April/May 2003

Customers buying special versions of the Iveco Daily City van and light truck range get an attractive add-on in the form of a PDA (personal digital assistant). It features in a package called CompuDaily, which has been developed by Iveco in association with Compaq (now Hewlett Packard).

PDAs seldom feature prominently among van manufacturers' options, so CompuDaily can genuinely claim to be a step forward. It recognises that the capabilities of the PDA allows the van to be integrated more thoroughly into the logistics chain.

The system is aimed primarily at parcels and multi-drop delivery operations. The PDA incorporates voice call capability, barcode reader, trip computer and navigation system. When the CompuDaily is docked in its dashboard mount, drivers can receive instructions by voice or text, and use the inbuilt navigation system to locate the next collection or delivery point. The PDA can also be taken out of the vehicle so that its barcode scanner can be used to record collections and deliveries.

CompuDaily costs between £1,200 and £1,300, depending on configuration.