Summer 2006

Navman Wireless, one of Britain's leading tracking and telematics specialists, has taken advantage of the satellite tracking systems of sister-company Navman Europe to come up with a combined job despatch, tracking and in-cab navigation package. It is describing the system as the first "accept and go" tracking and navigation product for fleet managers.

Whilst growing numbers of suppliers who offer tracking, scheduling and job despatch are linking these with in-vehicle navigation products, few if any of the others can come up with an in-cab satnav system produced in-house.

The on-board driver unit is based on the Navman group's dedicated 600-series satnav system, which comes with its own colour display screen and on-board digital map database. In its top-specification form this includes 3D Tele Atlas mapping.

The version in the tracking package, which appears to be exclusive to Navman Wireless, is called the M-Nav 650. It incorporates the usual 3D and fly-by mapping, and also features integrated job listing and despatch information, presented to the driver as a seamless package.

 

In the "accept and go" system, drivers click to accept job instructions downloaded from their office, and the M-Nav 650 then automatically launches the relevant on-screen map and instructions to the next job. The driver doesn't have to input any postcode or other details separately.

Another neat feature of the system is its driver ID functionality, which allows multiple drivers to use the same vehicle, whilst keeping their individual records separate. Navman says this makes it ideal for helping employers meet Working Time Directive legislation.

In addition to the driver unit, the full package includes Navman Wireless's Windows-based OnlineAVL software, allowing users to track, message and monitor their fleet from almost any PC at any location; its Qube tracking device; and a Vodafone GPRS account.