MY ETT News » software

Squarerigger Software opens a new ‘revolution’ in tire management

Mryan — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 19:20:03 +0000

Squarerigger Software recently released a revolutionary product two years in the making that can yield important information about tires and their return on investment. Revolution, the software company’s tire management system, operates on wireless, handheld PC’s and utilizes mobile and server-based software to track tire inspections, inventory, miles per and cost per metric entered. Over time, the system will yield customized reports on how fleets compare to others in the same vocation, equipment, tires, etc., in terms of best buying practices and best wear.

Handheld, Wireless Tire Tracking System Records Inspections, Inventory, More

After two years of development work, Squarerigger Software announced the release of its Revolution tire management system, says Ed Cooper, president of the fleet maintenance management software provider based in the Seattle region.

Revolution was designed to be a stand alone product that will supplement any fleet maintenance management system. Revolution utilizes mobile and server-based software; wireless hand held PCs; and electronic data collection methods to eliminate paper from the tire tracking process for commercial and private fleets.

The company highly recommends that fleets who use the Revolution system deploy the software on Motorola 5590 mobile wireless handheld PCs to increase the accuracy and speed of gathering tire data, Cooper says. Fleets can purchase the Motorola computers from Squarerigger.

Click here to visit CCJ and read the complete story.

TMC: Mitchell 1 to guide mechanics through repairs

Mryan — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 21:59:02 +0000

A new Repair-Connect system will be available this March from Mitchell1. The system, which connects shop computers to the Web, guides mechanics through each step of a repair. Technicians will have the ability to input trouble codes, then the manual for the particular component deemed necessary of repairs will be sent electronically. According to the manufacturer, the system’s content will be updated on a weekly basis.

TAMPA, Fla. — Mitchell1 is unveiling its new Repair-Connect system this March, offering a visual system that connects shop computers to the Web, and guides mechanics through each step of a repair.

Technicians that need to access service information manually input an engine’s related Diagnostic Trouble Code or simply plug into the cab’s nine-pine Deutsch connector. The related repair guide is sent to a laptop within 30 seconds.

The information that appears on the screen offers a brief description of the challenge, how long the code lasted, and the number of times the code was set. Perhaps most important of all, it offers a clear look at every related component.

Click here to visit Truck News and read the complete story.

The future of high tech trucks is now

Mryan — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 20:40:46 +0000

The future of trucking will see a stronger OEM relationship with its customers, in terms of monitoring equipment sold, as well as more of a mass market appeal for hybrids, according to experts at the recent Heavy Duty Dialogue 2010 in Las Vegas. With new truck sales lagging behind, the panel has already seen a growth in OEMs’ interest in telematic implementation and upkeep of sophisticated software platforms. But the next phase of that equipment monitoring will focus on driver behavior.

OEM Interest in Technology Boosted by Lagging Sales

LAS VEGAS — While the past decade served mainly as an R&D period for advanced truck technologies, the next 10 years is when telematic and hybrid systems will really mature for real-world use.

That was the word from a trio of experts at the Heavy Duty Dialogue 2010 here in Las Vegas during a panel discussion on trucking technology, titled The Next 10 Years.

Clem Driscoll of research firm CJ Driscoll & Associates said that while many fleets have experimented with various telematic technology in a portion of their fleet, the economy of scale is improving so quickly that implementing such products in many more trucks working in a wider variety of applications is inevitable over the next decade.

Click here to visit Today’s Trucking and read the complete story.

iTECH: Another Kind of Cell Block

Mryan — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 19:35:26 +0000

Technology may have stopped distracted driving in its tracks. As concerns have grown over the use of cell phones or diversion from the road caused by texting, many states have called for bans on the use of cell phones and other wireless communication devices. However, a number of motion-tracking technologies are available, which effectively shut down texting capabilities or restrict the use of answering calls or listening to voice mails while in motion. Others automatically switch the devices to a hands-free setting to help eliminate as much of the distraction of using the device while still remaining in contact.

A person trying to chat or read and send text messages while driving could find his cell phone disabled, thanks to technology coming into the market.

Applications for commercial drivers are part of the mix of new products that address what many are saying is a rising safety issue: distracted driving. If people won’t voluntarily avoid using handsets while operating a motor vehicle, there are ways to render cellular connections inoperable, or at least report the driver’s activities to management.

