Thursday November 25th, 2004

Telematics Set for Fleet Growth

Excerpt from Article by Keith McLaughlin

Publication: Canadian Automotive Fleet Magazine June/July 2004

The Netistix telematics solution, FleetPulse, uses current vehicle onboard diagnostic ports and wireless fidelity technology to provide a vehicle relationship management solution that eliminates the need for human intervention to obtain vehicle data.

It’s comprised of three core components: in-vehicle data collection unit or VIU, wireless site manager, VIUPoint, and a web or server based vehicle information manager, called OverVIU.

The VIU is connected to the vehicle’s on board diagnostics (OBDII) port . It can extract basic logistical data such as odometer readings, and engine hours, as well as in depth technical indicators. Each VIU can be accessed using a web browser.

VIUPoint is installed at fleet yards, fueling depots and vehicle service locations. It actively acquires data from the VIU in each vehicle and relays it to the OverVIU vehicle information manager. OverVIU gathers, analyses and presents data from each vehicle’s VIU in a variety of formats.

There are four FleetPulse levels or modules of information available to customers: the first and standard level is Logistics. This provides common operating parameters relevant to preventative maintenance schedules and emergency maintenance indicators. The Fuel and Safety option can record idling patterns, speed and acceleration. Data is delivered automatically, enabling operators to assess operations and address problems. The third option is Diagnostics, which provides information that would not otherwise be detectable until the vehicle was physically in service. Diagnostics can report pending Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) which may be an indication of developing vehicle problems. An emissions option allows fleets to stay in compliance with emissions regulations without sacrificing productivity.

One major advantage the Netistix solution offers, says the company, is that with the use of wireless fidelity technology airtime costs are eliminated!