I recently read a very interesting article in Computerworld that described the ways the rules for enterprise software applications are changing.  Computerworld offered 3 new rules for enterprise software to be successful.  These included:

1. Make it appealing – Enterprise software must be user-friendly and work well on all commonly used browsers and mobile devices.  According to Gartner analysts, business strategies for application development need to consider three user groups: B2B, B2E (employee) and B2C (consumer).
2. Make it transparent – Real-time data is more important than ever before.  Employees that have access to up-to-date information have a competitive advantage.  In addition to real-time data, users are also interested in having information presented in graphical form with tables and charts.  These analytic tools help users discover trends and improve decision-making.
3. Update it often – Employees expect and want frequent updates to the applications they use. And with the increasing use of cloud-based software, updates are easier than ever to push out to users.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. to learn more about enterprise software applications.

In past posts I’ve provided information about the multiple benefits that GPS solutions provide, such as fuel savings, increased security and improved driver productivity.  DecisionPoint’s partner GeoMicro offers 3 Software as a Service products that quickly enable you to achieve desired ROI for your field workforce automation deployment.

• Mobium GPS turns any Windows Mobile handheld computer and smartphone into a GPS navigation system with turn-by-turn, GPS guided and voice prompted route guidance.
• Mobium GPS Fleet Tracking System records the movements of all the vehicles in a customer’s fleet with current location, historical (breadcrumbing) data and geofencing and alert options.
• AltaMap Routing Engine provides route optimization designed and developed to create routes based on user-specified origins, waypoints, and destinations. It provides turn-by-turn driving directions, distance, and estimated drive times for the U.S. and Canada.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. to learn more about integrating turn-by-turn navigation, GPS tracking and route optimization into your operations.

This new video from DecisionPoint’s partner Zebra technologies showcases the multiple uses for Zebra’s products and where they show up in people’s everyday lives.  I think this video is very interesting and shows how bar code and RFID solutions for retail, hospitality, logistics and more—truly impact customers daily experiences.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. to learn more about Zebra products and our end-to-end bar code, RFID and mobile solutions.

In a previous post I provided information about how vehicle telematics enables the effective management of fleets.  In addition to reducing fuel consumption and tracking vehicle maintenance to save fleets money, telematics is also being used to reduce costly insurance premiums.  I recently read an interesting post on the SmartVan that stated “some telematics companies are working in tandem with insurance companies to produce detailed analytical driving behavior reports that can be used to customize insurance policies for consumers and commercial fleets.”

Fleet Management Solutions with vehicle telematics provide detailed driver information that can be used as proof of good driving.  Driving patterns, speed, hard braking and more is captured in real-time and can be used to reward safe fleets with discounted premiums.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. to learn more about Fleet Management Solutions.

As fuel costs continue to rise, organizations are faced with an increase in annual costs per vehicle, making it essential to have solutions in place to reduce fuel consumption.  For many businesses, fuel costs can be as high as 10 to 15 percent of total operating costs.  Fleet managers understand the importance of controlling a fleet’s fuel costs and are turning to fleet management solutions to measure consumption and driver performance.

Real-time information about driver behavior enables fleets to reduce speeding, hard braking and rapid acceleration.  Reducing this type of aggressive driving can lower gas mileage by 33 percent on the highway and by 5 percent in the city.  Automatic alerts for required maintenance can also ensure that your fleet is running at its peak.  Regular servicing of the engine and tires can have a big impact on gas mileage.  In fact, replacing a clogged air filter can improve gas mileage by as much as 10 percent.  Additionally, strategic route planning and solutions such as GPS tracking and turn-by-turn directions further reduce fuel consumption and improve overall operations and customer service.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about fleet management solutions that reduce the impact of rising fuel costs.

We’re all familiar with the ways that GPS tracking solutions increase driver safety, reduce fuel costs and boost driver productivity, but GPS solutions also provide the added bonus of increased security.  Knowing where your vehicles are at all times protects these high-value assets.  When businesses set up geofences to track vehicles they are alerted to any suspicious movement.  GPS tracking alerts can be set up for businesses to monitor:

• If a vehicle has moved in or out of the facility
• If a vehicle has entered an unauthorized area
• If a company vehicle is being used off-hours

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about GPS tracking solutions.

In our June 30th post, I provided information about the regulatory proposal issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to require Electronic On-Board Recorders (EOBRs) to monitor Hours-of-Service (HOS) compliance.  DecisionPoint’s partner XATA Turnpike offers a comprehensive solution to automate regulatory compliance.

XATA Turnpike’s RouteTracker is an EOBR that is connected directly to the vehicles engine computer.  Engine diagnostic reporting combined with GPS data is gathered to ensure regulatory compliance and to help fleets optimize their operations.  Most On-Board Fleet Management systems utilize a built-in cellular modem or satellite system to communicate data. RouteTracker can leverage the WWAN radio of a ruggedized mobile computer with a cellular radio to communicate GPS and engine diagnostic data via Bluetooth to a Web-based application, TurnpikeDirect.  Electronic driver logs are displayed on the mobile device and are 100% compliant with the most recent FMCSA regulations.  In addition to engine diagnostics, GPS data and electronic driver logs, RouteTracker also tracks speed, RPM, hard braking and IFTA and state mileage reporting, including official forms.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about XATA Turnpike’s RouteTracker.

In our April 8th post I provided information about the benefits of automating Hours-of-Service (HOS).  On January 31, 2011 the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued a regulatory proposal that would require interstate commercial truck and bus companies to install Electronic On-Board Recorders (EOBRs) to monitor their drivers’ HOS compliance. 

EOBRs are devices attached to commercial vehicles that automatically record the number of hours drivers spend operating the vehicle.  HOS regulates the number of hours an operator can drive after a set period of rest in a 7 or 8 day period and it is estimated that HOS logs are the third-highest paperwork burden of all Federal Highway Administration regulations. Under the proposed ruling interstate carriers that currently use Records of Duty logbooks to document drivers’ HOS would be required to use EOBRs.

Check back in the next few days to learn about end-to-end mobile solutions that will prepare you for this requirement.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about Electronic On-Board Recorders.

In past posts we’ve provided information about DecisionPoint’s Push-to-Talk solution Grapevine and the benefits it provides to field-based workforces.  Grapevine Push-to-Talk is an “always on” solution that enables instant voice communication over Windows Mobile phones or PCs and is ideal for communications between dispatch and field workers.  Check out the latest video from DecisionPoint that features Grapevine and showcases its high-quality voice and performance.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about Grapevine Push-to-Talk.

Because compliance with hours-of-service regulations has a strong influence on the ability of a driver to perform safely, the recording of duty status and time becomes an essential regulatory issue.  Automating the driver Hours of Service Logs allows more logistical control of drivers, increases productivity, reduces costs and compliance with hours-of-service regulations is improved.  Electronic on-board recorders connect wirelessly via Bluetooth to rugged mobile computers or in-cab terminals and provide drivers and the back office with detailed information, including:

• Electronic Hours of Service DOT Logs
• Actual route driven via GPS
• Arrival and departure times
• Engine diagnostics
• Speed, RPM and hard braking
• Idle time, MPG
• Official IFTA State Mileage reporting forms

Comply with hours-of-service regulations and realize the benefits of complete fleet visibility with a mobile solution from DecisionPoint.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about solutions that automate driver Hours of Service Logs.