Fleet Control could be a Game Changer at DecisionPoint

Ken Nagy, CFA

The Fleet Control Bundle is DecisionPoint’s (DPSI) comprehensive solution for the Transportation & Distribution market delivering Department of Transportation Compliance, real time fleet visibility, automated Federal tax reporting, push-to-talk communication between drivers and dispatchers, complete chain of custody visibility and package condition image capture.

The bundle combines Airclic Proof of Delivery, Xata Turnpike Hours of Service and Inspection application and Grapevine Push-to-Talk service with DecisionPoint’s Professional Services and support.

Together, the applications allow dispatchers unparallel communications and oversight capabilities, including the ability to examine individual driver performance and vehicle data.  All this, while providing automation that driver’s need.

The Airclic Proof of Delivery software offers a complete chain of custody visibility.

The application allows all packages to be scanned onto and off of the truck, signatures to be collected and damaged packages to be photographed, ensuring accurate and complete delivery through the use of a rugged Motorola Smartphone.

Through, time, date and GPS stamps, the application ensures delivery documentation and other paperwork is properly completed and filed.  What’s more, if a package is damaged, the damage can be recorded through the smartphone camera.

The Xata Turnpike Hours of Service and Inspection application collects information automatically and electronically speeding the process as drivers move through roadside inspection stations.

Through an on board recorder, engine diagnostics and GPS data is collected and blue toothed to the Motorola Smartphone. All of this information is stored on the device and easily viewable by the driver and roadside inspectors and is posted to a secure website via the Verizon wireless network.

Additionally, the application eases monthly IFTA tax reporting burdens by automating IFTA reporting through complete detailed reports showing where fuel was burned so that IFTA can distribute the taxes appropriately.

What’s more, the software tracks hours of service and supports FMCSA log compliance.

The Grapevine Push-to-Talk solution offers a number of key features including a private and secure network with voice encryption; scalability that allows communication with thousands of individuals and group participants at once; voice history where the user can replay previous conversations; interoperability anywhere in the world across all WWAN, and Wi-Fi networks at the same time (including over different carriers); and is an SaaS managed service requiring no hardware or overhead.

DecisionPoint has been attempting to leverage this latest trend of customized solutions and support by deepening its relationship with major wireless carriers through the launching of co-branded products that would combine DecisionPoint’s new products and technology (such as Grapevine, Proof of Delivery and Mobile Device Management) with some of the major mobile provider’s other products and services.

This recent business strategy by DecisionPoint, is expected to increase ROI by generating high margin products with recurring revenue while lowering costs and risk.

DecisionPoint’s working with Verizon’s Transportation & Distribution Vertical Market team to design and deliver the Fleet Control bundle is proof that this business strategy may be starting to bear fruit.

Still, it is important to note that while Verizon owns the trade marked Fleet Control name, DecisionPoint is the exclusive solution provider.

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