across the U.S. and Canada. Through this partnership, Omnitracs provides precise turn-by-turn navigation, as well as enhanced resource tracking and route optimization.

    INRIX will provide real-time traffic and historic traffic profiles, along with travel time and incident alerts, for every major road type including highways, arterials and city streets.  INRIX combines information from connected vehicles and other public and private sources to provide accurate real-time traffic that covers more than five million miles in 42 countries. Omnitracs Navigation will launch with INRIX Traffic XD Profiles, followed by real-time traffic and incidents.

  • Trimble Adds Asset Tracking to Fleet Management Suite

    trimble_logo_OLDTrimble has launched Trimble Asset Tracking, a solution that offers complete visibility into the location and utilization of portable assets from a convenient portal.

    An enhancement to its fleet management portfolio, Trimble Asset Tracking enables field service organizations operating high-value portable assets, such as generators, pumps or trailers that are towed behind a service vehicle, to better manage asset performance and costs to increase efficiencies and improve operations.

    “We recognize the importance for businesses to have the visibility to not only manage their vehicles but also their portable assets,” said John Cameron, general manager of Trimble’s Field Service Management Division. “Asset tracking solutions are becoming an increasingly valuable tool for those that rent, lease or own portable assets that are critical to their field service operation. Having real-time information into the location and utilization of portable assets can enable businesses to determine how best they should be deployed in order to optimize productivity and their return-on-investment.”

    Key features include:

    • A map view of the location and status of the towed, powered and non-powered assets.
    • Integration with Trimble Fleet Management to view vehicles alongside the assets within one interface.
    • High-level utilization reports for an individual or group of assets from across multiple locations.
    • Rugged hardware with simple installation.
    • Long-life battery that can send location alerts for up to 3 months on a single charge.
    • Real-time alerts if a unit changes location, has been disconnected and wakes on motion for instant location reporting.

    Trimble Asset Tracking enables businesses in industries from construction to utilities to streamline their workflow in the field. When deployed in conjunction with Trimble Fleet Management, businesses can benefit from a single portal to view their entire field operation, knowing where each vehicle and asset is in real time at the touch of a button.

  • SiTrack:One by Leica Geosystems Makes 3D Point Clouds without GNSS

    SiTrack:One by Leica Geosystems Makes 3D Point Clouds without GNSS

    Photo: Leica Geosystems

    Leica Geosystems has released SiTrack:One, a highly accurate rail track maintenance and refurbishment system incorporating the Leica ScanStation P40 to generate 3D point clouds. 

SiTrack:One by Leica Geosystems ensures complete coverage of an entire rail infrastructure surface without the need to receive GNSS signals for position information, the company said.

    With a new mounting design, the total solution for rail maintenance and refurbishment produces synchronized engineering, survey-grade 3D point clouds for accurate as-built drawings. 
The Leica ScanStation P40 can either be mounted vertically in the centre of the rails or inverted directly over the rail track. Rail bridge sleeper replacements can be measured quickly generating a numbered as-built replacement plan for each individual sleeper on a rail bridge.

    The sophisticated system is equipped with two powerful distance measurement instrument (DMI) or odometers that provide accurate positioning in GNSS-denied areas, such as underground railway tunnels or underground subway networks. The system’s on-site calibration process guarantees permanent alignment of the relative position between the sensors and its onboard inertial measurement unit, guaranteeing position accuracy.

    The German engineering firm Vermessungsbüro Riemenschneider GbR was the first to use the SiTrack:One by Leica Geosystems. When converting existing railway tracks in the course of track maintenance for the Deutsche Bahn AG, the firm required complete, accurate and consistent information on existing tracks, clear structure gauge, route topography and civil engineering works. With the SiTrack:One, Vermessungsbüro Riemenschneider GbR experienced significant workflow gains by leveraging the highly accurate point clouds directly into the engineering process.

    “The SiTrack:One by Leica Geosystems guaranteed  the complete survey of railway sidings with a minimum stay of surveying personnel in the danger zone of rail transport,” said Dipl.-Ing. Andreas Riemenschneider, principal of Vermessungsbüro Riemenschneider. “Thus, the costs of security measures were significantly reduced. The state-of-the-art system conforms efficiently to the demands for survey, visualisation, documentation, evaluation and approval of existing and new routes, all in accordance with rail transportation guidelines.”

