Eaton develops Fleet Advisor PC

CLEMMONS, N.C. (Jan. 10, 2000) — Eaton Corp.’s Trucking Information Services Division (TISD) announced the availability of a Fleet Advisor carry-on computer and mobile communications system.

The unique design of the new unit enables its users to quickly move it from vehicle to vehicle, which enhances Eaton Corp.’s ability to provide fleets with a comprehensive transportation logistics management system.

Fleet Advisor is a unique concept that provides full-function on-board computing, global positioning, and real-time mobile communications, along with Microsoft Windows NT( back-office networking. Eaton stresses the importance of single source accountability for hardware, software, and communications service. This “turnkey” approach guarantees seamless functionality and reliability as demanded by fleets operating in the heavy-truck environment. The carry-on system offers fleets complete flexibility by extending on-board computing to vehicles without fixed-mount systems.

Designed primarily for LTL and short haul private fleets, the device is completely self-contained. Housed in a lightweight molded case, the unit provides every necessary component and connection for full-function on-board computing and communication. A user simply opens the case, mounts the transceiver, secures the case in the passenger seat (or on thefloor next to the seat), and then plugs cables into in-cab receptacles forauxiliary power and J1708.

Using a J1708 interface and GPS, the system automatically updates fleets on delivery and pickup status enabling a driver to complete his route while providing hands-free records of all activities to fleet dispatch. Exceptions and other transactions can also be captured quickly with the convenient touch screen M100 computer. “With this portability, fleets can put mobile information systems into vehicles where they need them,” says Bob Rohrer, TISD’s national sales manager for common carrier fleets. “This product is ideal for LTL fleets that rotate line-haul vehicles into local P&D service and for all fleets that utilize rental units when fleet vehicles are receiving periodic preventive maintenance.”

The product is based on Eaton Corp.’s M100 on-board computer and award-winning RCM R200L radio communications module with built-in GPS.

The system uses Mobitex technology for terrestrial-based communications through the BellSouth Wireless Data (BSWD) network. The BSWD service provides excellent coverage in all major metropolitan areas and over 10,000 cities and towns across the country.

For vehicles operating beyond the 100 air-mile rule, the system automatically records electronic DOT information, which relieves drivers of the task of maintaining traditional paper logs. In this regard, the system fully meets FHWA 395.15 for automatic on-board recording devices. Furthermore, IFTA compliant state mileage is automatically collected and reported along with the other pertinent operational data.

Source: PR Newswire