Tampa GPS Tracking and Telematics

by | Jan 24, 2020 | Fleet Management

Tampa GPS Tracking & Telematics For Fleets

Serving Fleets for 21+ Years

Fleetistics has been the Tampa GPS Tracking and Telematics authority since the technology was in its infancy. We are recognized as a leading provider of fleet management technology both locally and nationally from Tampa since April 2001. Fleetistics was formally known as GPS Fleet Solutions for the first 15 years of operation. Over time the industry focus shifted from GPS tracking equipment to data-driven solutions. To reflect that shift GPS Fleet Solutions became Fleetistics (Fleet – Statistics).

Map Tampa GPS Tracking for Fleet

What the Future Holds

The long-term goal of Fleetistics is to translate data from any source and process it into readily consumable information. Data that comes from GPS tracking, dash cameras, sales reports, and other IoT devices provides a clearer picture when viewed contextually as part of a larger puzzle. We can leverage more out of every system when we use them together.

Additionally, the information provided at the right time, and in the right format, increases ROI. It enables fleet managers and field service operations to make good decisions quickly. By knowing the historical trend, a future trajectory can be projected. This allows fleet operators and other Tampa GPS tracking consumers to visualize where their business is going in the next 30 to 90 days.

Tampa’s #1 GPS Vehicle Tracking and Fleet Management Provider

Tampa GPS Tracking At a glance safety dashboard

As part of transforming into an information company, Fleetistics has developed several key capabilities. We are focused on development that facilitates growth and success in the telematics industry in Tampa, Florida, and nationally. As a result, Fleetistics has custom-developed our tools to take complex data strings from IoT devices and decode the information.

Simplifying Complex Integration

When data is transmitted by an IoT device (Compare GPS trackers) the data is sort of like a VIN. The entire GPS coordinate, battery voltage, and other status data are not clearly included in plain language. Instead, the data is put into a code string and each letter or number, or combination, in the string represents something. It is very much like the VIN on a vehicle but more complicated.

The reason it is done this way is to minimize the number of kilobytes being transmitted. Sending a complete latitude and longitude + other data might be 10 kilobytes but the same data is encoded in a string it is 2 kilobytes. Over the course of a day or month, the 80% savings is reflected in a significant cost reduction from cellular carriers like AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and Telefonica.

We process that complex data into a usable API saving our clients the time, cost, and frustration associated with complex development projects. Call us to learn more.

Contact us today! 855.300.0527

Globalstar Data Processing Services

by | Jan 24, 2020 | Data Integration, Fleet Management

Globalstar – The Company

Globalstar data from GPS and other devices is harvested and transmitted by their network of LEO (low earth orbit) satellites. This network provides coverage for 80% of the earth’s surface. They are the premier low-cost satellite communications provider for our industry. When cellular services simply do not provide enough coverage and two-way communication is not needed, Globalstar is the recognized cost-effective leader.

The Globalstar vision statement clearly communicates that connectivity is one of the great commodities in people’s lives today and they are committed to sustainment of the most reliable communication services.

 

 

 

Raw Globalstar Data Processing for Custom Solutions

Fleet managers face significant programming challenges and expense when planning to implement Globalstar data. First of all, developers must decode the data from the device. The data from Globalstar devices is delivered in a complex code string. Each number in the code string means something, similar to a VIN code on a vehicle.

 

Auto Zone VIN breakdown

 

 

 

In contrast, Globalstar code strings are not straightforward like a VIN. The code string must be translated into a usable format before being processed. Only then can you direct the data to the correct destination and insert it into a database. This requires infrastructure and extensive development.

Fortunately, Fleetistics offers a service that covers these steps. The processed data is provided to clients via API. Clients use the API to insert the data into their database, and it is available for use as needed by the customer.

The Fleetistics data service enables customers to implement Globalstar technology significantly faster, and moves the maintenance of the APIs and processing service to Fleetistics. As new Globalstar devices, protocols and services are updated, Fleetistics updates the web service to support all Fleetistics customers.

 

 

Small and Medium Size Business Challenges

 

 

AT-5500C Asset Tracker

This technology is readily available for use, but Globalstar products provide raw data. They do not provide a one size fits all user interface that allows you to consume Globalstar data and integrate it into your daily business operations.