    Developed from acquired knowledge 
SiTrack:One is the first solution to be released under Leica Geosystems from the acquisition of the former Technet-Rail 2010 GmbH. Leica Geosystems acquired the previous firm’s specialised knowledge of geospatial big data for rail transportation networks in May to increase its mobile mapping offerings for the rail industry.

    “One of our goals in obtaining this specific know-how was to provide users with a dedicated tool for passenger rail networks monitoring and maintenance, and with the development of SiTrack:One, we are taking the first step on this roadmap,” said Stuart Woods, Leica Geosystems Geospatial Solutions Division vice-president. “Professionals can now trust their measurements on rail are accurate even in the most difficult conditions.”

    SiTrack:One by Leica Geosystems includes software enabling data synchronization, post-processing and feature extraction. This solution is part of the SiRail Suite, which includes the SiRailScan and SiRailManager software solutions.

    SiRailScan allows for a complete extraction of the railway network with engineering accuracy level, while SiRailManager, the database management tool, creates a holistic view of an operator’s railway network from point cloud to geometry and signal layers. The combination of these solutions form the  SiControl platform, which conforms to the requirements of the  European Train Control System and produces complaint rail xml outputs for full train feedback control.

  • Magellan Integrates RoadMate with Position Logic Tracking Platform

    Magellan Integrates RoadMate with Position Logic Tracking Platform

    The Magellan RoadMate RC9496T-LMB commercial navigator.
    The Magellan RoadMate RC9496T-LMB commercial navigator.

    Magellan is integrating its RoadMate RC9496T-LMB fleet navigation device with Position Logic’s advanced GPS tracking software solution. The partnership allows Position Logic service providers to leverage all Magellan RoadMate RC9496T-LMB devices.

    The RoadMate RC9496T-LMB, a 7-inch Android GPS fleet navigation device, is available now to current and prospective Magellan and Position Logic customers. Position Logic, a division of KORE, provides precision location-based services for business-to-business applications.

    The Magellan and Position Logic integration delivers a powerful and seamless end-to-end communication and navigation solution for fleets, the companies said. The solution includes the RC9496T-LMB, an active mobile terminal, allowing real-time two-way communication between driver and dispatch when paired with Position Logic’s GPS tracking software. Users can send and receive important information to immediately identify driver status including route-receipt, in-route or on-scene, and deliver real-time messages to improve driver productivity. The solution delivers critical information for field service fleets, emergency services, roadside assistance and many more applications.

    “Position Logic is an innovative technology leader in the location based services space. We are pleased to partner with them and offer the Magellan RC9496T-LMB to Position Logic customers,” said Stig Pedersen, associate vice president of product management for Magellan. “The combination of our two services delivers a highly efficient and flexible way for dispatchers to communicate with drivers in real-time, saving time, money and frustration.”

    The RC9496T-LMB is also connected to Magellan’s SmartGPS Eco cloud, providing drivers and fleet managers with customizable time and money saving content such as: real-time fuel price information, weather and truck speed limit warnings.

    “We are pleased to have the RoadMate RC9496T-LMB integrated. The Magellan integration further complements our Workflow/Dispatch module; improving communication between the dispatcher and driver and enhanced stop management,” said Felix Lluberes, executive vice president, advanced applications, KORE. “I am certain our service providers will be able to leverage the device and deliver more comprehensive services.”

    The Magellan RoadMate RC9496T-LMB is available now. It has an MSRP of $399.

  • Global Car GPS Industry Analyzed in New Market Report

    The Global Car GPS Industry 2015 Market Research Report is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the car GPS market spread across 108 pages, profiling 21 companies and supported with 245 tables and figures. The report is divided into 13 major chapters that offer an overview of the current market, as well as forecasts for the car GPS industry.

    The report provides a basic overview of the car GPS industry, including definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure. Analysis is provided for the international markets, including development trends, competitive landscape analysis and key regions’ development status. Development policies and plans of the car GPS industry are discussed and analyzed, as well as manufacturing processes and cost structures. This report also states import/export consumption, supply and demand figures, cost, price, revenue and gross margins.

