PeopleNet and TMW Systems introduced a number of collaborative and connected telematics and transportation management systems (TMS) solutions during the opening session of their inaugural in.sight User Conference // Expo in Nashville.
Discussed were a driver-facing mobile app, the industry's first comprehensive "journey management” application, and a universal, cloud-based solution that enables fleets to quickly and easily integrate PeopleNet data into their TMWSuite software. TMW President David Wangler and PeopleNet President Brian McLaughlin unveiled the solutions and highlighted several key features and benefits during a brief presentation to conference attendees.
“This conference reflects an exciting new era for our companies and for transportation technology,” McLaughlin said. “PeopleNet and TMW have long delivered significant business value on a solution-specific basis. Now we have connected critical tools and information within several solutions to provide a far more impactful user experience in terms of driving improved communication, efficiency and, ultimately, profitability.”
Wangler cited the need for the industry to eschew traditional "swivel chair integration" -- whereby users must switch between multiple applications and interfaces -- as key to making better, faster decisions.
“Being able to simultaneously view business-critical information from multiple platforms helps every member of a transportation enterprise save time while making choices that contribute to improved business performance,” he said.
Also emphasized was the ever-increasing importance of integrating advanced business intelligence into TMS and fleet mobility solutions.
“We are partnering with an ever expanding range of transportation businesses to collect and analyze operational data, define industry benchmarks and track emerging trends that can impact productivity and competitiveness,” Wangler said.
“Our connected solutions enable users to access many of these insights at the point of decision, whether it’s at the executive level, in dispatch, within a service bay or in the cab of an over-the-road tractor,” McLaughlin added.
Connected solutions previewed during the opening session included the following:
- ConnectedDriver Mobility App - A driver-facing application that provides custom, bi-directional messaging; dispatch and stop data; hours of service availability; driver pay; driver time-off; and other information. The cloud-based app, which has been available to drivers as a companion to the PeopleNet system, is now integrated with the TMWSuite platform.
- TripInsight Solution - A comprehensive, cloud-based journey management solution that provides proactive decision support and uniquely accurate ETA and PTA to the back office and driver. The application manages around multiple variables influencing trip outcome, including hours of service calculation, route restrictions, over-the-road purchasing and rest stops.
- TMW FleetConneX - A cloud-based universal solution that enables fleets to integrate their mobile communication platforms into TMWSuite software without the need for costly on-premise servers or custom coding. FleetConneX is now available for fleets using TMWSuite software in conjunction with the PeopleNet solution.
- PeopleNet Fleet Manager SSO Integration - The companies now offer a single sign-on (SSO) capability that enables dispatchers using TMWSuite software to view PeopleNet driver log hours within a unified interface. This information is displayed in the context of other important data related to driver management.
