UNIT White Paper (November 2009)

Transcription

1 UNIT White Paper (November 2009) A REVOLUTION IS COMING TO THE TRUCKING INDUSTRY The UNIT and related systems/processes are covered by U.S. Patent No. 6,401,078 and/or one or more pending patent applications

2 A REVOLUTION IS COMING TO THE TRUCKING INDUSTRY Improving fleet profitability and customer satisfaction requires a comprehensive onboard computing platform with rich business process integration capabilities. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY There are 650,000 trucking fleets operating in the United States, including Less Than Truckload (LTL), Truckload (TL), and private carriers. These fleets are under increasing pressure to optimize profitability, improve operations, and increase customer satisfaction. iglobal Mobility provides a comprehensive service offering that is unique in the trucking industry, which can be used to help these fleets meet their goals. The interactive unit is a rugged, state of the art onboard computer that mounts in the tractor and provides appliance-like ease of use. High speed digital communication is used to exchange data through servers that integrate with your fleet management applications. With integrated high-speed document scanning, Global Positioning System (GPS), voice communication, engine monitoring, and electronic dispatch capabilities, information is always available where you need it, and when. The Onboard Computer for the modern fleet accomplishes many tasks in one simple, easy to use unit. Some of the services include: DOCUMENT IMAGING LOCATION BASED SERVICES ENGINE METRICS TRAILER & DOLLY TRACKING TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING DRIVER COMMUNICATIONS BUSINESS INTEGRATION This white paper provides an overview of the challenges facing fleets today, and how the unit can be used to profitably address the business challenges your clients face each day IGLOBAL MOBILITY. 2

3 THE PROBLEM Fleets today face many challenges: Improving Driver Productivity o How can I help my drivers move more freight while driving fewer miles? o How can I help my drivers spend less time on data entry? o How can I tell if my drivers are making the best use of their time? Increasing Driver Retention o How do I retain my good drivers in an increasingly competitive environment? o How can I streamline the collection of documents to expedite driver payment? o How can I help my drivers focus more on driving and less on paperwork? Controlling rising Operation and Maintenance Costs o Which tractors in my fleet are the least fuel efficient? o Are tractors generating fault codes that may require non-scheduled maintenance? o Are all tractors operating with the proper tire pressure? Increasing Demand for Real-Time Data o How can I receive shipment documents before the driver arrives at the terminal? o How can I expedite the collection of driver daily logs? o How can I pinpoint the current location of my tractors? Consolidating dispatch activities o How can I increase dispatcher efficiency and still meet customer expectations? o How can I notify my drivers of en-route changes to their pickup/delivery schedule? o How can I quickly identify which inbound truck has the available space for a late pickup? The unit can be an effective tool in solving all these challenges and more. UNIT OVERVIEW The unit is a rugged, state of the art onboard computer that mounts in the tractor with an appliance-like ease of use. It is a dash-mounted LCD display with web based applications and a 7 touch screen display IGLOBAL MOBILITY. 3

4 The device has been designed to serve as the foundation of an integrated fleet management offering. It provides real-time GPS data to support location based services, and turn-by-turn directions to the next stop; integration with the vehicle s Engine Control Module (ECM) provides remote access to real-time vehicle telemetry; trailer and dolly tracking enhance asset tracking and management; tire pressure monitoring functionality helps ensure safe equipment and aids fuel efficiency; and Voice-Over IP (VoIP) supports voice communication without the need for a separate on-board radio or cellular telephone. The system employs high speed digital communications to exchange information with the servers, ensuring efficient and reliable data communication, and easy integration with your client s enterprise applications. MOBILE DATA TERMINAL Applications Shipping Documents Sheet Feed Document Scanner Document Imaging Dispatch Data Communications Enterprise Applications Location Arrival Departure ETA GPS Mapping Voice over IP Communications Messaging Engine Data Engine Control Module Interface Trip Reporting Trailer & Dolly Identification Trailers & Doll The iglobal system provides a solid foundation to build upon DOCUMENT IMAGING The device provides the most advanced mobile document imaging capabilities in the industry. A highspeed industrial sheet fed document scanner allows drivers to scan documents from the cab of the tractor, as they are received. The driver can choose from a variety of scanner settings to handle colored forms and ensure optimal image quality. To streamline processing, the driver can enter indexing information before scanning a document. The unit stores the document images and ensures successful transmission to the server with no driver intervention. The servers can send the document images to an enterprise document management system, or they can be accessed by the end user via a Web Browser. Data processing can begin within minutes after each document is received instead of waiting till the end of the driver s work shift IGLOBAL MOBILITY. 4