Click here to visit Transport Topics and read the complete story.

Fuel tax reporting automated with GPS

Mryan — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:51:27 +0000

A new application that combines fuel tax reporting software and GPS-based truck tracking system from Prophesy Transportation Solutions helps take the guesswork out of fuel tax data collection, according to the developer. The integrated system also identifies overpayment of taxes, produces official commercial mileage summaries by state, reduces tax processing and filing time, and allows users to directly download state tax rate updates.

Combining GPS location information with fuel purchase data from fuel card providers, TaxTally GPS automatically calculates and prepares quarterly IFTA fuel-tax reports, according to developer Prophesy Transportation Solutions.

The new offering integrates Prophesy’s existing fuel tax reporting software with its GPS-based truck tracking system. In addition to automating fuel tax data collection and reporting, it identifies overpayment of taxes, produces official commercial mileage summaries by state, reduces tax processing and filing time, and allows users to directly download state tax rate updates, according to the company.

[source - fleetowner.com]

Thermo King launches cell version of TracKing

Mryan — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 19:42:32 +0000

Local and regional fleets hauling refrigerated goods will get a boost from Thermo King’s new TracKing cellular web-enabled temperature management system. The existing TracKing satellite system, which offers real-time monitoring and tracking of tailers, is ideal for long-haul fleets, the company said. Among other capabilities, the system’s alarm and notification features help reduce losses by ensuring temperature-sensitive loads are transported at the correct temperature.

Thermo King has announced its new TracKing cellular web-enabled temperature management system, which complements its existing TracKing satellite system. Both are wireless asset-management systems that provide real-time monitoring and tracking of untethered trailers. Using cellular, satellite and Internet technology, TracKing also has the ability to interact and control these units.

The cellular system is best for local and regional fleets while the satellite-based system is ideal for long-haul, Thermo King said. Both systems offer the ability to monitor a trailer’s actual position and route history either at regular intervals or on-demand. With alarm and notification features, the systems include mapping and dealer locators and can reduce losses by ensuring temperature-sensitive produces are transported at the correct temperature.

Monitoring through TracKing is possible through a secure web site that provides remote diagnostics and multiple reports. Vehicle location mapping is available with both systems and geo-fencing within maps is on the cellular system.

“The TracKing product line allows our customers to turn raw data into information to manage their assets,” said John Habermann, telematics product manager for Thermo King. “The net result is that we are enabling our customers to run their businesses more efficiently and effectively.”

[source - fleetowner.com]

TomTom’s Work Active offers connected solution

Mryan — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 19:02:50 +0000

TomTom announced a new trucking solution for fleets that combines three unique applications in a trifecta promising improved efficiency. TomTom Work Active offers enhanced fleet monitoring, real-time reporting capabalities and traffic updates. WebFleet provides performance measurements and fleet trends, and TomTom Go 7000 has routing, time management, two-way communication and fuel price service features. Finally, the Link 300 is a GPS receiver linking to the other two applications.

Enhanced fleet monitoring, real-time reporting capabilities and even traffic updates are now part of a connected solution from TomTom, bringing together three unique products to help fleets save time, money and fuel, the company said.

TomTom Work Active combines TomTom Go 7000, Link 3000 and the WebFleet platform. The connected navigation system provides up-to-the-minute order information as well as daily reports on working times, speed profiles and other vehicle metrics.

“In a dynamic service or delivery environment it is important for fleet managers and drivers to have as much real-time information at their disposal as possible,” said Michael Geffroy, vp of sales. “TomTom Work Active is a significant improvement to our award-winning solution, which is recognized for its ease of use, broad application for all commercial fleets of any size and quick return on investment.”

WebFleet is an online application for fleet and order management that provides performance measurements and fleet trends to managers.

TomTom Go 7000 offers real-time traffic and intelligent routing, time and order management, two-way communication with dispatch, Bluetooth technology, Help Me! emegency menu and text-to-speech technology plus other services including fuel price service.

Link 300 is a GPS receiver and a aGSM/GPRS module in one unit. It links the Go 7000 with WebFleet and connects with the TomTom navigation system.

[source - fleetowner.com]

Keeping current can keep costs down

Mryan — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 17:45:35 +0000

How important is it for fleets to update their mapping software? Consider the 117,000 new road restrictions put in place in North America just in the last year. Those changes affect weight allowances, one-way routes, hazmat lanes, bridges and, perhaps most importantly, tolls. With nearly 70,000 unique toll points on bridges and highways, factoring in toll costs is an important aspect of managing operating costs.