Fleetistics has the back end for Globalstar data products in place and ready for you to use. GPS location reporting is integrated into the MyFleetistics portal, complete with monitoring and event alerts for your mobile assets almost anywhere. You can have all the advantages without taking on a costly and complicated development project.

 

 

Integrated Solutions

MyFleetistics existing Asset Tracker integration provides a user-friendly interface to view Globalstar tracking updates. We also provide a variety of premium services in addition to standard GPS asset tracking. After hours Priority Notification Service, Globalstar data displayed on road, satellite, or weather maps, and forecast weather overlays are just a few of the choices. We also have a device health view connected to our tech-support services that allows you to quickly identify devices displaying low battery voltage, and devices that have not reported.

Fleetistics turns that raw Globalstar data into valuable and easily consumable business intelligence, without the hassle of developing in house. Call us today for a live demo or to discuss your custom integration needs.

Contact us today! 855.300.0527

Active Directory User Management

by | Jan 16, 2020 | Fleet Management

User Rights Management Using Active Directory

 

Single sign-on (SSO) is quickly becoming one of the most requested features we provide. It is not surprising that fleets using multiple technologies struggle with managing users. Drivers and support employees access multiple apps and software platforms to do their jobs. In Fleet operations, the GPS tracking solutions, maintenance software, ELD and MVR services all require logins and ongoing user rights management. Certainly, it is a challenge for managers to keep up with users across multiple platforms. Similarly, users struggle to remember multiple login URLs and passwords. Additionally, as employees are hired and retired each platform has to be updated. If an employee leaves under duress it becomes even more important to remove them from all systems. In departments that are already understaffed, all of this can create utter chaos.

Normally, when an employee joins or departs an organization HR or IT adds or removes them from network access. This is their access for payroll, reporting, and other internal services, so someone is almost always on top of keeping users up to date. Unfortunately, it doesn’t translate through to the platforms the fleet department has to manage on their own.

 

Fleetistics Active Directory Integration

 

Fleetistics understands the time and effort that goes into managing users on top of all other fleet management tasks. In response, we developed a service that integrates with Active Directory. When the IT department updates a user, the user’s access to MyFleetistics, and the incorporated telematics platforms are also updated. As new employees are added to the company network, the IT department assigns them to a GPS user group. That group assignment determines their permissions within MyFleetistics. That means fleet managers no longer need to add or remove users from MyFleetistics. More importantly, when an employee leaves the company and their network access is removed, their access to MyFleetistics is removed as well.

Fleetistics has many years of experience working with large fleets with many users. In large organizations with hundreds or thousands of users, this is a huge time saver. It also significantly improves company security. Finally, the employee’s user experience is improved as well. They can use a single sign-on (SSO) which means they don’t have to keep entering their login credentials. After they log into their computer or onto the network, they will click a link specific to a customer and they will be authenticated and allowed to pass through to MyFleetistics.

 

Is Single Sign-On Secure?

 

Our integration uses a standard method and capability provided by Microsoft. There are many variables that make this process a minimal risk in relation to the value provided. The most important aspect of the security to understand is that user credentials are not being passed and all critical information is encrypted.

 

Other User Rights Management Platforms

 

 

The Fleetistics integration with Active Directory supports both ADFS and Azure Active Directory. Fleetistics is interested in working with large fleet operators to integrate single sign-on using their existing platforms. We are happy to evaluate if your current technology is compatible for integration. Platforms such as WebSphere are utilized by some of the largest companies in the world and there is a good business case to develop SSO solutions. If your large or enterprise-class organization has a URM platform you want integrated contact Fleetistics to discuss the project and discounted rates for leading the effort and partnering with Fleetistics through the integration.

If you are interested in Active Directory integration, send us an email at contact@fleetistics.com or email your account manager and we’ll be in touch.

GEotab GO9 GPS Vehicle Tracking

Fleet Tracking Portals

Fleet Management Platform

Fleet Tracking Portals

Fleet Weather Service

Fleet Weather Service

Integrations that Drive ROI

by | Jan 14, 2020 | Data Integration, ROI

There are two primary ways to integrate GPS Tracking data to drive ongoing return on investment. The first, and most often used is analytical integration. Second, and often overlooked is visual integration. Let’s take a look at both.

