Detroit Diesel Corporation (Detroit) has unveiled its new On-Board Tablet - an advanced mobile device equipped with “powerful apps” to streamline communications. The device uses the latest in commercial telematics technology to boost vehicle efficiency and driver performance.
Developed in collaboration with Zonar Systems, which provides electronic inspection, tracking and operations solutions for public and private fleets, the On-Board Tablet works seamlessly with Detroit’s Virtual Technician onboard diagnostics system and its Visibility Fleet Software that uses wireless communication and a GPS satellite network to deliver real-time data on an entire fleet to a secured website.
A part of Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA), a manufacturer of Class 4 to 8 trucks, Detroit offers a complete line of heavy duty diesel engines, axles and transmissions for the commercial transportation industry in both the on-highway and vocational markets. These products are sold and serviced through a network of more than 800 locations throughout North America.
FMCSA compliant
Certified compliant with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Hours of Service (HOS) regulations, the tablet is designed for Freightliner and Western Star truck models, and can be easily mounted inside the cab.
“The On-Board Tablet is an intuitive tool that will help our customers and their drivers maximize operations while ensuring compliance with the new FMCSA regulations,” says Joe Saccio, manager - sales and marketing of Detroit’s new Detroit Connect - the telematics arm that for DTNA. “The tablet is just one of a suite of proven solutions from Detroit Connect that seamlessly links vehicles with engineers, customer service and fleet managers, improving communication and ultimately benefitting productivity and product quality.”
The Detroit Connect On-Board Tablet offers HOS logs for reporting; Two-Way Messaging, including text to voice; Advanced Navigation for asset specific routing; and simplified Pre- and Post-trip Inspection.
Tablet features
Specific features found with the On-Board Tablet include:
• Paperless HOS Tracking - Notifies drivers at risk or in violation of FMCSA regulations.
• Two-Way Messaging. Allows for instant driver and fleet manager communication via free-form or pre-written messages and text-to-voice functionality.
• Advanced Navigation. - Generates step-by-step directions, asset-specific routing, map-loading assignments and real-time traffic information, saving drivers time.
• Pre- and Post-Trip Inspections – Streamlines the vehicle inspection process with quick scanning technology, resulting in faster and more accurate inspections.
Developed on the Android platform, the tablet’s intuitive interface, portable size and durable casing make it ideal for all applications, Saccio says. It features an integrated camera and video recording capability, Bluetooth technology, a built-in flashlight and a colorful touch-screen display with an HOS clock, plus has the ability to host third-party apps and product updates in the future.
“From truck uptime to fuel efficiency and safety and security, the On-Board Tablet has all of the right tools that give our customers the most accurate information to make decisions that can positively impact their business,” he notes. “Detroit Connect provides drivers and managers the ability to link to their trucks anytime, anywhere.”
The Detroit Connect On-Board Tablet will be available for Freightliner trucks as a factory-installed option beginning Q1 2014 on new truck orders. Retrofit kits will also be available.
Availability in Western Star trucks will be announced at a later date.
Contact an authorized Freightliner Trucks, Western Star or Detroit service outlet for details on all necessary equipment and service subscription options for the Tablet, or go to www.DemandDetroit.com/connect for more information.
