Sept/Oct 2003

Having developed its vehicle tracking system to work across European borders over GSM mobile phone networks, UK-based supplier Microlise has now completed testing the system using the lower-cost GPRS alternative, and is now expected to launch a service using this technology. Among early users in this market has been TNT (covered in our sister-title e.logistics, issue 28), and a leading aerospace company is now using the system for deliveries throughout the Continent.

Microlise has also been developing an in-cab guidance system for drivers, which it will now be able to supply as part of its Opus Fleet and Opus Distribution systems. For this application it has harnessed technology from the proprietary supplier TomTom Navigator system, which means it can offer the system on mobile data terminals, PDAs and even mobile phones.

The system can provide a range of navigation capabilities, including turn-by-turn instructions, moving map displays and audible instructions. Maps show the current location, and simple icons show the distance to the next navigation point, (junction, roundabout and so on). The digital mapping is provided by various vendors such as Kingswood MapMechanics.

Microlise says it will be able to enhance this data by overlaying additional information (for instance, about road conditions and speed cameras). In a convergence of technologies, the system will also be able to calculate estimated times of arrival, and then pass this information back to base ­ for instance, to keep customers informed of progress.