Cadec Global launched the first software-based remote-engine shutdown technology for truck and motor coach fleets.


Part of a new line of optional safety modules for its PowerVue platform called ProTecht, Cadec's new Remote Engine Shutdown module has already been deployed in a major U.S. motor coach fleet with hundreds of vehicles.

PowerVue is the trucking industry's first Service Oriented Architecture (SOA)-based, hosted fleet management solution. By automatically collecting data on driver behavior and vehicle location/speed, PowerVue helps fleets optimize performance and improve supply chain visibility, while built-in safety features also help fleets maximize safety.

ProTecht is a line of optional safety-related add-on modules for PowerVue. ProTecht applications are designed primarily for motor coach fleets and fuel/hazmat haulers and offer advanced features for protecting precious or hazardous cargo.

Cadec says it's the first company to provide a non-invasive, software-based approach to remote engine shutdown. Hardware approaches tend to force an abrupt stop, say company officials. By contrast, Cadec's software slows and then stops a vehicle remotely in a safe, controlled manner. The shutdown is supervised and monitored remotely by authorized security personnel. The Remote Engine Shutdown module includes On-Board Driver Authentication to prevent unauthorized parties from starting or operating a vehicle.

The U.S. Department of Transportation and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration recommend both remote vehicle disabling and driver authentication as anti-hijack measures.

Cadec also announced several other enhancements to PowerVue, including:

* Integrated business logic and workflow management: Intuitive user interfaces, screens and workflow are easily adaptable to existing business processes and forms, communicating real-time business data to/from vehicle cabs via the Cadec On-Board Computer (OBC).

* KML-based event playback: An open standard geospacial technology, KML enables geographically accurate accident reconstruction, incident viewing and trip animation/flyovers.

* Advanced mapping with Microsoft Live Earth: Provides road, arial and hybrid mapping; snapshot pop-up views with summary data such as location and speed; and violation mapping.

* Improved reporting: Web-based, ad-hoc reporting with point-and-click Excel or PDF export.

"The economy is forcing fleets to be leaner and more efficient than ever," said Cadec CEO Michael Baney. "Fleet management software has been proven to provide companies with rapid return on investment by helping to improve efficiency and safety while reducing costs. Most Cadec customers report that they achieve ROI within just a few months."