PeopleNet to Unveil Enhanced Blu.2
PeopleNet Communications will introduce a new model of its in-cab computer known as Blu.2 that is designed to enhance functionality of the company’s earlier model.
The June 10 announcement by PeopleNet, Chaska, Minn., said the units will be 65% lighter and start up 40% faster in cold weather than the original Blu in-cab system. The units are in the final stages of testing, with 100 units in service, and generally will be available in the third quarter.
“You are getting more features and value going forward,” Matt Voda, vice president of product management said during a webinar. “Blu.2 is a reflection of our focus on innovation and commitment to customer-focused integration.”
Voda said the new units have a lower price, more-efficient processor, brighter screen, quieter operation, more compact data storage, stronger audio and fewer USB ports.
The audio enhances a text-to-speech capability so that drivers can play an audio version of messages arriving in text form.
He said the number of ports was reduced because experience with the Blu model found that drivers used only one port.
He also stressed easy deployment.
“[Blu.2] is backwards-compatible,” Voda said. “You can simply swap out displays without any change in onboard computer hardware. That’s a critical step.”
Because the software is nearly identical, drivers won’t have to be retrained, he added.
When the Blu.2 is on the market, PeopleNet plans to offer an upgrade program for those with the older units who would like to update them.
Upgrades of the in-cab terminal will be “very simple,” Voda said, because the same hardware and cabling will be used. Both Blu units have the same operating system.
The company also plans to expand the Blu package for use by drivers in oil-field and well-drilling services, which have hourly working standards different from other truckers. That new offering will be available in the fall, he said.
Fleets that have a mix of Blu.1 and Blu.2 units will benefit from lower operating costs because of the two models’ “virtually identical” software, Voda said.
“It really represents a simple deployment and a low-cost footprint for maintenance and online support,” he said.
Voda also said PeopleNet is committed to making any needed changes for its equipment to comply with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s requirement for the use of electronic logging devices.
