Microlise have a long standing reputation for innovation within the vehicle tracking, telematics, journey management and proof of delivery arena. Microlise are one of the few telematics companies to manufacture their own CANbus & OBDII enabled telematics units offering customers unrivalled levels of performance.
The recent release of SmartPOD, a downloadable application for android smartphone devices, is enabling the cost effective use of e-POD within both sub-contract fleets and own fleet operations alike. Microlise’s new DCM6 in-cab tablet continues in this tradition of innovation.
The DCM6 is a 7” ruggedised Android based touch screen driver communications tablet which can be fixed in-vehicle or used as a hand-held device via a clever magnetic charging bracket.
The new tablet facilitates driver ID, text and voice communications, Trip sheet, integrated satellite navigation, task management and unique driving style coaching and debrief functionality. As the DCM6 shares the same core software as the SmartPOD application, the device can be optionally removed from the cab to carry out hand held e-POD with scanning, image & signature capture
The DCM6 can also be “locked down”, only allowing the driver access to the applications and functions on the device which they are required to use.
Where a Microlise Telematics Unit is fitted, communications via the unit and the DCM6 are facilitated via Bluetooth communications. This means wiring & installation is simple. Incidentally, where a customer wants just tracking, the DCM6 offers this built-in – without the need for a telematics unit.
The Microlise DCM6 has voice communications with optional hands free kit allowing drivers to use the phone to dial fixed numbers which are either permanently stored in the device or downloaded as part of a trip. Once again, based upon the customer’s operational needs, drivers can be allowed to manually dial numbers.
As the DCM6 is a 7” colour tablet, the integrated Satellite navigation provides a great user experience to the driver. Satellite navigation can be launched automatically by selecting “get directions” for any site on the route downloaded to the device. The Co-pilot 9 software from ALK, who Microlise use as their navigation partner, helps to ensure vehicles are only sent on routes they can safely navigate. Where Paragon routing is used, way points can also be passed to the DCM6 enabling guided Navigation.
Task management helps ensure that crucial information is captured during the driver’s shift or journey. Tasks could include vehicle inspection, health and safety checks or customer questionnaires, all configured within the system by the customer according to requirements. Site tasks (like product installation or packaging removal) or return to depot activities (like mileage capture) can also be added.
Matt Hague, Product Strategy Director at Microlise comments, “We’ve seen great success in the couple of months since we launched our SmartPOD application for smart phones, re-using this software but tailored for a new in-vehicle Tablet has helped us come to market with a cost effective, very functionally rich and flexible in-vehicle communications solution for our customers”.
“We’ve tried to make our pricing flexible too. With the customer only paying for the features they require on the DCM6. These are paid for on a monthly basis with no upfront licence fees – this builds on the success of our pay as you go solution we introduced with SmartPOD. Developments like SmartPOD and now the DCM6 continue to illustrate our ability to adapt to changing market needs, offering a cost effective and efficient proof of delivery & task management suite of solutions.”