Microlise

Understanding where a vehicle is, how it is being utilised, how safely and economically it is being driven, and knowing that both the driver and load are safe & secure, are frequently requirements of Microlise customers. Consequently, Microlise’s Tracking & Telematics product modules are often at the heart of any solution implemented.

In line with the modular and scalable nature of the Microlise portfolio, this core system can be built upon as required, either at the start of any implementation, or at a later date, for example the addition of the Microlise Transport Management Centre and Resource Management.

HARDWARE
	The MTU3 in-vehicle computer is a Microlise designed and manufactured product. Unlike many other providers we control all aspects of the electronics, firmware and application logic that runs on the unit giving us a great deal of control in terms of innovation and custom flexibility. The Unit has also been Atex Certified (Zone 2) allowing our solution to be used safely in a Petrochemical environment. Numerous peripherals can be connected to the MTU3 as outlined below, and also 3^rd party equipment such as tail lifts and Electronic Braking Systems.
	For more detailed vehicle and driver information the MTU3 is connected to the vehicle’s engine management system via an FMS adapter (which is connected to the vehicle’s CANBus data network). The MTU3 reads the data presented via the FMS adaptor to allow driving style to be reported on. The MTU3 supports both the J1939 and J1708 protocols. For vehicles which do not have a CAN data network (many light commercial vehicles for example), we are able to connect to these via a range of alternative adaptors.
	The MTU3 has standard cable sets to allow the tracking unit to be connected into either Continental (Siemens VDO) or Stoneridge Digital Tachographs. This connection is key for receiving Driver IDs and mode information, which is used to relate all journey based activity and driving style to a particular driver for debrief and performance reporting purposes.
	The Driver Communication Module (DCM4) offers messaging, simple task management, voice communication, phone book management, and driver identification via a 7″ touch screen.
	More easily change driver behavior by not only being able to debrief drivers using the Safe & Economical and Driver & Vehicle Performance Reports, but fit a Microlise Driver feedback module in the cab. This low cost unit automatically warns the driver of a driving style infringement and then records the event should the driver not change their driving style. The driver is prompted via a combination of spoken instructions and color coded lights. The Driver Feedback Module will be available in mid 2010.
	For customers with vehicles operating in the UK & Europe which still don’t have Digital Tachograph’s fitted, Microlise often fit Dallas Key readers onto the dashboard of the truck and each driver is then issued with a Dallas key fob. A Dallas key is a small contact-based RFID chip which has a unique ID.
	Microlise offer both fixed and wireless panic buttons. When a panic button is pressed, the panic button will transmit a signal to the MTU3 which transmits an emergency signal back to the Microlise host. Any users of the system will immediately be notified by a red flashing screen that the driver needs assistance, along with details of the driver, vehicle, time and location. Additionally, SMS messages can automatically be sent to nominated users.

SOFTWARE
	The Microlise Map Client gives real time visibility of a vehicles location and status. It supports vehicle grouping, activity playbacks, multiple views and three types of Geofences. The Map Client can be used to find vehicles nearest to a location, can generate routing information and also supports real-time traffic alerts, “right click” messaging and report generation. When used in conjunction with the Transport Management Centre the map client also shows journeys and drop points the vehicle is on.
	The Vehicle activity data & reports form part of Microlise’s core Business Intelligence reporting suite & Data Warehouse. The standard versions of these reports are delivered as part of the Microlise Tracking & Telematics module. These reports include:- Journey Summary Reports, Fleet Utilisation Reports and Business Rule Reports which include: idling, harsh braking, stops & speeding and geofence activity reports.
	Safe & Economical Driving Reports – An innovation in changing driver behaviour and driving style, these graphical and easy to use reports identify fuel savings that an operation has realised and what further savings could be made. The reports display vehicle and driver performance information using the energy efficiency A-G gradings and allow the user to easily identify which drivers need further training to improve fuel economy and useful guidance on driving style.
	The Driver & Vehicle performance reports underpin the S&E reports and go into much more detail about individual driving style and economies.

	Vehicle & Driver Monitoring Benefits
	Significantly reduced fuel and maintenance costs by targeting uneconomical driving and habitually dangerous driving
	Improve your utilisation through real-time visibility and far greater clarity regarding where and how your vehicles are being used.
	Increase driver and vehicle security through the use of door sensors and fixed or wireless panic buttons
	Reduce management overhead and fleet phone bills by integrating messaging to your drivers or use our voice module plug-ins which control which numbers can be called via the MTU3.