Global Telematics have launched what they claim is the first
vehicle tracking and management system that can be used directly
via the Internet.
The service, which has been adopted by Parcelforce, is aimed at
reducing the fuel consumption of large haulage fleets.
The integrated Traffic and Travel Information (TTI) solution uses a
combination of global positioning satellites and GSM cellular
hardware with a real time monitoring service from Trafficlink.
Nigel Porter, director of technical services for Global Telematics
said: "With fuel consumption for vehicles covering only 50,000
miles a year accounting for as much as 71% of total running costs,
the chance to reduce excess usage is a central issue for fleet
managers."
Porter believes that information systems that track vehicle fleets
in real time and provide historical data are the key to reducing
these fleet costs.
Global Telematic will offer the service to its existing 200 fleet
customers, which covers 9000 vehicles for a subscription free
90-day trial period. "The service is developing rapidly and we
expect to be able to offer additional options such as alternate
route advice and predictive software to help fleet mangers schedule
more efficient routes."
Porter believes that the system is the first of its kind anywhere
in the world and differs from consumer traffic systems by
integrating directly with fleet management systems. "We have
designed this system with compatibility in mind and the core
database is SQL driven." he added. Global Telematics are offering a
developers kit to help other companies integrate the service with
their own logistics systems.
Rowhan Morris, logistics development manager with New Wave
Logistics said: "We currently run real-time monitoring solutions
for the 150 vehicles in our fleet and we have pushed for integrated
technology like this for some time." New Wave is currently
upgrading its logistics system to offer more customer-facing
tracking solutions using the Internet. "The Global Telematics
service is something we will look at as part of our next project,"
Morris added.
Trafficink, which provides traffic and travel information to 70% of
the radio stations in the UK via reports from CCTV, local observers
and spotter aircraft, will supply raw data for the system.
Tim Vestey, managing director of Trafficlink said: "This combined
technology offering will provide fleet managers with a key
added-value service that helps them avoid getting both kit and
people tied-up. And where it's too late to divert vehicles from a
jam, fleet managers can now assess severity, give clients a
detailed explanation, assess delay time and reschedule deliveries
as appropriate."
Will Garside