Analytical Integrations

Application programming interfaces (APIs), allow you to compile data from multiple sources. An API is provided by many GPS vendors. Some vendors add additional fees for their API service and others do not. Likewise, some providers place limits on what data you may access and how frequently you can make requests. In contrast, others make all collected data available and allow more frequent API calls.

Using the API you can integrate data from your GPS tracking system with data from other applications you use. Combining data and directing it into custom reports brings the information you need to the surface. Additionally, you can format and display the data the way you want to see it. We have one client that developed a custom interface to view his tracking data using the API. He does not use the user interface provided with his system at all.

Integrated exceptions graph

Another great example of analytical integration is the Device Status Table in MyFleetistics. It is integrated with our internal support ticketing. This allows our clients to quickly identify vehicles that have not reported. Additional data indicates if the device is powered. It only takes one click to open a support ticket, and it is all viewed on a single screen.

Device Status Integration

The Value Proposition

The API allows you to use the data collected by your tracking system in other applications. Location, speed, and duration details add additional value when combined with data from other sources. Some common examples are listed below.

  • Planned vs actual routes
  • Identifying customers that have not been visited recently
  • Isolate stops that were too short or too long based on an associated work order
  • Understanding on-time vs early or late stops to improve customer service.

Engine status data and faults directed to your vehicle maintenance software ensures all faults are reported. Unsafe driving events reported directly to the applications used by your Safety and HR Departments saves time over entering events manually. More importantly, it ensures safety records are complete and up to date.

You can also use the API to automate tasks. For instance, when a new customer or vendor order is entered, a custom developed application can automate the dispatch by sending a text message through the integrated application. Other examples are syncing customer locations with the closest vehicle when dispatching and assigning training to a driver that has too many unsafe driving events.

Visual Integrations

Visual integrations allow us to consume more information faster. A quick look at a “heat map” of customer stops speaks volumes. It will quickly reveal a territory that needs another driver assigned as well as an area that has too much staff already committed. Put that side by side with a “heat map” of profit dollars generated and you get a deeper understanding of where it is most valuable for drivers to be.

GIS overlays allow you to see infrastructure in relation to the location of your assets. For a Fire Department, the location of fire hydrants in relation to trucks on the map is very helpful information. Likewise, for an oil well service company, well locations on the tracking map allow dispatch to easily see available assets relative to service locations.

Visual Integration Improved Using a Shapefile Import Tool

For Geotab users, the GIS Shapefile Import Tool allows you to import zones from GIS shapefiles. This creates a zone with the exact perimeter you see in a GIS map overlay. As a functioning zone in Geotab, you can create exception rules for events related to the zone. Examples are entering, exiting, driving too fast inside the zone, stopping too long or not long enough in the zone, and much more.

Visual integration using shapefile import tool

Both analytical and visual integrations are beneficial in a variety of ways. The key is understanding what pieces of information you have that when combined reveal something more. Think about all of the times you have asked a question and your manager or supervisor responds “I don’t know.” You may want to start keeping a list of those questions because if you are asking, there must be some value in knowing. Starting with a clear question, the sources of information that can be integrated to reveal the answers are easily identified.

Motivating Drivers Across 5 Generations

by | Dec 19, 2019 | Fleet Management

Past, Present, and Future Generations

Generations past did not see huge technological advances in their lifetime. Workforce management was much simpler. Their expectation was a fair wage for a hard day’s work. For that reason a fair wage was enough to motivate most workers. As technology races forward, it impacts each successive generation in new ways. The common thread is that each generation must be more adaptable than the last to keep up with the evolution of technology in the workplace. In the chart below, data from 2 sources is combined to disply the generational makeup of the global workforce. The generational range definitions used are from Pew Research Center.

Generations of Diversity

Defining the Generations

Very few truckers who are in their 70’s are still driving for a living. They have a far different outlook on work and life than younger drivers. Likewise, they are a bit more resistant to change than younger generations. For many of them, the ELD mandate was the straw that broke the camel’s back. As more routine driver tasks move from paper to digital formats, Builders and Boomers can either go with the flow or be left behind.

