Omnitracs Launches App That Combines Routing, Compliance
The new offering, dubbed Routing, Dispatching and Compliance, or RDC, incorporates the capabilities of Omnitracs’ Roadnet Anywhere and XRS products in a single application, eliminating the need for fleets to manage routing and compliance separately.
Omnitracs purchased XRS Corp. in 2014 and Roadnet Technologies in 2013, shortly after Omnitracs’ spinoff from Qualcomm Inc.
RDC provides route planning and optimization, dispatching, trip management, proof of delivery and compliance with hours-of-service and driver vehicle inspection reports, the company said.
The app is available to drivers on mobile devices and to fleet managers through a web portal.
Omnitracs made the announcement here Feb. 28 at its annual user conference.
By considering both route efficiency and regulatory requirements together, RDC takes “a very holistic view” to solve the broader business problem, said Kevin Haugh, chief strategy and product officer.
For example, the application might dynamically reroute a driver who encounters congestion and is running behind schedule to prevent a potential hours-of-service violation.
“Many fleets find it very difficult to effectively balance needs around route efficiency, driver safety and compliance and customer service,” Haugh said. “With RDC, managers and drivers can easily balance their business needs by having a comprehensive perspective on all aspects and the ability to quickly make adjustments as needed.”
Omnitracs also previewed several products and features still in development.
The company said it is planning to bring the Android operating system to its Intelligent Vehicle Gateway platform, launched a year ago.
The move to Android will enable customers to deploy a greater variety of applications on the device, said Jeff Champa, vice president of product management.
Customers who have already invested in IVG, which currently runs on Windows, will be able to update the device to Android, he added.
Omnitracs also is developing a suite of mobile apps to give drivers greater capabilities outside the cab.
One of those apps will enable drivers to access their hours-of-service timer and duty status while away from the vehicle.
Apps for driver vehicle inspection reports and driver performance monitoring also are in the works.
Champa said Omnitracs is looking at marketing mobile apps not only to fleets, but also to drivers.
“We want to have a direct relationship with the driver,” he said.