MILTON, Ont. — One hundred and seventeen thousand. That’s how many new road restrictions have been put in place across North America in the past year.

We’re talking, among other things, new weight allowances, changes to one-way routes and permitted hazmat lanes. And left turn lanes. And bridges.

There’s 12,500 new weight allowances alone.

And if you don’t plan for them, they’ll cost you money. That’s the message from Paul White, the Integration Partner Manager with ALK Technologies, the high-tech brains behind PC Miler.

White was addressing a TransCore Link Logistics users conference, suggesting that the fleet owners in attendance update their mapping software, when he produced those astounding figures.

His point was that fleets owe it to themselves to remain up to speed on routing changes because of the deep impact not knowing can have on your costs of operations. And it’s only going to be more important, as the popularity of toll roads and bridges takes its, well, toll.

“Governments are seeing tolls as a cash cow,” he told the audience. “Sooner or later, it’s just going to be a case of having your wallets out as you drive.”

In the U.S., he said, there are about 68,000 unique toll points on various bridges or highways. Managing tolls, he said, has become an integral part of determining your operating costs.

[source - todaystrucking.com]

Cadec adds remote shutdown

Mryan — Thu, 21 May 2009 14:29:50 +0000

An update to Cadec Global’s fleet managment system will allow the first software-based remote-engine shutdown technology for truck fleets. Remote shutdown requests can be initiated by drivers, fleet managers or dispatchers. Once the request is processed, an authorized security team begins the controlled shutdown.

Remote Shutdown Module Enhances Security

NASHVILLE. As part of an update for its PowerVue hosted fleet management system, Cadec Global will offer what it calls “the first software-based remote-engine shutdown technology for truck and motor coach fleets.” Introduced at the National Private Truck Council annual conference here, the shutdown option is the first application in the company’s new ProTech safety modules.

The remote shutdown can be requested by a driver using a hidden “panic” button or initiated by a fleet manager or dispatcher alerted by PowerVue to unauthorized moves or vehicles departing from assigned routes.

Once the shutdown request is processed using PowerVue’s web-based interface, an authorized security team will begin a controlled shutdown, first powering down the engine while maintaining power steering control and eventually bringing the vehicle to a complete halt. Restarting the truck requires entry of an unlock code generated by the system and on-board authorization using Cadec’s OBC.

Cadec said the new shutdown module meets U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) criteria for federal grants, including the Intercity Bus Security Grant Program.

Other upgrades announced for PowerVue include advanced mapping with Google and Microsoft Live Earth maps and aerial photos. Combined with new open standard KML technology, the system allows fleets to overlay actual GPS route histories on hybrid maps for reviewing driver performance or route activity. Fleet managers can choose to replay a single incident, a shift or day, and can even request a fly-over recreation of an entire trip.

[source - fleetowner.com]

Telematic truck-tire diagnostic solution

Mryan — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 20:05:03 +0000

Maintaining a watchful eye on your fleet’s tires just got easier with the combination of Advanced ID Corp.’s Advanced ID/Pneu-Logic truck probe and Pro Saamya’s TiMaS or Tire-data Management System. Using Bluetooth and wireless RFID technology, data is sent directly to the fleet’s management database, eliminating the need for paper-based recording.

Fleets now have a new tool for monitoring tire diagnostics through Bluetooth and wireless RFID technology. The combination of Advanced ID Corp.’s Advanced ID/Pneu-Logic truck probe and Pro Saamya’s TiMaS or Tire-data Management System allows fleets to eliminate paper-based recording by sending updated data directly to the fleet’s management database.

TiMaS software works with mobile phones, PDAs, tablet and laptop computers and provides several benefits, including real-time automated tire data management and fewer on-the-road breakdowns, the companies said. The complete solution includes the Bluetooth-enabled tire tread depth/pressure probe and the middleware that wirelessly links the tire data to the management database.

“The system provides for much improved information on the condition of tires and ensures the ability to optimize costs relating to tire management,” said Dan Finch, Advanced ID president. “This includes saving money through improved fuel economy, longer tire life and fewer road breakdowns.”

[source - fleetowner.com]