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Garmin International has recently announced nüviCam, the first portable navigation device (PND) to feature a built-in dash cam and advanced alerts to enhance driver awareness on the road.

Thanks to the integrated dash cam that continuously records and automatically saves files on impact, the nüviCam offers the protection of having an eyewitness that records exactly where and when events occurred.

One of the most comprehensive sat navs to ever hit the roads, the nüviCam offers the latest in premium driver-assist features typically found only in luxury vehicles.

For example, Forward Collision Warning alerts drivers if they’re driving too close to the car ahead; Lane Departure Warning2 alerts will appear and sound if the driver drifts off the road or into oncoming traffic; and Garmin Real Vision™ takes the guess work out of deciphering hard-to-see house numbers by displaying the camera view along with a bright arrow to direct drivers where to go when approaching select destinations.

“The nüviCam goes beyond helping drivers get from Point A to Point B,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin Vice President of worldwide sales. “The intuitive driver-assist features not only lessen the stress of getting you to your destination, but the nüviCam also provides peace of mind in knowing that your commute is being recorded and can be referenced should you need it.”

 

The nüviCam features a 6-inch pinch-to-zoom glass display with a high-definition dash cam built in to the back of the device. When powered on, the integrated dash cam continuously records on the included microSD card, and if an incident occurs, the device’s Incident Detection will automatically save files on impact. GPS records exactly where and when events occur and drivers can play back the video on the device or from a computer using garmin.com/dashcamplayer.

There’s also a Snapshot feature on the nüviCam that allows drivers to capture still images in or outside of the vehicle if desired. The included magnetic mount enables the device to be easily and quickly secured or removed from the vehicle.

Other navigation features offered with safety and convenience in mind include voice-activated navigation that allows drivers to speak commands to the device while their hands stay safely on the wheel, and Bluetooth wireless technology for hands-free calling (requires Bluetooth-enabled smartphone sold separately). Smartphone Link, a free mobile app that connects nüviCam with a compatible iPhone or Android™ smartphone, can also provide real-time data services3, such as weather or safety cameras to the sat nav. Drivers can even pair the nüviCam with the Garmin BC™ 30 Wireless Backup Camera (sold separately) to see what’s behind their vehicle when they reverse.

To make sure drivers never miss a turn, the nüviCam utilises Active Lane Guidance, which uses a combination of voice prompts and visual cues to prepare users to drive through an exit or interchange with confidence. “Up Ahead” appears alongside the driving map and constantly informs of nearby services, including restaurants, fuel stations and rest areas, and spoken Garmin Real Directions™ guides drivers like a friend would, using recognisable landmarks, buildings and traffic lights.

Additional features included are speed limit warnings, school zone warnings, PhotoReal Junction View, Bird’s Eye Junction View and preloaded Foursquare® data that adds millions of new and popular points of interest like restaurants, shops and more.

The nüviCam comes preloaded with detailed maps of Europe and free lifetime map4 updates are included to ensure the most up-to-date maps, points of interest and navigation information is available. This sat nav also features Garmin Digital Traffic via DAB, the best and fastest traffic solution available from Garmin, for the life of the device.

 

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New and extended business modules for customer experience management software include configurable self-help portals, enhanced field service technician mobility applications, real-time integration with Microsoft Dynamics AX, and dynamic field scheduling with optimisation 

Vertical Solutions, Inc. (VSI), the developer of customer experience management software solutions,announces new business modules for field service solution VServiceManagement™.

Modules include self-service supply chain portals, a multi device field technician app that includes Android and iOS apps for field service management, a routing and scheduling optimiser, and a robust Microsoft Dynamics AX API. These modules are integrated in the cloud version of the field service management software, and also are available for on-premise installations.