The trucking industry likely has fewer Gen-Z’s than the 24% shown in the workforce breakdown because less than half of them are old enough to drive. In contrast, they will be the next defining challenge to integrate into the fleet workforce. Each group has its own priorities and values. They have been shaped by fast-developing technology, an ever changing economy, and global vs local perspectives.

Managing fleet personnel well is dependent upon understanding these generational differences. Certainly, that is the key to recruitment, training, benefit and reward strategies that will resonate across generations. Ultimately, success is tied to keeping drivers happy and retaining them long term. Phyllis Weiss Haserot, author of “You Can’t Google It!: The Compelling Case for Cross-Generational Conversation at Work” identifies the traits of each generation as well as the fears that influence them. Her findings broken down in the charts below, along with a little common sense, reveal some interesting possibilities.

 

Baby Boomers

Not surprising, Baby Boomer workplace traits and fears are tied to their physical age. They are also your most experienced drivers. Younger workers can learn a lot from them about staying safe and productive on the road from them. Boomers can also teach younger workers about person to person contact and relationship building by example. Boomers can probably learn a lot from younger workers about work/life balance. Perhaps turning over some training duties to your Boomers will benefit everyone.

Boomers are open and adaptable to new technology but may tend to be skeptical until the new tech proves its value. Including them early in the process when introducing new technology will make them feel valued. Furthermore, they will better understand the value the technology brings and become your champions for the changes proposed.

Generation X

From the traits listed, it would seem Gen-Xers feel like it’s them against the world. That can be a difficult dynamic to address for drivers who spend a good deal of their time alone in the field. Extra effort is needed to make them feel part of the team. They have an entrepreneurial spirit in the workplace tempered by a friends and family first attitude.

Pairing them with Boomers for training may balance their fears of acceptance by Boomers, while pairing them to train and work alongside Millennials may balance their fears of losing the support of Millennials they work with. What seems most important is to foster their relationships with other generational groups as they are not likely to choose those relationships for themselves.

Perhaps a team challenge incentive with members of each generation on each team. Working together toward a shared goal will help bridge the generational gaps. Something as simple as a Boomer asking a Gen Xer for help using a new app can make them feel valued and boost their morale.

Generation Y Millennials

Gen Y word cloud

Millennials will respond best to web-based training programs. They are more comfortable with learning online than in a classroom or one on one training. They need highly focused, but brief training sessions, and lots of e-resources to get their questions answered.

Driver safety scorecard performance incentives and gamification apps will resonate with Millennials. This can open the lines of communication to bring them into the team environment. Like the Gen-Xers, making them feel they are part of the team can be challenging.

Recognition by their Gen-X and Boomer supervisors is critical to their motivation. A clearly defined career path will keep them on track. If they feel they are valued by management and co-workers, and achievement of benchmarked goals clearly offers a path for career advancement, they are more likely to stay and be successful.

Generation Z

Gen Z word cloud

More than any of the other generations, Gen-Zers are invested in and place a high priority on making the world a better and safer place. They have been exposed since birth to issues like terrorism, global warming, and changing political correctness.

Gen-Zers have the skills to be great team players. Technology like smartphones and tablets have always been part of life for them, and new technology advancements are their norm, expected as sure as daybreak. AI and robotics replacing manual labor is a very real possibility in their lifetimes.

It may be too soon to define strategies to attract and retain this up-and-coming segment of the workforce. In fact, it may be too soon to predict if driving will continue to be part of the job. For that reason, it is time to begin redefining what tasks will take the place of driving when the vehicles in our future are driverless?

In any case, one thing that will be critical to Gen-Z is who we are as employers. Our corporate attitudes regarding our local and global impact, both good and bad will be important to them. Are we as corporate citizens doing our part to keep the environment clean? Do we take a stand regarding social injustice, help the disadvantaged, and keep our data secure? If not, they will find another employer that does.

Conclusions

Retaining drivers across all the generations is dependent upon creating a company culture with a shared purpose, open communication, and respect for individualism. Understanding the traits and fears associated with each major group is the gateway to creating that culture. Using the strengths of one group to relieve the fears of another is just good business. With a little creativity and intentional focus, an inclusive culture where drivers of all ages work together productively is achievable.