Rand McNally has unveiled Connect, a new software platform that allows seamless integration between its FleetWatcher web portal and third-party applications, including most major fleet-management systems.

The company says it’s currently working with customers implementing Connect with TMWSuite/Total Mail and TMW’s TruckMate, the first to use the platform.

When combined with Rand McNally’s mobile communications systems, TruckPC and TND760 Fleet Edition, Connect enables data to be pushed “seamlessly” from the FleetWatcher portal into a company’s existing fleet-management system to support decision-making and reporting needs.  

For example, maintenance platforms will be able to use vehicle fault codes in real time to troubleshoot or diagnose more serious issues, and to provide instruction to the driver on next steps. Vehicle fault codes include items such as tire pressure, engine temperature, brake wear, oil pressure, and more.

Fuel-tax applications will be able to use the miles-by-jurisdiction capture to assess tax liability accurately.

Dispatch software will be able to match a load to a trailer, a trailer to a truck and a truck to a driver accurately, based on the driver’s HOS availability, the position of the vehicle, and the load’s destination.