• MyServicePortal™ enables external partners and customers across the service supply chain to schedule, monitor, and manage their service experience via a secure, online portal. This self-help portal experience offers real-time configurable dashboards, appointment scheduling, service history, and parts orders. All service-related information is available via any device, at any time.  
• FieldCom™ is a highly configurable online/offline mobility application for field service organisations. Field technicians can access current assignments, view inventory levels, access knowledge articles, create parts orders, view their KPIs, and more while posting their labor, parts, and expenses. Additional functions such as signature capture, payment processing, and bar code scanning are also now available. Featuring online and offline capability, FieldCom supports iOS, Android, and Windows-based smartphones, tablets, and notebook devices.
• VSchedulerTMdelivers dynamic optimised field scheduling, mapping, and routing. Field technician scheduling can incorporate skills, service level agreements (SLAs), travel times, inventory availability, shift patterns, and more. When variables change, VScheduler suggests the most efficient and cost-effective route and schedule for each field tech, with auto-updating when variables change. Further, integration with leading GPS/telematics providers allows for geo-fencing and automated alerts throughout the scheduling process, enabling a pleasant (or satisfying)  customer experience.
• VSM-Connector™ offers real-time integration with Microsoft Dynamics AX, using direct web services. The Certified for Microsoft Dynamics (CfMD) integration enables companies to benefit from the native business logic and workflows of each system, yet share all service information that has financial implications – including entitlements, incurred costs, inventory, and invoicing – in real time.

 

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The Scottish Ambulance Service has signed a deal with leading ICT supplier Terrafix to use Getac’s T800 fully rugged thin and light Windows 8.1 tablets within its fleet of emergency vehicles.

Under the framework contract, Terrafix will supply 1,200 of the 8.1” Windows tablets from Getac, the global designer and manufacturer of rugged mobile technology.

Each ambulance will be equipped with two tablets - one for use in the front of the vehicle for mobilisation and routing, and the other positioned in the rear of the vehicle, but remaining portable to be used as a method of recording Electronic Patient Report Forms. Paramedics benefit from high-speed processing power and an 8.1” display for accessing critical patient information, while also providing full ruggedisation designed for critical field performance, ensuring focus on patient care.

The device complements the Terrafix Aggregator (T.AGG), a vehicle-based communications management hub with integrated GPS that streams data to the T800 tablets. The complete system is the first step in Scottish Ambulance Service’s Telehealth programme and their strategic framework, Towards 2020: Taking Care to the Patient.

Liam Coughlan, Programme Manager, Scottish Ambulance Service, says: “We needed a device that could survive every environmental condition, because device failure can be the difference between life and death. With the Getac T800, we have a device that can handle drops, shocks and performs in all weathers, while still being extremely portable and easy to use. It gives us reliability and therefore, peace of mind.”

 

The T800's 8.1” screen allows patient data to be read even in direct sunlight and new information to be entered easily thanks to Getac’s proprietary Lumibond® screen technology. With ruggedisation to military standards (MIL-STD-810G) the T800 can survive a drop of 6 feet and with an ingress protection rating of IP65 and operating temperatures between -21°C to 50°C, the T800 is designed for all weather.

Running Windows 8.1, the T800 incorporates BitLocker disk encryption which provides government-level data security.

The T800 incorporates the latest communication interface technology for unparalleled connectivity. The unit plugged into the docking station makes use of the ambulance’s in-built connectivity, while the mobile field-use terminal can connect to data networks via 4G, Bluetooth and 802.11ac WiFi. Weighing just 880g, the T800 is one of the thinnest and lightest devices of its class, making it perfect for both portable and fixed use.

Chris Green, Terrafix Managing Director, says: “Utilising the Getac T800 alongside the Terrafix T.AGG provided us with the opportunity to put forward a bid-winning system. The Scottish Ambulance Service’s vision of mobile consultation, coupled with reducing the need to travel to receive healthcare, can now start to become a reality. The Getac T800’s reliability and extended support proved the best choice for this mission-critical system.”

 

Peter Molyneux, President, Getac UK, says: “The T800, with its unparalleled connectivity, ruggedisation and portability, fits perfectly into the Terrafix solution. We are very pleased our hardware can perform a critical role in the complete technology solution, which is helping Scottish Ambulance Service to protect life and health for people across Scotland.”

The first tablets will be rolled out to the ambulance fleet this summer, giving Scottish Ambulance Service a complete tablet and resilient communication solution that will provide a leading patient care service.

 

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Despite 86% of fleets experiencing collisions in the past 12-months, an alarming number of drivers are still driving without consideration for their safety...

One in six (16%) business drivers feel invincible when driving, claiming that they never consider their safety to be at risk, according to research from Masternaut, a pan-European provider of fleet telematics solutions.