5 LOCATION BASED SERVICES Location based services are a critical component of any fleet optimization strategy. Our devices employ a GPS receiver and integrated antenna. Real-time GPS data allows pinpointing of the tractor s current location. In addition, the actual route traveled by the driver, and stops made, can be viewed and stored. The flow of real-time GPS data enables ETAs for stops on the driver s route to be monitored and updated, based upon actual progress. There is no longer a need for the dispatcher to contact the driver to inquire about location and route progress Geofences are employed by the system to detect when a tractor arrives at or departs a location, or crosses a state border. The unit tracks and publishes depart and arrive events to enterprise applications allowing for event based processing and simplifies the computation of state fuel and highway taxes. Geofencing the stops on a driver s route and then correlating the actual stops made by the driver with arrive & depart events also provides visibility to unassigned stops. Arrival Event Departure Event Geofence What is a Geofence? A specific location such as a terminal or customer location can be described using longitude and latitude coordinates. Defining a location can be as simple as specifying a single point with a radius around it or as complex as a polygon. By uniquely describing a location in terms of latitude and longitude the system can compare the tractor s previous and current positions to determine if the tractor is arriving or departing. ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM) INTEGRATION The unit includes a compatible interface for integration with the tractor s Engine Control Module (ECM), providing real-time access to vehicle telemetry such as speed, odometer mileage, fuel economy, engine speed, and engine fault codes. This data is transmitted to the UNIT server, allowing easy integration with Enterprise Asset Management systems. The processing of odometer readings ensures that PM cycles aren t missed, and engine fault codes can be published to enterprise applications allowing event-based processing to ensure that non-scheduled maintenance issues are caught early IGLOBAL MOBILITY. 5

6 TRAILER & DOLLY TRACKING Effective Asset Management requires the ability to track non-powered assets such as trailers and dollies. The unit provides tethered trailer/dolly tracking as long as an asset is hooked to a unit-equipped tractor, it can be tracked. Trailers and dollies equipped with an Antilock Brake System (ABS) can be tracked without adding any additional hardware. The device communicates with the ABS Electronic Control Unit (ECU) to uniquely identify each unit. For older equipment, a PLC based identifier tag can be added to uniquely identify each unit. Trailer Hook / Unhook events can be published to enterprise applications allowing for event based processing. A virtual odometer tracks mileage traveled by each trailer / dolly while hooked to a unit equipped tractor. This information can be supplied to Enterprise Asset Management systems to provide enhanced data for maintenance decisions. TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING Proper Tire Pressure is critical to safe operation and fuel efficiency. The device can monitor tire pressure and alert the driver when tire pressure drops below a safe level. This data can also be transmitted to Enterprise Asset Management systems, via the server. DRIVER COMMUNICATIONS The unit supports multiple forms of communication between the driver and terminal. The server provides interfaces that facilitate easy integration of the device with both commercial and proprietary Dispatch systems, allowing for efficient and streamlined communications. A built in speaker alerts the driver to new dispatch instructions. Text messaging provides the ability to exchange auditable information between the driver and terminal. For situations where verbal communication is preferred, the unit offers Voice Over IP (VOIP) functionality for easy integration with your voice communications infrastructure. It also includes Bluetooth support for headsets for hands free operation. In long haul environments, driver quality of life is improved by using the unit to deliver Internet connectivity. Off-duty drivers can surf the web and check , all from the cab of their tractor. The drive can also access fuel millage, idle times and engine fault codes for a deeper understanding of individual driver performance IGLOBAL MOBILITY. 6

