MISSISSAUGA, Ont. — Wheels Logistics has become the first to implement Shaw Tracking’s OmniVision Terrestrial.

“We decided on Shaw Tracking based on their position in the marketplace and the reliability of their product line. We had tried other solutions prior to Shaw Tracking and no other company could meet our needs or provide us such a cost effective solution,” said D.J. Massicotte, vice-president and general manager of Wheels Logistics. “After conducting an operational review, we realized that our ROI would be based on increasing operational efficiencies in dispatch and providing better customer service. We also wanted to automate our Hours-of-Service and automate IFTA Fuel Tax and Mileage Reporting. We felt that taking the manual entry out of those two areas will be more effective and accurate. Shaw Tracking was able to bring the whole package to Wheels.”

The new terrestrial option includes a data modem and antenna for terrestrial communication plus satellite GPS positioning. The OmniVision terrestrial product is an integrated system consisting of hardware, software and network infrastructure, designed to enable delivery of two-way data communications and value-added services to enterprises in a mobile environment; as well as prove integration with all existing software partners.

Other features include advanced text-to-speech capability which aims to improve driver safety and productivity by allowing drivers to listen to and replay messages, eliminating the need to pull over and stop the vehicle to read a text message. Both the dispatcher and driver interface is identical on both OmniVision satellite and terrestrial solutions, which the company says will save training time and ensure an immediate impact on the return on investment. The platform also features an integrated, colour touch-screen and a remote control device, designed for quick access to critical information.

“We have a solution to fit the needs of fleets of all sizes, both large and small, and the new terrestrial option allows carriers that do not require satellite coverage to have the benefits and features of the OmniVision platform with a lower capital and monthly costs as it is a different economic model,” said Mike Ham, vice-president of business services with Shaw Tracking.