Van and LCV drivers are the least likely to feel invincible, with only 10% saying that they don’t consider their safety while driving. This contrasts to 26% of public transport drivers, who feel invincible on the road at all times. 17% of business fleet car drivers and HGV and lorry drivers never think about their personal safety on the road.

In contrast, 15% of business drivers said that they feel vulnerable all of the time when they are on the road. HGV and lorry drivers feel the most unsafe, with 21% of drivers feeling vulnerable all of the time when they are driving.

 

As part of a focus on helping fleets improve safety on the road, Masternaut surveyed 2,000 UK employees that drive as part of their job to highlight the progress in road safety education and the work that is still required for further improvement.

Steve Towe, Chief Commercial Officer and UK Managing Director, commented, “Our research shows that a high percentage of business drivers don’t consider their safety to be at risk - despite driving being amongst the most dangerous profession. Research from The Institute of Advanced Motorists’ Drive & Survive shows that 86% of fleets have experienced an accident in the past 12 months, so it’s alarming to see so many drivers still not considering their safety when driving.”

Motorways were cited as the most unsafe type of road to drive on with 27% of drivers concerned about their safety. This is despite just 3.9% of all 2013 UK road accidents* taking place on motorways, showing that motorways are comparatively the safest type of road to drive on.

Drivers also felt unsafe on rural roads, with a quarter (25%) saying they feel vulnerable. This rises to 42% amongst HGV and lorry drivers and 36% of LCV and van drivers.

“The tools and technology exist to help educate drivers on safe driving practises, which can be driven by the intelligent application of telematics,” continues Towe. “Telematics has broader social benefits that it can offer to protect our drivers, not just in terms of notifying us of a collision, but in preventive and proactive driver-centric applications designed to improve behaviour”.

Driver training programmes should be one of the critical tools for fleets to ensure that their drivers feel safe when driving and most importantly, avoid causing unnecessary risks to other road users. We, as an industry, are great at articulating fuel savings but we also want to see the debate widen to include safety. We believe we can do so much more” added Towe.

 

Telematics technology from Masternaut has evolved so that driver centric training programmes using data and insight from an intelligent telematics system can be delivered without the traditional map-based services protecting driver privacy. This in the past has been the limiting factor in the uptake of driver services, but has now been solved with Masternaut’s next generation telematics platform, Masternaut Connect.

Masternaut Connect is proven to improve driver behaviour, reducing instances of speeding and harsh braking, acceleration and cornering. UK businesses and fleet managers can easily implement a driver training programme using data and insight gained from Masternaut Connect. By collating information on driver behaviour, Connect can give an in-depth look at how businesses can improve safety and driving standards within their workforce, helping to reduce the amount of invincible and vulnerable drivers on the roads.

 

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TomTom Telematics is bringing IT professionals and app/software developers together to take the industry to the next level at its unique .connect Developer Conference 2015.

Now in its second year, the conference will take place on June 9 in Amsterdam. Attendees will be able to share ideas, experiences and best practice while discovering the latest opportunities in connected applications for business vehicles during the full-day event.

A number of inspiring technical sessions will help delegates make best use of the APIs and SDKs provided with TomTom's open telematics platform WEBFLEET, stimulating the development of more groundbreaking apps and integrations. Commercial support will also be provided, giving developers guidance on how to bring connected vehicle solutions to market that address the current and future needs of businesses in a variety of market sectors.

“Last year’s conference proved a resounding success with delegates attending from 12 countries across the globe and we are looking forward to building on the momentum this year,” said Taco van der Leij, VP Marketing, TomTom Telematics.

“We currently stand on the verge of an exciting new era for the fleet management industry, with ever increasing possibilities for the creation of new industry solutions that harness the power of connected vehicles. Together with our partners we want to create new apps and integrations that will offer innovative benefits to customers in any industry, operating any type of vehicle fleet. Whether focused on driver behaviour, safety, efficiency, productivity or customer service, these new technologies will help to revolutionise business processes through greater levels of automation and insight and ultimately bring the technology closer to the driver."

 

The .connect Developer Conference will also provide delegates with information on WEBFLEET's latest features. These include OptiDrive 360, a driver behaviour tool providing real-time, predictive advice on performance; Remaining Driving Times, which monitors driver hours for working time compliance; and the Mobile Device Management platform, allowing businesses to manage the remote distribution of software for the new customisable PRO8 driver terminal.

