A Q&A with Santa, and Fleet Manager Mrs Claus, of North Pole Inc
Let’s talk navigation. Most GPS tracking systems can help drivers get from point A to point B easily. For commercial fleet drivers, however, utilizing a comprehensive fleet intelligence solution can save them huge headaches on the road. There are good navigation systems and bad ones (and then there are the really good ones). Top-of-the-line navigation systems should provide drivers with turn-by-turn directions that guide them along their routes more efficiently. In these cases, company dispatchers should be able to send routes to vehicles by cross streets, points of interest and zip codes as well as addresses and landmark locations. These routes should be delivered with verbal turn-by-turn driving directions that are useful and easy to understand. If a driver heads off a particular route, the navigation system should be able to automatically re-route the driver to the correct location.
Earlier this week, we interviewed Drew Hamilton, Teletrac Executive Vice President, about new developments in the world of navigation systems. Here’s what he had to say.
Is turn-by-turn navigation better suited for a particular industry?
Turn-by-turn navigation is a feature that is ubiquitously suited across all verticals. Being able to set routes means minimizing maintenance and fuel costs [for all industries].
How do navigation systems improve fleet communications?
Having an integrated navigation system is a benefit to stand-alone two-way messaging systems as it significantly improves overall workflow.
How have navigation systems changed the fleet industry?
In the past, if carriers didn’t have navigation systems, they were subject to drivers being able to choose their own stops. By loading stops into a navigation system, companies can easily save money.
How do you see navigation evolving in the next few years?
Navigation will change in the coming years. Every technology project evolves to more sophisticated user-interfaces and increased data integration. This evolution is how technology continues to advance and become more customizable.