PeopleNet Releasing Eight New Features for Private Fleets
Applications will be delivered wirelessly through over-the-air programming and web-based interface
ATLANTA-NPTC Education Management Conference & Exhibition, May 3, 2004-PeopleNet, the fastest-growing provider of onboard computing and mobile communications systems to North American transportation operations, has announced it is releasing eight new system features to private and for-hire fleets through the company's proprietary OTAPTM over-the-air-programming capability and Web-based Interface.
"The new applications distinguish PeopleNet as a top provider of advanced onboard computing technology offerings for private fleets," said Ron Konezny, Chief Operating Officer for PeopleNet. "They are proof of our continuous focus on innovation and commitment to providing new applications that make a positive impact on fleet operations. On an ongoing basis, PeopleNet solicits input from customers through a Product Advisory Council, and every one of these products is a direct result of that feedback."
The wireless upgrades will occur throughout May and provide fleets with several new features, including three significant applications: PTO, Idle and Off-Road Event Reporting; Activity Standards and eDriver Logs® smart mode.
PTO, Idle and Off Road Event Reporting
PeopleNet will automatically capture the location and the amount of fuel consumed during PTO, Idle and Off-Road events for fuel cost recovery allowed in specific states and by the federal government. Available as a stand-alone service or as an enhancement to the PeopleNet Online Fuel Tax service, this new solution is part of a growing suite of efficiency enhancing business tools offered by PeopleNet. Fuel costs and tax savings can be reported by vehicle or groups of vehicles on a daily, monthly, quarterly or annual basis through detailed reports based on time, mileage and location data.
"With increased pressure on fuel costs, every gallon counts," said Konezny. "This new offering is testament to PeopleNet's commitment to partnering with the leading fuel tax reporting and recovery providers - our customers receive a full-service program comprised of the best possible products available today."
Activity Standards
Activity Standards is a reporting tool that uses learned data to track and measure the efficiency of recurring and/or dedicated routes and activities. Using this tool, fleet managers can quickly become aware of exceptions to normal or standard processes and proactively manage operations for greatest efficiency.
Activities that are compared to learned standards include travel times, stop times, average miles per hour, planned vs. unplanned stops and total trip times. This information is displayed in the form of comparative reports that highlight the exceptions across events.
eDriver Logs - smart mode
Compliant with the U.S. Department of Transportation's regulation 395.15 and in Canada below the 60th parallel, eDriver Logs from PeopleNet has been widely accepted by fleets and today is in use by hundreds of drivers throughout the United States and in Canada. The program provides a paperless process for managing the driver hours of service process.
In addition to today's standard mode, eDriver Logs is now available in 'smart mode,' which automates the recording of a driver's duty statuses based on vehicle movement. Using vehicle ECM data, the smart mode option detects vehicle stops and starts to automatically switch drivers between on-duty and driving statuses.
Other features that are being delivered in PeopleNet's May software upgrade-all at no additional charge to customers-include:
In-cab mute option that allows drivers to disable audible message alerts.
In-cab driver scorecard that allows drivers to view real-time engine performance information in either U.S. or metric units of measure.
Enhanced number, date and time fields to streamline the creation of driver forms.
State line crossing reporting, which provides documentation by vehicle or groups of the number of miles a vehicle travels within a state. This data is used for fuel tax reporting.
PerformX in metric units, which provides Canadian customers the ability to view PeopleNet's advanced engine diagnostics offering in metric units of measure.
For more information about PeopleNet's new applications for private and for-hire fleets, call 1-888-208-8110. The PeopleNet g2x system has become the standard for GPS location tracking, two-way voice and data communications, and Internet-based onboard computing to provide consistent, reliable communication between business owners, dispatchers, drivers and shippers.
Headquartered in Minneapolis, PeopleNet is the fastest-growing provider of Internet-based onboard computing and mobile communications systems to the long-haul transportation and metro-based fleet industries. The company serves carriers throughout the U.S. and Canada and recently signed its 1,000th customer. For more information about PeopleNet, call 888-346-3486, e-mail info@peoplenetonline.com, or visit www.peoplenetonline.com.
