Nov/Dec 2003

ICS Black Box has given a wide-ranging overhaul to its Fleet Log on-board computer system, introducing GPRS data communications to speed up transmissions, and adding a satellite-based tracking system built round the Mapbyte product range.

Together, the new features take the range well beyond its original function of monitoring vehicles and drivers, and position it comprehensively in the world of telematics.

The monitoring functions remain, allowing users to record data on speed, driving time, idling time, oil pressure and high temperature, acceleration/deceleration levels and so on. Now, however, this data can be captured in real time for immediate analysis or corrective action. ICS Black Box is using the always-on features on GPRS to capture data up to once every 30 seconds. The poll-on-demand approach "is completely eliminated," the company says.

The Mapbyte tracking system shows vehicle positions on digital maps, again checking their location every half-minute, and delivers the information to users in the office via a standard Web browser. At the vehicle end, it has been fully integrated with the Fleet Log system.

 

Features include vehicle and workforce tracking, detailed historical reporting, the geofencing of selected areas, and optimal routing between locations. Information can be displayed selectively on screen maps, including for instance the function, address and phone number of specific locations. In the office, data can be analysed and presented in a variety of report formats.

• ICS is continuing to develop its Nexus Windows CE-based on-board computer, and has now signed an agreement with Alturion, a Dutch-based specialist in handheld computer software, which is to develop its on-board navigation system to run on the Nexus hardware.