Spring 2006

Real-time navigation systems are being offered more and more widely by suppliers of related systems, and among the latest to add navigation to its offer is Skillweb, which has launched a mapping and routing add-on to its 202ePOD real-time proof of delivery system.

The application is called Route Finder, and will use ViaMichelin Internet-based maps and route calculators to provide a navigation system to delivery drivers.

The enhancement is said to run on any Windows CE-based handheld device, and aims to provide answers to questions such as "Where am I?", "Where am I going?" and "How do I get there?"

Each driver's schedule of deliveries and routes is calculated by head office and downloaded to the handheld device via a standard GPRS mobile connection. The handheld, which must include a GPS device to provide geo-positioning, shows the driver the next delivery on a map backdrop, presenting the customer name and postcode and suggesting the optimal route to the location.

 

In the ViaMichelin system, all mapping is held on the Internet server and downloaded to the handheld device on demand. Skillweb sees this as a benefit, since maps need not be maintained or stored locally. The service provides maps for over 40 European countries, and will be available across the Continent.