    The report focuses on major global players in the car GPS industry, providing information such as company profiles, product picture and specification, capacity, production, price, cost, revenue and contact information. Upstream raw materials and equipment and downstream demand analysis is also carried out. Industry development trends and marketing channels are analyzed. Finally, the feasibility of new investment projects are assessed and overall research conclusions offered.

    With 245 tables and figures supporting the car GPS industry analysis, the research provides key statistics on the state of the industry and is a source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the market. Companies profiled include Coagent Electronic S&T Co. Ltd. (Guangdong), Denso (Tianjin), Soling Industrial (Shenzhen), Rotiss Electronics (Huizhou), Shinco (Jiangsu), Skypine Electronics (Shenzhen), UniStrong (Beijing), RoadRover Technology (Shenzhen), Bosch (Shanghai), Newsmy (Beijing), Pioneer (Shanghai), Wanlida Group (Xiamen), BDStar Navigation (Beijing), FlyAudio (Guangzhou), ChanghongIT (Sichuan), Saige GPS (Shenzhen), Panasonic (Beijing), Link Create (Shenzhen), Clarion (Dongguan), Alpine (Beijing)  and Aisin (Tianjin).

    A related study titled “2015 Deep Research Report on Global Vehicle GPS Industry” provides a basic overview of the industry including definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure. The vehicle GPS market analysis is provided for the China markets including development trends, competitive landscape analysis, and key regions development status.

    With 147 tables and figures, the report provides key statistics on the state of the industry and is designed to be a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the market. The report focuses on China’s major leading industry players, providing information such as company profiles, product picture and specification, capacity, production, price, cost, revenue and contact information. Upstream raw materials and equipment and downstream demand analysis is also carried out.

    Vehicle GPS industry development trends and marketing channels are analyzed. Finall,y the feasibility of new investment projects are assessed and overall research conclusions offered. Companies such as Garmin, TomTom, Cobra, GlobalSat, Jensen, Deeper, Dragonpad, PUMPKIN, Pupug, Pyle, Rand McNally, Raymarine, Soundstream, Sourcingbay, Stouch, Uniden, YINUO, Generic  and Humminbird  are profiled.

  • Cobham Launches Two ‘Sailor’ Marine Receivers

    Cobham Launches Two ‘Sailor’ Marine Receivers

    SAILOR 6560 GNSS_500x500
    The Sailor 6560 GNSS System is delivered with the Sailor 6004 Control Panel and the corresponding Sailor 6285 GNSS Antenna or Sailor 6286 DGNSS Antenna.

    Cobham SATCOM has launched two new Sailor satellite navigation receivers. Both the Sailor 656X GNSS and new Sailor 657X DGNSS (Differential GNSS) are black-box products designed to be part of a system Cobham SATCOM refers to as its “multi-function universe.”

    The advanced touchscreen Sailor 6004 Control Panel at the heart of the Multi-Function Universe provides full control for all products connected to it from a single device. The Sailor 656X GNSS and Sailor 657X DGNSS join the Sailor 6391 Navtex and Sailor 628X AIS as new generation Sailor products designed to work with the Sailor 6004 Control Panel. Operation of all systems connected to the Sailor 6004 Control Panel is done by selecting the icon for the product on the touchscreen, providing access to set-up, functions and diagnostics.

    “The Multi-Function Universe approach means that a variety of products can all be accessed from a single screen on the bridge and anywhere else a repeater is needed, making installation far more flexible than with traditional products that all require their own screen. The approach also saves space on the bridge, and importantly, makes the life of maintenance engineers easier as they have a single point of entry to the network,” explains Claus Hornbech, Business Manager, Cobham SATCOM.

    The Sailor 656X GNSS and the Sailor 657X DGNSS collect satellite data from any available navigation satellites including GPS and GLONASS and distribute it to a variety of on board systems such as; ECDIS (Electronic Chart DISPlay System), INS (Integrated Navigation System), GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress & Safety System), SATCOM (Satellite Communication System), MCS (Master Clock Systems) and PABX (Telephone Exchanges).

    Cobham SATCOM offers four variants of its new satellite navigation products, all of which are designed 100% in house. The Sailor 6560 GNSS System and Sailor 6570 DGNSS System are delivered with the Sailor 6004 Control Panel and the corresponding Sailor 6285 GNSS Antenna or Sailor 6286 DGNSS Antenna, while the Sailor 6561 GNSS Basic and Sailor 6571 DGNSS Basic are delivered with the antennas only.