With more than 330 partners, TomTom Telematics already has the largest partner ecosystem in the fleet management industry. The market-leading range of apps built in and around the WEBFLEET platform cover a variety of functions -  including CRM and ERP, planning and scheduling, route optimisation, temperature control, mobile printing and lone worker safety - and are all available in the company's App Center.  Integrations are also available for usage based insurance.

 

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Developers and IT professionals interested in attending the .connect Developer Conference 2015 can register at http://business.tomtom.com/ttdc15

 

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Two market leaders partner to offer a comprehensive DevOps solution for building     enterprise-class mobile applications and ensuring peak performance

Kony, Inc., a leading enterprise mobility company and SOASTA, a leader in performance analytics, have recently announced a partnership that combines both companies’ capabilities to optimise the performance of enterprise mobile apps across the mobile application development lifecycle.

Through this partnership, Kony and SOASTA will work together to integrate their technologies and combine their expertise to deliver a comprehensive, integrated mobile solution across the DevOps lifecycle for customers. As a result, from prototype to production, mobile apps built on the Kony Mobility Platform can be tested, monitored, measured, analysed and optimised for peak performance with SOASTA’s TouchTest,CloudTestand mPulse solutions for an integrated Mobile DevOps solution.

According to industry analyst firm Gartner, “The need for automation in mobile application testing is high, and is being driven by agile development practices and a desire to drive quality and features based on user analytics. This pace, combined with a broad and changing device ecosystem, creates a test explosion that without automation will end up crushing all but the most trivial application efforts.” (Gartner, Market Guide for Mobile Application Testing, 3 December 2014)

The Kony Mobility Platform is an open and standards-based, integrated platform that supports the entire application software development lifecycle (SDLC), and empowers enterprises to quickly design, build, deploy and manage multi-edge app experiences. The combined Kony and SOASTA offering delivers an expanded, comprehensive new generation mobile DevOps lifecycle support, including design prototyping, rapid development, functional test automation, back-end integration, deployment, user monitoring and advanced mobile real-time analytics. No other vendor is offering this kind of comprehensive solution. This underscores SOASTA and Kony’s commitment to providing the highest level of mobile developer support, helping enterprise companies align business and IT, while also keeping the rapidly growing mobile user population productive on their systems.

DevOps is a software development method that stresses communication, collaboration, integration, automation and measurement of cooperation between software developers and other information-technology (IT) professionals. DevOps acknowledges the interdependence of software development, quality assurance and IT operations and aims to help an organisation rapidly produce software products and services and to improve operations performance.

“In the rapidly growing world of mobile, user experience and application performance are fundamental to enterprise mobile application adoption and success,” said Thomas E. Hogan, CEO, Kony, Inc. “By adding performance analytics and testing solutions to our market-leading enterprise mobility platform, we will empower developers and DevOps teams with the best platform for creating mobile applications at any scale, with the best performance and experience.”

With the integration of Kony and SOASTA, the following new capabilities will be offered to customers:

• Mobile test automation eliminates manual testing delays and accelerates time-to-market, with the SOASTA TouchTest offering
• Continuous performance testing at speed and scale through SOASTA’s patented CloudTest federates millions of cloud-based servers from every major cloud provider
• Access to hundreds of real mobile devices through the cloud for testing at every phase of mobile development, with SOASTA Mobile Device Cloud
• Real User Monitoring (RUM) validates each user experience in real time and correlate real user activity to business metrics through performance analytics, with SOASTA mPulse

“Enterprise mobile application developers will hugely benefit from the partnership between SOASTA and Kony, with the best end-to-end solution to create apps that will perform at the most optimal level,” said Tom Lounibos, CEO, SOASTA. “SOASTA customers are committed to providing the highest level of user experience. Now, Kony customers can also rely on the same market-leading performance analytics to optimise their mobile and Web platforms.

