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.

In our April 21, 2010 post I provided information about the features of the Motorola MC75A Premium EDA.  Today I’d like to share this video from Motorola Solutions that showcases some of the industries that benefit from the powerful and rugged MC75A.  The MC75A offers more features and functionality than any device in its class, check out the video below to see how your business can benefit from this powerful mobile device.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. to learn more about the Motorola MC75A and our end-to-end enterprise mobility solutions.

Businesses with smaller fleets face many challenges because they have fewer resources available.  Optimizing routes and increasing driver productivity is critical to reduce costs and provide exceptional customer service.  Fleet management solutions that provide GPS tracking, turn-by-turn directions, instant two-way communication and mobile data collection reduce operating expenses and increase productivity.  Fleets of any size can expect to achieve ROI from a variety of applications that:

• Reduce fuel costs
• Optimize routes to maximize productivity without increased staff
• Reduce unauthorized vehicle usage
• Improve communications between dispatchers and drivers for real-time route updates
• Increase driver safety

And more…

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about fleet management solutions and how you can optimize routes to improve productivity.

In our Nov. 4th post I announced the release of the Motorola MC65 mobile computer and today I’d like to provide you with the opportunity to learn more about how this device improves efficiency and productivity in transportation and logistics.  The MC65 is loaded with features you need to drive productivity, such as:

• Compact, yet rugged design
• Advanced imaging engine for rapid 1D and 2D bar code scanning
• Signature capture
• Customizable user interface
• Image capture with geostamp capability
• GPS technology

And more.  Download the MC65 Transportation and Logistics Application Brief to learn more about all of the features that will have your drivers completing more stops per day.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. to learn more about transportation and logistics solutions and the rugged hardware you need for success.

In our November 16th post I provided information about the two typical segments of mobile retail solutions—In-Store Systems and Distribution Systems.  Today I’d like to take a closer look at one type of distribution center solution, Transportation Management Systems.

Transportation Management Systems include mobile computing systems which are used in all functions related to handling the logistics of moving inventory from a distribution center to a store.  Mobile computing and scanning systems used in Transportation Management Systems typically include the following functions:

• Yard Management
• Traffic Management
• Dispatch and Routing
• Vehicle Location-Based Services
• Vehicle and Driver Logs

Transportation Management Systems streamline operations and ensure that your products are positioned in your stores when your customers need them, so you can maximize profits.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about solutions for warehouse and distribution centers.

In the past I’ve provided information about the features and benefits of GPS tracking solutions, but today I’d like to focus on how GPS technology increases safety and reduces liability for large fleets.

According to the Large Truck Crash Causation Study (LTCCS) that was undertaken jointly by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding is a factor in nearly 23% of all at-fault large truck accidents.  With the ability to track driver speed in real-time and receive alerts about drivers that have exceeded posted limits you can significantly reduce the chance of accidents.

The LTCCS also reported that driver confusion or unfamiliarity with roadways was a factor in 21.6% of all at-fault large truck crashes.  GPS technology reduces confusion and provides drivers with mapping applications and turn-by-turn directions, as well as real-time traffic updates.

Because GPS tracking solutions increase safety, they can also reduce insurance costs and improve customer satisfaction by providing a safety record your customers can rely on.

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

In our September 10th post we provided more information about vehicle telematics and how these solutions improve fleet management and increase productivity and safety.  As promised, today I’m providing more information about the Motorola VC6096 In-Vehicle Mobile Computer with telematics support.  This compact, mounted, in-cab solution provides real-time access to data and all of the tools your drivers need to improve productivity.  Check out the Motorola video below for more information about the features of the VC6096.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for more information about in-cab mobile solutions.

Telematics originally meant the convergence of telecommunications and information processing, but it has evolved over the years to refer to these types of systems within vehicles.  GPS navigation, hands-free communication, and real-time access to diagnostic data are all considered vehicle telematics.  Vehicle telematics enable the effective management of fleets and the data collected in the field helps improve driver utilization.  According to the American Trucking Association (ATA), a truck traveling at 75 mph consumes 27% more fuel than one going 65 mph.  Visibility into real-time driving behavior allows you to implement best practices to avoid these increased costs.  With vehicle telematics you have the ability to review:

• Driving patterns
• Fuel consumption
• Speed
• Vehicle maintenance

This real-time data extends the life of vehicles, decreases fuel costs and increases the productivity and safety of employees.

Visit us next week to learn more about the Motorola VC6096 In-Vehicle Mobile Computer with telematics support.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about vehicle telematics.