Tech Briefs
Security Via Qualcomm
Qualcomm, known as a provider of business management tools such as satellite tracking and mobile communications, has introduced a suite of security tools to guard against theft and hijacking.
Driver authentication, a wireless panic button and tamper protection are three new features intended for trucking companies concerned about security in the wake of last September's terrorist attacks.
The company recently demonstrated the devices with its "Technology Truck" on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., drawing interest from Congress and from the new Transportation Security Administration.
While U.S. companies use Qualcomm to help manage their businesses, companies in Brazil use it to protect themselves, said Qualcomm's Jonas Neihardt, vice president government affairs.
The driver authentication feature verifies the driver with an identification check and a password, and can disable the truck if the information is wrong.
The panic button is a portable device for the driver to use when he is out of reach of the in-cab panic button.
The tamper detection device can alert dispatch if someone is trying to disable the satellite communications system. In addition, Qualcomm is offering a "hardened" cable protection system.
XATA Launches XATANET
XATA Corp. announced the launch of XATANET, an advanced, Web-based fleet management platform that integrates Internet, global positioning, onboard computing and wireless technologies.
The initial suite of XATANET applications, Vehicle Basic, has been in beta testing for the past four months at several fleets.
The Vehicle Basic package enables truck leasing companies and private fleets to continuously monitor vehicle location, performance, safety and security. The Vehicle Basic package includes functionality for asset tracking, accident analysis, fuel economy, driver paging, daily odometer readings, state fuel tax reporting, vehicle maintenance, engine and vehicle diagnostics, and overall fleet utilization.
Delphi Tests Mobile Solution
Delphi is testing a mobile broadband infrastructure from MeshNetworks, Maitland, Fla., which would provide entertainment, navigation and web services to vehicles traveling at highway speeds.
Delphi is evaluating MeshNetworks' technology for potential use in high-speed data delivery for in-vehicle information, entertainment and web access. These capabilities are commonly referred to as "telematics."
The trial network supports voice, video and data at broadband speeds. Planned enhancements include the addition of precision geo- location capabilities for navigation, and location-aware applications. Geo-location is provided without the use of costly GPS receivers or technology.
"Telematics is one of the fastest growing markets for wireless technologies because it offers services that enhance in-vehicle safety, entertainment and productivity. The key to delivering these advanced services to consumers is cost-effective mobile broadband connectivity," said Masood Garahi, chairman and CEO of MeshNetworks.
Western Star Truck Locator
Western Star Trucks has introduced a new Truck Locator function at its web site, www.westernstartrucks.com.
The Truck Locator lets potential customers electronically search the new truck inventory of Western Star dealers in the United States and Canada.
To use the Western Star Truck Locator, the customer enters the preferred Western Star model and specifications as well as his or her home state or province. The customer can specify everything from cab and sleeper size to engine, transmission-type and axle ratings. The search engine returns the closest matches and the dealership where the trucks are located. Click-on links offer more detailed information about individual dealerships.
Rand McNally Web Site
Rand McNally's Transportation Data Management subsidiary has introduced a new web site featuring its line of commercial trucking products at www.trucking.randmcnally.com.
This site replaces MileMaker.com as the online location for shippers and carriers seeking optimization for route management solutions.
The site is designed for users to research Rand McNally commercial trucking software solutions based on their business needs and requirements. Prospective users and integration partners can analyze the benefits and applications of each of the Rand McNally commercial transportation products.
"Which Product is Right for Me?" is a new a tool that recommends the appropriate Rand McNally product based on a customer's technology platform, company type and integration needs.
Users can view product demos focused on the features and benefits of each product, review system requirements for each mileage and routing product, read case studies and customer profiles, get answers to Frequently Asked Questions, and buy RouteTools and the Motor Carriers' Road Atlas online.
Handheld GPS Products
Cobra Electronics' new stand-alone handheld Global Positioning System (GPS) products will use Rand McNally basemap data and a custom edition of StreetFinder Deluxe Travel Navigation Software.
Two of Cobra's hand-held receivers, the GPS 500 and the GPS 1000, feature embedded Rand McNally basemap data for U.S. state, Canadian province and European country boundaries as well as worldwide city locations. Cobra's GPS 1000 will also incorporate major U.S. highway data provided by Rand McNally.
Cobra will also sell as a product accessory a special version of Rand McNally StreetFinder Deluxe Travel Navigation Software, which has been customized for the Cobra GPS 500 and GPS 1000. StreetFinder Deluxe software is a local guide with highly customizable street-level maps of the 48 contiguous United States, address lookup and route calculation.