    All four variants use the same proprietary Sailor 6588 DGNSS Receiver, which provides highly accurate data, enhanced by means of Satellite Based Augmentation System (SBAS) from various areas including WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) for the United States, EGNOS (European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service) in Europe, and systems from Japan, India and Russia. The Sailor 6285 GNSS Antenna and Sailor 6286 DGNSS Antenna are also both new, designed and manufactured according to Cobham SATCOM’s quality standards.

    “The accuracy and availability of satellite positioning and timing data is vital to vessel safety as so many critical navigation and communication systems rely on it to operate,” adds Jan Kragh Michelsen, VP Maritime Business Development, Cobham SATCOM. “All elements, from the black-box to the antennas, multi-function display and the user-interface of the systems are new and developed 100 percent in house at Cobham SATCOM, so customers can be confident in the reliability of our new GNSS and DGNSS products, in addition to our revolutionary Multi-Function Universe operating concept.”

  • Prototype Car Travels from Paris to Bordeaux in Autonomous Mode

    Prototype Car Travels from Paris to Bordeaux in Autonomous Mode

    An autonomous Peugeot Citroën has driven itself all the way from Paris to Bordeaux, a distance of 360 miles (550 km). (Credit: PSA Peugeot Citroën)
    An autonomous Peugeot Citroën has driven itself all the way from Paris to Bordeaux, a distance of 360 miles (580 km).
    (Credit: PSA Peugeot Citroën)

    On Oct. 2 one of PSA Peugeot Citroën’s four autonomous vehicles traveled the motorway from Paris to Bordeaux to take part in Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) World Congress, which was held Oct. 5–9.

    The 580-km trip was completed entirely in autonomous mode without driver involvement. The car autonomously adjusted its speed and changed lanes to overtake, taking into account other vehicles, speed limits and infrastructure.

    In July 2015 PSA Peugeot Citroën became the first carmaker to obtain the relevant authorizations to carry out open road tests using four autonomous prototypes and some 15 such models in 2016.

    PSA Peugeot Citroën is working to develop solutions and technologies to make the car of tomorrow smarter, the carmaker said, to enhance driver comfort and adapt to changing customer behavior and expectations. Autonomous driving features will help cut the number of accidents linked to human error and reduce driver fatigue in monotonous driving situations. These projects will soon be applied to production models, with the gradual deployment of driverless features.

    “The journey made by our prototype today proves that autonomous vehicles are no longer of matter of science fiction. This ushers in a new era for mobility, which I find truly exciting,” said Carlos Tavares, chairman of the managing board of PSA Peugeot Citroën.

    At the ITS World Congress PSA Peugeot Citroën presented its car-to-car and car-to-infrastructure communication systems, along with its autonomous vehicle. The systems, which offer a new source of information, use data transmitted by other vehicles and infrastructure to enhance awareness of the vehicle’s surrounding environment. The idea is to improve road user safety by anticipating certain critical situations to reduce the number of accidents.

  • Aeris, Isotrak Collaborate on Improved Connectivity, Data for Fleets

    Aeris is partnering with Isotrak Ltd. to provide improved cellular connectivity and data analytics for Isotrak’s global customers.

    By leveraging Aeris’ machine-optimized and patented AerCore IoT and M2M network, AerPort connectivity platform and AerVoyance IoT and M2M analytics platform, Isotrak has added advanced capabilities to its 3iS FleetVision solution, part of its real-time ATMSi (Active Transport Management System) fleet management system. Isotrak can now provide business intelligence data to provide retailers and manufacturers with a full view of their transportation ecosystem — including their own fleets as well as those of third-party suppliers.

    The collaboration between Aeris and Isotrak will provide customers with a reliable mobile network optimized to meet the demands that IoT/M2M solutions for fleet management creates, while providing actionable visibility and measurement into the performance of vehicles and drivers through data analytics. Isotrak’s integrated supply-chain solutions depend on accessing near real-time data with robust alerting and reporting capabilities, which Aeris is able to deliver through its carrier-agnostic network.

    “Our fleet management system provides data for a total vision of a fleet manager’s transportation ecosystem. We wanted to ensure reliable connectivity services and data insights no matter where our customers are located,” said Jason Price, sales and marketing director with Isotrak. “By leveraging Aeris’ expertise in IoT network solutions, we are able to quickly provide a robust, global solution that goes well beyond improved connectivity and competitive rate plans to offer customers real-time, useful information at their fingertips to help improve their cost structure.”

