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Telematics – an intelligent future, like it or not
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Oct/Nov 2008
FreightForce chooses Fleetwood and P1 for fleet management package
 Norwich-based transport operator FreightForce Distribution is rolling out a comprehensive fleet management system that combines the products of two East Anglia-based suppliers – Fleetwood Electronics (tracking and on-board systems) and P1 Technology Partners (transport management). On the mobile side, Fleetwood is providing its BlueScout vehicle monitoring system and own-branded BluePort handheld terminals. In the office, P1's trading offshoot, Orchestrator, is providing its supply-chain management system. The package will provide both operational management and vehicle function monitoring. On the operational front, it will use location information from Fleetwood's on-board devices to drive workflow in the system, as well as triggering alerts for specific events. It will also be providing information in real time on the location of vehicles or consignments, using Microsoft's Virtual Earth mapping technology. 
On the technical front, the system will use data gathered from each vehicle's CANbus to provide Orchestrator with further data related to driver working patterns and routines. The aim is to produce detailed analysis and reporting enable FreightForce's management team to identify cost saving opportunities through improved working practices. Fleetwood's BluePort terminals are substantial PDAs with a 3in by 4in quarter-VGA screen. They feature Intel PA270 400MHz processors and run Windows CE 5.0, and include GPRS connectivity and 1D and 2D barcode scanners. Other options include Wi-Fi and Bluetooth networking. FreightForce managing director Edward Miles says the business is now in a perfect position to implement a full end-to-end fleet and transport management solution. 'Whilst IT is often used as a vehicle to drive change, it is no substitute for strong management, and it's taken a long time to get the business ready for the kind of innovation that Orchestrator will bring.' FreightForce is installing the system in all thirty of its vehicles, and the initial contract for the system will run for five years.
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