Cobra's GPS product line featuring Rand McNally basemap data, as well as the custom edition of Rand McNally StreetFinder Deluxe Travel Navigation Software, will be available at retailers nationwide in the fall.
TruckStops Version 2.8
MicroAnalytics, www.bestroutes.com, of Arlington, Va., has released version 2.8 of its TruckStops Routing and Scheduling Software, which now includes open database connectivity or ODBC.
ODBC is an open standard strongly endorsed by Microsoft for interfacing with databases. ODBC statements in a program can access files in Access, dBase, DB2, Excel, and plain text. In addition to the ODBC software, a separate module or driver is needed for each database to be accessed.
According to MicroAnalytics, ODBC in TruckStops allows users to read and write data from legacy systems to help TruckStops create least-cost/best-service routes.
TruckStops can schedule vehicles on routes that change daily or to plan and update fixed delivery routes. The software is available for Windows 95/98/ME/XP/NT/00.
@Track Changes Name
Track Communications Inc., Richardson, Texas, announced that it is changing its name to Minorplanet Systems USA Inc., subject to approval by the company's stockholders.
Just two months ago, soon to be MinorPlanet — to maintain the existing network
According to @Track CEO Jana Ahflinger Bell, the newly renamed company will concentrate on marketing MinorPlanet's VMI product in North America.
Cadec Productivity Package
Onboard systems company Cadec Corp, www.cadec.com, Londonderry, N.H., will market labor reporting and driver productivity software from Erickson Consulting, Minnetonka, Minn.
The software package is called PLUS, for the initials of its official name Productivity Labor Utilization Software.
According to the announcement from Cadec, PLUS provides accurate driver goal times as well as improved scheduling and lost time accountability. PLUS prioritizes operational problem reporting and works with Cadec computers, including the Mobius introduced last year.
The Mobius TTS runs the Windows CE operating system on an Intel StrongArm RISC processor. In addition to PLUS, Mobius can provide vehicle monitoring, automated DOT logs and fuel tax reporting and multiple communications options, including satellite, terrestrial or short-range RF.
According to Russ Erickson, president of Erickson Consulting, PLUS is designed primarily for local pickup and delivery operations.
Freightmart Website
Freightmart has launched its new v2.0 website at www.freightmart.com. The company says the reverse auction freight site "is destined to become the e-bay of freight shipping."
Freightmart offers shippers the ability to post merchandise to be shipped by the most competitive freight bid worldwide. In addition, customers are able to earn Freightmart bonus points, which are redeemable in merchandise and gifts. Freightmart offers forwarders and carriers the opportunity to bid on posted shipments and to post their empty equipment for shippers to choose.
Pluss Enhances Software
Pluss Corp., Columbia Falls, Mont., has released several software products to enhance PTM.
• Plussnet is a secure VPN (Virtual Private Network) for Pluss clients to share data, do research, and sell parts.
• RS Module, which the company calls an innovative break-through in live transactional Electronic Data Interface (EDI), through a secure Internet connection, lets you view that your customer database is current, consolidate bookkeeping into one location, see and order an out-of-stock part directly from your Point of Sale System, and have the PO print and bill at the other location for shipping.
• The Pluss Star System (Formerly the Pluss Group) is a service package that shares inventory data with other Pluss clients in your area. Never again lose a sale because of an out-of-stock item.
• SuperCharge Credit Card transaction server integrates into PTM and allows credit card acceptance directly from PTM. Verify account information instantly through an encrypted Internet connection, or send in batch transactions at the end of the day.
• PTMCOMM — a communications package that allows a PTM user to fax or email work orders, invoices, purchase orders, or estimates directly out of PTM.
International Web Subscriptions
International Truck owners can now get access to a web-based service system previously available only to dealers and International employees.
The International Service Information Solutions (ISIS) is a user-friendly Microsoft Windows-based program offering information such as original service manuals and updated bulletins, campaigns, newsletters, operators' manuals, warranty coverage and coding manuals, new vehicle processing manuals and standard repair time information.
By typing in a vehicle's VIN, technicians will have access to a library of service and repair information about their truck.
For more information visit www.InternationalDelivers.com.
TransCore To Offer ProMiles
Transportation carrier and freight-broker customers using TransCore's freight-matching, freight-exchange and operations-management tools will have immediate access to ProMiles' routing and mileage information for more than 805,000 miles of truck-accessible roads. In addition, TransCore's products will now enable customers to search for available loads and equipment within a specific road-mile radius and see the results within seconds.
Using the Trip Analysis feature of TransCore Exchange, companies can evaluate each trip to maximize their profitability and efficiency. TransCore will also offer ProMiles on its Keypoint operations-management packages, TruckersEdge, and Link Logistics.
