Streets Ahead! Fleet Director Upgrade Sets New Industry Standards
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LONDON – October 14, 2009: Trafficmaster, the leading provider of intelligent driving solutions, has just upgraded its Fleet Director fleet management system to include a range of enhancements that help both fleet managers and drivers. These improvements reflect Trafficmaster’s ongoing commitment to provide the latest technology for the fleet management sector – and the system has already been recognised for its innovative approach, winning the 2009 Fleet Van Technology Initiative of the Year Award.
The new upgrade includes some unique features:
Actual closest vehicle
Fleet Director is the first fleet
management system now able to precisely identify the driver closest to a
job using real routes and not, as on other systems, simply as the crow
flies. This gives managers an accurate picture of the nearest vehicle to a
location, saving mileage, time and fuel costs. It then puts that driver on
the fastest route giving clear turn-by-turn verbal instructions with a full
colour route map as well.
The software upgrade that enabled this unique function also brings a host of new automated email reporting systems for the fleet manager, straight from the vehicle’s system into the manager’s email box. For instance, if a driver breaks an exception condition, maybe speeding or entering a no-go zone, the manager – and any other named recipients who may be involved in a fleet’s management such as the HR Director or FD – receive an instant email alert. Other regular reports can also be set up for automated email to any recipient list.
Live traffic information & virtual mapping
With its own
real-time traffic data, taken from Trafficmaster’s network of
roadside monitors across 8,000 miles of motorways and trunk roads, Fleet
Director is now able to offer live traffic congestion alerts overlayed on
the road maps viewed on the fleet manager’s PC. The mapping can also
now be displayed in virtual mapping format, if preferred. It gives fleet
managers advanced notice on traffic problems so can help their drivers
avoid incidents or jams. This optimises fleet efficiency saving time, money
and idling time sitting in congestion. It helps drivers keep to their work
schedules and arrive at jobs on time.
Dashboard reports
Straightforward rapid reporting systems have
always been a key feature with Fleet Director and the new upgrade can now
deliver an instant snapshot report of a vehicle’s recent activity
that day. Full more detailed reports can also be called up from the system
when required but these dashboard reports give an instant review of a
vehicle’s movements.
Two-way messaging
Via Fleet Director’s Colour
Touchscreen, drivers and managers can now communicate instantly using the
new two-way messaging function. This delivers notification of job changes,
posts new job details and can be used to check on current driver location
and schedules. Up to 50 pre-set messages can be stored for instant
messaging on regular tasks.
“These initiatives are truly ground-breaking and some are unique in the fleet management market,” said John Lawrence, Sales & Marketing Director at Trafficmaster. “We have worked with our customers to develop these practical features that not only meet but anticipate future business needs of the fleet manager. All have been specifically designed to help managers and drivers work more productively while reducing the driver fatigue and stress caused by traffic congestion. Fleet Director continues to evolve bringing added value and improved functionality with this latest upgrade.”