Key benefits of the new end-to-end DevOps platform:

• Continuous test integration and agile delivery enables the business to respond to market and competitive change
• Reuse code and backend APIs across apps, digital channels and form factors
• Leverage the cloud to instantly build, provision, test and scale mobile apps and infrastructure
• Keep up with the rapid pace of new devices, versions, OSs and form factors as they are released
• Use powerful analytics to drive insights, iteration and perfect the UX/UI
• Accelerate performance by analysing all the real user data in real time in a single pane for quick and accurate insights
• Create visually rich, device-exploiting apps in record time using collaborative WYSIWYM (“what you see is what you get”) design tools
• Guarantee compatibility across a constantly changing device landscape with unmatched 30-day service level agreement (SLA) on new OS updates
• Ensure a mobile app scales in line with the growth of your customers and business
• Define smart, context-aware policies to secure your enterprise apps and ensure data integrity and availability
• Reuse, Integrate and extend high-value LOB processes to mobile users with powerful backend mobile infrastructure
• Ability to automate functional test cases against a variety of devices and form factors
• Significantly reduce quality assurance cycles
• Create proactive testing plans letting enterprises know of problems before their customers do

SOASTA has been recognised by Gartner as a “Leader” in its Magic Quadrant forIntegrated  Software Quality Suites report published August 28, 2014.

For two years in a row industry analyst firm Gartner placed Kony in the “Leaders” quadrant of the Magic Quadrant for Mobile Application Development Platforms, published September 2, 2014. Kony also received the highest scores in 3 out of 4 use cases in Gartner’s Critical Capabilities for Mobile Application Development Platforms report published December 24, 2014. In addition, Kony was recognised as “One of the Best Platform Solutions for the Enterprise” amongst Mobile Application Development Platform providers: Ovum Decision Matrix: Selecting a Mobile App Development Platform Solution, 2015-16.

 

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ServicePower Technologies have announced that it has signed a contract with a leading US based manufacturer and marketer of automotive appearance protection products, PermaPlate Inc., which will implement ServiceOperations to reduce administration, cut costs and improve the service levels delivered to customers.

PermaPlate, headquartered in Utah, manufactures and distributes appearance protection products which protect the interior and exterior surfaces of vehicles; it also underwrites vehicle appearance warranties. PermaPlate will use ServiceOperations to intelligently dispatch work to contractors in markets where service is required, as well as create robust claims payment authorisation processes for its experienced technician network.

PermaPlate works in a fiercely competitive sector and in order to improve services to customers it has enlisted ServicePower’s product and development teams to produce new features within the application which facilitate the discreet logic required to manage a network of 3^rd party contractors so that they can deliver more competitive SLAs. Repair claims will also be managed through ServiceOperations, providing robust validation logic to the customer to enhance its warranty management process.

Victor Diercksen, Director of Business Technology, PermaPlate Inc., commented “Our dedication to quality products and superior customer service has driven growth of 50% year over year for the past 3 years.  Our growth was severely straining our legacy service management system which was in dire need of replacement.  We took this opportunity to upscale to an enterprise quality system like ServicePower to improve our service times while reducing or eliminating manual processes.  ServicePower is the latest in a series of investments in business systems that will allow PermaPlate to maintain its leadership position in the automotive appearance protection industry.”

Marne Martin, CEO, ServicePower, stated “We are really pleased to be working with another world-class organisation, in a new vertical, that sees the benefits of our cloud based, 3rd party ServiceOperations product. Using Operations, PermaPlate Inc. will be able to manage its resources intelligently and cost effectively to meet demand.

 

“PermaPlate benefits from our early investment in a completely industry agnostic, truly multi-tenant SaaS application in ServiceOperations, which continues to differentiate ServicePower from other Field Service Management vendors. We’re able to offer true hosted, intelligent, dynamic dispatch and warranty claim management to clients who utilise 3^rd party contractors or vendor partners in their service delivery equations. Our team of field service experts provides the experience critical to our customers’ success by not only advising how best to set up the software, but by providing advice and industry best practices in  managing a connected, contracted workforce.

“With continued enhancements to ServiceOperations, part of our connected field management platform, which provides industry acknowledged scheduling optimisation, cutting edge mobile technology and asset tracking, robust business intelligence, M2M Connected Services and Smart Scheduling of mixed labor pools, ServicePower has positioned itself as not only a visionary, but as a field service management solution of choice to organisations which endeavour to operate most efficiently in today’s changing field service environment.”

