Fleet Management News & Business Info | Commercial Carrier Journal
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/129328
technology in focus: handheld devices Wherever drivers roam Onboard computers extend functionality outside the cab by aaron huff T are designed to withstand the drops, shocks and other realities of the job. Besides the hardware's durability, its compatibility with software applications is another consideration. A number of standalone applications for electronic logs and proof of delivery are available on consumer-style Apple and Android platforms. Many carriers may prefer to run their software in a Windows environment. Rugged devices typically use a Windows Mobile platform that continues to be the preferred choice for many business software applications. XRS Corp.'s new XRS mobile platform runs on more than 50 types of devices. Every XRS package includes an XRS Relay in-cab device that communicates via Bluetooth with the driver's existing smartphone or tablet. XRS includes electronic logs, integrated messaging, vehicle and driver performance data, and all other features traditionally associated with onboard computers. A number of companies that offer onboard computers have integrated their in-cab software with Intermec's devices to capture data outside the Hardware choices vehicle. PeopleNet's full driver user Not all handheld devices are equal – interface can be deployed on Intermec's especially in harsh transportation enCN70 and CN50 devices in place of vironments. Rugged devices manufacPeopleNet's own Blu and Tablet devices. tured by Intermec, Motorola and others The majority of PeopleNet's sales are for its in-cab Blu platform, but fleets choosing its portable Tablet platform primarily are interested in extending data – Fred Fakkema, Zonar's vice president of product management capture outside he adjectives "in-cab" and "onboard" no longer describe only the platforms fleets use to exchange information between the office, vehicles and drivers. With the explosive growth of portable handheld devices such as smartphones and tablets, fleets have new options to extend the range of data capture. Many fleets with multistop pickupand-delivery routes already are using handheld computers to capture data outside the vehicle. When making a delivery, a driver scans a barcode on the shipping label, notes any exceptions such as damages or shortages, and captures an electronic signature for proof of delivery. Through the cellular network, the office receives the information instantly for planning and billing. Truckload carriers also often have a need to capture data outside the vehicle, particularly for vehicle inspections and proof of delivery. Companies that traditionally have developed in-cab or onboard computing platforms now are offering more choices for mobility. We took what law enforcement and the carrier both needed to provide an application to meet the needs of the marketplace. 34 commercial carrier journal CCJ_0513_TechDept.indd 34 | Zonar Systems is upgrading its vehicle inspection system that works by affixing coinsize RFID tags at locations on the vehicle. of the vehicle for electronic driver vehicle inspection reports and proof of delivery, says Tom Dorazio, senior product manager for PeopleNet. The Tablet also has a browser with Wi-Fi for access to fleet-approved websites while the driver is outside the vehicle. Zonar's 2020 is a 7-inch Androidpowered rugged tablet loaded with driver-specific features. The portable device runs the company's EVIR (electronic vehicle inspection report) and Z-Logs electronic hours-of-service applications. The EVIR uses RFID tags placed in zones around the vehicle. With the RFID reader inside the tablet, the ap- may 2013 4/22/13 10:42 AM