Change Is In The Airwaves
Tech announcements at ATA show.
JOHN BEDNEL
TECHNOLOGY EDITOR
Technology providers produced a bumper crop of announcements at this year's American Trucking Assns. Management Conference and Exhibition, especially in mobile communications.
From Smart Phones To Bare Bones
Qualcomm, the biggest player in the satellite communications game, debuted a service called OmniOne, a low-cost truck-savvy way to link drivers and dispatch using off-the-shelf wireless phones. According to Qualcomm, OmniOne moves critical data using Qualcomm's new smart telephone technology called BREW, which stands for Binary Runtime Environment for Wireless.
Qualcomm also introduced QTRACS/Web, which enables Qualcomm customers to track and communicate with trucks using everyday web browsing software on any Internet-connected computer. QTRACS/Web can be linked with Qualcomm's flagship OmniTRACS truckload and long-haul mobile communications system and with OmniExpress, Qualcomm's more recent, ground-based system aimed at local or regional LTL and private fleets.
QTRACS/Web puts Qualcomm on the same playing field as recent mobile communications competitors providing customer access over Internet connections. Among other things, web-based service enables trucking managers to stay in close touch with operations from the office, home or anywhere else they find an Internet connection.
Finally, Qualcomm turned up the heat on competitors by lowering the price of its OmniTRACS mobile communications product to $1,990 per vehicle. Of course, OmniTRACS kicked off the mobile communications revolution among long-haul, truckload carriers more than a decade ago when OmniTRACS cost approximately $5000 per vehicle. Even so, the company captured — and still dominates — the truckload mobile communications market.
According to Qualcomm, the new price is good for new orders delivered by September 27, 2002.
Qualcomm competitor PeopleNet, the web-based mobile communications pioneer, introduced significant enhancements for its Palm-based platform, including signature capture and bar-code capabilities.
Using handhelds running the Palm operating system and PeopleNet software, drivers can scan bar codes on freight and capture customer signatures during a delivery. When the driver returns to the vehicle and places the handheld in its dash-mounted cradle the data is transmitted back to base.
At the same time, PeopleNet introduced a solution called PACOS, which informs dispatchers of route and program exceptions, automating transportation service routines. The company also offered new rate plans and a guarantee of network viability and accessibility. PeopleNet uses the analog cellular system.
Meanwhile, @Track Communications formally introduced the bare-bones, low-cost GPS satellite tracking product called 20/20V, which works independently of the driver. The product had been announced earlier in the year.
According to @Track, 20/20V provides nationwide truck location reporting. Managers can choose reporting intervals from a number of plans. On-demand position requests are available for individual trucks, fleets or groups within a fleet. Positions can be shown in street-level detail.
The system operates from the tractor's battery power and transmits location reports over the Cellemetry Data Service Network.
Remote Diagnostics& Onboard Devices
Nexiq Technologies, the electronic diagnostics company once know as MPSI, debuted eTechnician, an ambitious system to monitor truck performance in detail, in real time, with benefits to OEMs and component makers as well as to fleets.
The eTechnician system begins with onboard equipment that communicates over whatever mobile communications system the fleet uses. Data moves to a central server system run by Nexiq where it is analyzed and delivered to fleets on the Internet. The data can also be made available to OEMs and component makers, who would underwrite part of the cost.
Fleets benefit from a low-cost monitoring system that offers diagnostics and the ability to upgrade and reconfigure system settings even when a truck is on the road. On the OEM side, eTechnician offers a potential wealth of real-world feedback on products in the field. And everyone can benefit from enhanced warranty management.
At the same time, Nexiq announced that engine builder Cummins, Inc. would make eTechnician available through its own onboard electronic system called PowerSpec beginning in February.
Nexiq describes eTechnician as a telematics platform, where telematics refers to onboard, mobile systems.
Onboard computer maker Tripmaster announced the availability of various wireless communications solutions for use with its DT-240/GPS onboard platform while competitor Cadec Corp. announced that its Mobius TTS onboard computer introduced earlier this year will be compatible with the multimode antenna made by Aether Systems, Inc.
The interface will enable the Mobius TTS to communicate over both satellite and ground-based systems, always using the least expensive option. The new communications option will work with other Cadec products, such as its new Point of Delivery software.
Meanwhile, Aether announced a spate of fleet contracts for its own MobileMax2 driver communications system that uses the same multimode antenna. Among the fleets opting to install MobileMax2 are Oester Trucking, Inc., Salisbury, Pa.; USA Cartage, Hagerstown, Md. and Skinner Transfer Corp. of Reedsburg, Wis.
Similarly, Vistar Datacom announced sales of its GlobalWave satellite communications system, usually used for trailer tracking but also capable of more demanding two-way data communication.
GlobalWave reported that logistics company Satellite Intermodal Express, Chicago, Ill., has ordered 6,800 GlobalWave systems for its 53-foot Great Dane trailers that ride on rail flatcars as well as over highways. Another 210 GlobalWave units have been ordered by RFK Transportation of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Short Range Wireless
Transcore Commercial Services Group introduced its new SmartWatch and SmartYard yard and dock management systems based on radio frequency identification technology (RFID).
SmartWatch is an asset and gate management system for companies with several dozen up to several thousand trucks, trailers, forklifts, dollies or other rolling assets. SmartWatch includes Windows-compatible software and relatively small RFID tags and readers.
SmartYard provides wireless communication that enables constant visibility of trucks, trailers, forklifts and even pallets of freight.
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