FLEET & FREIGHT MANAGEMENT
Shaw Mobile is a mobile fleet- and freight-management system available now. It was specifically designed, Shaw Tracking says, for LTL, P&D, courier, and private fleets, including store delivery operations. Its built-in programming recognizes customer-specific exception-based data like schedule changes and unplanned stops. The aim is to reduce operating costs and enhance productivity through real-time event management. The system will improve delivery planning through POD (proof of delivery), GPS and integrated mapping/routing. Delivery and dispatch information is available to anyone in the supply chain. Its flexibility means that it can be used for fleets without dispatch software or integrated into legacy routing and dispatch systems. It’s a standard out-of-the-box product but Shaw says it was designed to automate a company’s own unique business processes in terms of pickup, delivery, routing, and the like. The heart of things is the electronic on-board recording (EOBR) function, which provides GPS tracking, vehicle activity recording, incident recording, and automated IFTA fuel-tax and mileage reporting. Data comes through a Web-based platform and requires no software or IT involvement. If it’s mission-critical, it’s transmitted in real-time via GPRS; otherwise it goes inexpensively via Bluetooth. Reports are exception-based and can be completely customized. Among others, they include: arrival/departure times; road speed; hard braking incidents; direction and details on routing; and real-time vehicle engine information. The benefits include, says Shaw, reduced paperwork and enhanced driver productivity. Any PDA supporting Windows Mobile 5.0 can be used with the Shaw Mobile handheld component, and it can be customized for specific needs. A key to it all is signature capture for proof of delivery (POD) in real time, with stop times tracked and arrival and departure times validated by GPS. The system allows dynamic delivery and pick-up schedule changes, tracking freight through barcode scanning. Trip manifests are automatically downloaded to the driver’s handheld device, and subsequent communication is done wirelessly via Bluetooth, WiFi and GPRS means. That includes ‘on the fly’ upgrades. Shaw Mobile is available today, though the company says it’s a product that will evolve. The next phase will include more detail for cross-docking operations, and the addition of more peripheral devices such as in-cab printing and scanning/faxing.