ScorpionTrack Connect

We set about trying to understand the issues that fleet managers have when communicating with their fleet out on the road. We discovered that live job information can change, and drivers needed to be kept in the loop without the hassle of being called. But on top of this they needed road navigation too.

We needed a device that was rugged and proven in the market for Navigation and TomTom offered such a device. We created an Android integration with the TomTom that had GSM capability allowing remote connectivity.

Because these devices were likely to be kept in the vehicles and drivers may change between vehicles we needed a way to determine who the driver was. We came up with using the inbuilt RFID reader on the TomTom itself with driver assigned RFID cards. We set about researching and testing suitable cards and readers and we needed a way to programme them rapidly. We created a software programme that when an RFID card is placed on the reader, it’s programmed with a unique security hash which is sent up to the Connect website and added automatically to their inventory. A sticker is also printed automatically that can be applied to the card with the unique identifier. The card can now be used to login to the TomTom.

As the fleet manager needed to be able to communicate with the driver, we developed a messaging portal that was as intuitive as facebook messenger for the manager and android based experience for the the driver. When the driver received a message, the TomTom would read aloud to the driver until they acknowledged it. When safe to do so, they can also reply back to the manager.

The heart of all business logistics are jobs. We developed a sophisticated job scheduling system that automatically syncs the web portal with the drivers TomTom along with informing them of any changes. When a driver is on a job they can set it to in progress which lets the fleet manager see what job they are on and then start the TomTom powered navigation. Jobs can also be pre-scheduled and repeated over specific days, weeks and months.

The driver needs to be able to access his navigation, latest message and current job from one screen. The dashboard was created to give the driver all this information. A large panel with the driver navigation along with two smaller panels for message and job.

Under VOSA regulations, the vehicle needs to be checked and a log of checks stored for audit purposes. We developed a customisable checklist system using the TomTom. The driver can quickly and easily look up the check requirement and pass or fail that check. No more paperwork. The manager will receive a notification to say that the check failed and that vehicle is unsafe to be driven almost instantaneously.

Multi Tenancy
Multi Language
Remote Device Management
Over the air upgrades

Some discussed features include: A document store for jobs using the camera and signature reader functionality. An integrated vehicle camera system allowing the driver to see 360 degrees around their vehicle. Auto optimisation of scheduling jobs in a job round dependent upon the travel time to each job.

The true power of this platform is that it can be built upon and expanded through wireless software updates. This connectivity inside the driver cabin is the beginning of the connected car journey for many businesses.