New J1939 engine data fields, easier integration withthird-party systems enhance reporting, score cards and dashboards and accurate PTO data collection 

PHOENIX, Oct. 18, 2010 – PeopleNet, the leading provider of innovative and integrated onboard computing and mobile communications systems for effective fleet management, today announced a new Vehicle Management Multi-bus Adapter that expands vehicle data collection to J1939 fields to enhance information reporting, score cards and dashboards. The announcement was made at the American Trucking Association’s conference being held in Phoenix today through October 19. According to PeopleNet CEO Ron Konezny, “As vehicle manufacturers continue the move towards providing only J1939 engine data via the ECM  and reduce support for J1708, fleets need the flexibility to communicate with either data bus using a single hardware solution. With the Multi-bus Adapter, PeopleNet collects data from both data networks simultaneously. Customers realize cost savings and maintenance simplicity with a single hardware configuration for their entire fleet of both new and older vehicles.” 

In addition, the Multi-bus Adapter captures new information such as Top Gear, Seat Belt use, Cruise, and Engine Load.  These data elements drive advanced analysis of driver and vehicle performance across PeopleNet’s reports, scorecards and Vusion analytics to improve driver safety and fleet fuel efficiency. 

The Multi-bus Adapter also enables real-time integration with stability control systems from Bendix and Meritor/WABCO which communicate via J1939, providing visibility of critical driving events and greatly improved fleet safety. In addition, the Multi-bus Adapter makes integration easier between the PeopleNet onboard computer and other third-party systems, such as lane departure warning, tire pressure monitoring and onboard cameras. 

Many vehicles misreport power take-off (PTO) event start and stop times through the engine cable monitor. By directly connecting to the PTO switch, PeopleNet’s new Multi-bus Adapter drives improved fuel efficiency and fuel tax reporting precision by collecting the data with 100 percent accuracy.

The Vehicle Management Multi-bus Adapter consolidates data from the J1708/1587 data bus, J1939 data bus, CAN data bus, as well as PTO switch data. Collected data is delivered to the PeopleNet onboard computer via the standard vehicle connection. This single-integration approach also helps fleets address the decline of vehicles being manufactured with the J1708 data bus.

About PeopleNet
PeopleNet is exclusively focused on providing innovative Internet-based and integrated onboard computing and mobile communications systems to improve North America’s trucking industry’s fleet management.  Its products are used by nearly 1,500 truckload, LTL, private, and service fleets in the United States and Canada, including several Fortune 500 companies. Reputed for its customer-driven technological innovation, unparalleled flexibility, and proactive customer care, PeopleNet was the first major technology provider to offer Internet-based communications to the transportation industry 15 years ago.  Since then, the company annually reinvests 100 percent of its profits into the business for aggressively developing new products that continue to improve fleet management. Industry recognition of the company’s leadership includes: Inbound Logistics Top 100 Award; Food Logistics’ 100 Top Technology Solutions and Service Providers; Frost & Sullivan Market Engineering Award; and M2M Value Chain Award. For more information about PeopleNet and its products, call (888) 346-3486, or visit www.peoplenetonline.com.