7 DATA COMMUNICATIONS Onboard computers require reliable and secure data communications for effective integration with fleet management applications. The unit employs fast 3G technology to optimize communications and its servers ensure guaranteed delivery using a store and forward approach. For dispatching assignments, the server can alert the dispatcher if it has not been able to communicate with the unit within a defined time window, allowing exception based management. This ensures that dispatchers can focus on customers and routes instead of the status of their dispatches. BUSINESS INTEGRATION The server provides a robust integration capability between the device and Enterprise Applications such as: Dispatch System Document Imaging System Enterprise Asset Management / Fleet Maintenance System Billing / Shipment Management System Time & Attendance Driver Hours of Service Reporting Fuel/Highway Tax Computation Leveraging a relational database and a best in class integration server, information can be published in an event driven fashion for efficient and timely processing. CONFIGURATION FLEXIBILITY The unit is available as portable dash mounted system with a secondary case containing the document scanner. The device is completely self-contained, requiring only two vehicle connections. The unit features an onboard computer, 7 inch LCD color touch-screen display, high-speed industrial sheet fed document scanner, and voice communications interface. The industrial scanner is enclosed in a rugged hard-shell case designed for the bumps and vibration of life on the road IGLOBAL MOBILITY. 7

8 The display can be set to standby mode to prevent distractions while driving, and an audible signal alerts the driver to incoming messages. An optional keyboard is available for applications that require more frequent text entry or messaging. The scanner and keyboard connect to the computer/display unit using standard USB cables. As a system, the unit and its server can be configured to meet your individual needs, fully integrated with your existing enterprise applications. Screen displays can be customized to provide the necessary information and driver options. It can also be configured to communicate directly with your data infrastructure, or through a third-party processor. An on-screen Soft Input Panel (SIP) can be included for driver login and infrequent text messaging. You can select one screen display for city operations, and another for linehaul. The possibilities are virtually unlimited. UNIT INSTALLATION Installation is easy. The device is a self-contained unit that only requires connections to the tractors battery, ignition switch and ECM Interface. When a unit needs to be serviced, simply disconnect the cables and remove the unit from the tractor. A replacement unit can be installed just as easily. The high-speed scanner and optional keyboard can be placed anywhere in the vehicle, and connect to the display using standard USB cables. Vehicle connections match with the dash mounted display IGLOBAL MOBILITY. 8

9 UNIT BENEFITS The unit addresses the challenges that fleets face each day: Driver productivity is improved using the document imaging functionality to transfer data entry to lower cost clerks. This frees the driver to focus on driving and customer service. Driver retention is enhanced by providing the driver with best in class technology to aid in job performance. Electronic dispatch, turn by turn directions, off-duty Internet/ access, and digital submission of documents to expedite driver payment, all contribute to a happier and more productive driver. Improved cost control is achieved through real-time access to information, allowing timely preventive maintenance and monitoring of fuel efficiency and driver behavior. Real-time customer access to data is achieved by integrating document imaging and location data with your enterprise applications. Consolidation of dispatch functions is enabled through real-time vehicle location data, seamless integration with dispatch systems, robust driver communications, and exception based dispatch management. SOLVING BUSINESS PROBLEMS The unit is a proven platform that is available today. iglobal is a partner to Fleets, working with them to leverage technology through business process reengineering and integration with enterprise applications. This provides a tremendous opportunity for companies to compete on any level and with any size fleet. The product is available in volume quantities as a fully assembled system ready for installation in the tractor. The Server infrastructure for communication is delivered using the application service provider model. Rich integration capabilities allow integration with existing customer systems. The device is a key enabler for carriers seeking a competitive advantage in an increasingly technologydriven industry. Onboard document scanning means you can process freight bills and invoices faster. Vehicle telemetry and performance data help streamline maintenance operations. Real-time GPS and electronic dispatch capabilities enable exception-based dispatch management. Integrated voice communication replaces radios and cellular telephones. And your drivers will benefit from leading-edge technology that makes their job that much easier. All of our services combine to create a level of operational efficiency and customer service that establishes your company as an industry leader and leaves the competition lagging behind IGLOBAL MOBILITY. 9