    Aeris’ global support of major cellular technology standards, such as GSM, CDMA and LTE, enables partners like Isotrak to offer customers flexibility and the potential for growth throughout the globe, the companies said.

    “The inherent security built into the Aeris system gives companies like Isotrak peace of mind, and the speed of onboarding, even with a private virtual network, provides a competitive advantage,” said Mohsen Mohseninia, vice president for international market development at Aeris. “We can deliver technology that can be quickly deployed and will show immediate value while also helping to reduce the time to market for new products and services.”

  • GPSTrackIt Offers Android Apps for Mobile Workforce

    Two new products from GPSTrackIt.com offer users of their Fleet Manager vehicle tracking, fleet and workforce management system new tools for navigating, routing and communication.

    Field Service Manager provides access to Fleet Manager’s route planning and navigation system. New stops can be pushed out to the tablets from dispatch. It enables drivers to add stops to their route on the fly. Push notifications also alert the driver to incoming messages, regardless of which page in the app they are currently viewing.

    GPSTrackIt Forms takes the communications component of the FSM to a new level. This tool provides the ability to quickly create forms to capture everything from text to photographs to signatures.

    “The new forms tool is really powerful,” said Eddie Bermudez, GPSTrackIt.com’s product development manager. “Part of it’s power is the ease of use. The different field types are created by clicking a button and adding a field label. It’s that easy.”

    GPSTrackIt Forms provides unlimited forms. Form data can be captured offline and updated later. The tool provides 24 preset field types, including text, video and a document viewer.

    “The forms aren’t just dumb collectors, either,” added Bermudez. “There’s a rules engine that facilitates skip logic and branching. And the forms can have embedded formulas and perform advanced calculations, including formula-based form scoring.”

    The form tool can also export data to Excel, PDF, CSV, and JSON formats. “These two tools combined provide drivers and the back office with an amazing array of opportunities to collect data about their customers, as well as their own customer service,” Bermudez said.

  • Fleet Management Company Omnitracs Unveils New Brand Identity

    Fleet Management Company Omnitracs Unveils New Brand Identity

    Omnitracs-logoFleet management company Omnitracs LLC introduced today its new branding, which unifies its specialized business units under a single naming, messaging and creative architecture. Elements of the new brand platform include a redesign of the corporate logo and tagline, a refined core messaging, and new design treatments, the company said in a press release, all of which will be applied to the full spectrum of Omnitracs communications vehicles in the coming months.

    What operated before as independent business units — Roadnet, XRS, Sylectus and Analytics — are now fully integrated flagship products within Omnitracs’ broad range of solutions: compliance, safety and security, productivity, telematics and tracking, transportation management system (TMS), planning and delivery, data and analytics, and professional services.

    “Over the past few years and through a series of strategic acquisitions, Omnitracs has grown to become a global force in comprehensive fleet management solutions for fleets of all sizes, whether private or for-hire,” said Omnitracs CEO John Graham. “The new brand platform — from creative to messaging — properly aligns our distinct business units under the power of a single, well-respected brand: Omnitracs. The new branding is representative of the collective strength of our uniquely varied expertise, our continuous innovation and drive to revolutionize the transportation industry, and our ability to deliver best-in-class solutions to our customers for today and tomorrow.”

    A cornerstone of Omnitracs’ new brand is its signature, comprising the logo and tagline. The modern symbol that accompanies the Omnitracs logotype illustrates motion, innovation and convergence. The tagline, “innovation. driven.” speaks to the core attributes of the company and reflects both its inventive nature and focus on delivering the most reliable and valuable solutions available, the company said.

    “Omnitracs has long been recognized as the pioneer in fleet management solutions and as a product and technology innovator,” said Jim Gardner, vice president of marketing at Omnitracs. “Our new unified branding reflects the alignment of our business units into a single, end-to-end solution portfolio offering our customers greater insight into their business and higher profits from their fleets.”

    Omnitracs will further unveil its new visual branding, colors and imagery at the American Trucking Associations (ATA) Management Conference & Exhibition, Oct. 17-20 in Philadelphia.