 

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New study links high customer satisfaction with service providers who fix it on the first visit

Field service organisations need to become more efficient, develop better time-saving approaches and fix a problem on the first visit in order to meet customer expectations, according to a new study commissioned by Trimble Field Service Management

The study, which surveyed 2,000 adults in the UK, revealed that over half (52 per cent) considered fixing the problem on the first visit to be the leading factor in determining their satisfaction. Yet, one in four participants reported that a return visit was required. The most common reason for a return visit was that the technician lacked the appropriate tools or parts (40 per cent), while the technician lacking the appropriate skills was also revealed as a top factor (27 per cent).

"Clearly, operating a skilled and efficient mobile workforce is critical to meeting customer expectations. To achieve that, organisations need real-time access to information about the performance of workers in the field," said John Cameron, general manager of Trimble's Field Service Management Division.

 

"Technology is available that provides technicians with the visibility they need to get to the right place at the right time with the information they need to do their job correctly the first time," Cameron added. "Customer expectations are only going to increase, so having the infrastructure in place to meet and exceed these expectations is critical to keeping customers happy."

Respondents also are not happy with wait times. More than 50 per cent considered 1-3 hours an acceptable appointment window, yet few had experienced this, with 32 per cent reporting wait times between 4-9 hours. 40 per cent of consumers claimed their biggest frustration with using a service provider was long appointment slots.

The independent study was conducted by OnePoll, a worldwide market research agency. For a summary of the report, visit: http://www.pages05.net/trimblefieldservice/Consumer_Research_Results/

 

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Masternaut Connect selected to help Airporter track vehicles, deliver efficiency savings and improve driver behaviour

Airporter, a leading private sector airport transfer organisation, is implementing Masternaut’s powerful fleet management solution to provide real-time vehicle tracking, increase passenger safety, and deliver fuel efficiency savings.

Fleet managers at Airporter are now using data from Masternaut Connect, including the eco-Drive and TACHOfresh modules, to inform passengers of where vehicles are at a particular time, track and improve driver behaviour, and reduce fuel costs across the fleet.

Transporting 100,000 passengers each year with its fleet of 17 Mercedes Executive mini coaches, accurate vehicle tracking is essential to Airporter’s service. Masternaut Connect will ensure that real-time vehicle information can be correctly relayed to customers and ensure they transfer from airport-to-airport on time.

Airporter prides itself on high safety and compliance standards, ensuring drivers are correctly trained to be safe and that regular vehicle safety inspections are completed. Masternaut’s ecoDrive module will allow Airporter to see that if its training is successful and where improvements may need to be made in driver behaviour, all the while reducing fuel consumption and costs.

TACHOfresh provides Airporter with tachograph management that stores, archives and protects instantly-available data, and is mobile compatible. TACHOfresh also gives the ability for the user to remotely download all tachograph and driver data, and provides next-generation digital analysis, helping Airporter remain compliant with government regulations.

Niall McKeever, owner and director at Airporter, said: “We are a very credible, safe, and reliable company that invests heavily in safety, and now we have the best telematics system to further improve our safety record in Masternaut Connect. We want to be using the best facilities in all aspects of our business and Masternaut fits in with that philosophy, with the added bonus of saving money on fuel expenditure. In that respect, the system effectively pays for itself.”

 

He continues, “We travel 1.5 million kilometres per year and carry more than 100,000 passengers, so passenger safety is something we take very seriously, and we needed a solution that can keep up with the pace. We’re the first public transport company in Northern Ireland to implement Masternaut telematics, and believe the company’s offering is the best available on the market. TACHOfresh in particular took us by surprise. For us, it ties up the whole logistics management side of Airporter, and it’s great to have one single reporting system as opposed to the time-intensive system we had previously.”

Steve Towe, chief commercial officer and UK managing director, Masternaut, commented: “It’s very rewarding to see how our solutions can help businesses simplify their processes. Airporter is already well regarded for its commitment to compliance, safe Mercedes vehicles, and for being the first transport provider in Northern Ireland to add free wifi into vehicles. It seems now, with the addition of telematics, that its reputation can only get better thanks to improved driver behaviour and environmental improvements, due to lower fuel usage. We look forward to seeing the results, and further expansion as Airporter continues to grow in the future.”

 

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