DECISION FACTORS FOR TECHNOLOGY CHOICES

The following decision factors are critical for making, using, and buying technologies in the commercial motor vehicle industry:

• Return on Investment for the Purchaser: Sustains commercial success of technologies purchased and used by carriers.

• Initial Cost: Affects early deployment, since a high initial purchase cost makes it difficult for a carrier to raise the needed capital to buy technologies.

• Demonstrated Effectiveness to Improve Safety, Security, and Efficiency of Operations: Represents the major benefits that offset the costs of technologies.

• System Reliability and Maintainability: Provides the results and usability of technologies for carriers and manufacturers (original equipment manufacturers and vendors).

• Driver Acceptance: Ensures that drivers are receptive to technologies that are user-friendly and effective in improving safety and security.

• Market Image: Involves using state-of-the-art technologies to improve a carrier’s image by designating a company as progressive and concerned about the safety and security of their drivers and loads.

• Market Demand: Depends on awareness of the technology along with acceptance and belief in its value, which is particularly important to manufacturers introducing a new product.

• In-cab Technology Interface Integration: Minimizes cost, distraction, and human errors while using the technology.

• Investment Required for Research and Development of New Technology: Includes concerns of original equipment manufacturers and vendors about the risks inherent with new developments.

• Liability: Influences carriers, drivers, and manufacturers, particularly relating to the data stored by certain technologies and its use.