Qualcomm announced several additions and enhancements to its product lineup at the National Private Truck Council meeting in Cincinnati this week, including vehicle inspection reports, a proof-of-delivery app on a handheld device, Trip Manager for private fleets, and integration with Mobileye technology.


Vehicle Inspection Report

Qualcomm's new Vehicle Inspection Report application gives fleets with a simple, cost-effective and closed-loop process for completing vehicle inspection reports. By automating the vehicle inspection process with simple prompts and error detection, fleets can reduce errors, ensure complete reports and more efficiently manage the defect resolution process. The VIR application also can help fleets ensure that inspection reports and necessary maintenance are completed in a timely manner through easy-to-use reporting tools that indicate units that have not recorded a vehicle inspection report in the past 24 hours and vehicles with unresolved reported defects.

VIR sends alerts when defects are identified in vehicle inspection reports, as well as records feedback and remediation history on reports for previously identified defects. VIR produces even more pinpointed accuracy by providing separate inspection forms for trailer and vehicle. Each inspection report includes information on relevant time, location, driver and vehicle data, and the application records vehicle inspection report history for 90 days. VIR allows fleets to control user access and editing capabilities for vehicle inspection reports, and provides search, edit, data exporting and printing capabilities. Drivers can access VIR through Qualcomm's Hours of Service application, or as a stand-alone application.

VIR is scheduled to be commercially available in late 2011.

Proof of Delivery Handheld App

Qualcomm's new Proof of Delivery handheld application leverages Intermec's CN50 rugged mobile computer. Ideal for private fleets, dedicated logistics operations and specialized carriers, Proof of Delivery allows the driver to automate work assignments performed outside of the vehicle, such as barcode scanning, exception management and signature capture.

By extending wireless connectivity outside the vehicle, Proof of Delivery will help fleets improve "time to invoice" through near real-time delivery notification, as well as eliminate paperwork and reduce costs associated with customer and freight settlement. The mobile application will deliver critical delivery information to fleets, including delivery timing, change of custody status and damage reporting claims. This information will help fleets ensure more accurate invoicing and exception management.

The Proof of Delivery mobile application will support Qualcomm's Mobile Computing Platforms customers using satellite, terrestrial or Wi-Fi connectivity, in addition to ruggedized hardware with integrated modems.

Qualcomm has collaborated with Blue Dot, a major player in mobile workforce solutions. Proof of Delivery is scheduled to be commercially available in summer 2011.

Trip Manager

Trip Manager is a new application designed to meet the unique needs of private fleets that primarily operate within a local or regional geographic area. It will allow fleet managers to better manage driver and route activities to improve operations, increase productivity, deliver better customer service and reduce costs.

Trip Manager is integrated with Qualcomm's Circle-of-Service Workflow application to help fleet managers improve the way they plan, view and manage routes and drivers in near real time. Trip Manager displays key trip information, including information on things such as stop time and ETA, to fleet managers and other back-office staff through maps, reports and queries. With this data, managers can monitor planned versus actual routes taken, discern trends, identify under-performing stops and drivers and determine focus areas for improvement, which can help reduce overall fleet costs. Fleet managers also can insert or reschedule stops on the fly, and that information will automatically reflect in the changed workflow information in the cab.

Trip Manager will be available on Qualcomm's Mobile Computing Platform 110 (MCP110) and Mobile Computing Platform 200 (MCP200) in the summer of 2011.

Mobileye and Critical Event Reporting

Mobileye's on-board sensor data can now be integrated with Qualcomm's Critical Event Reporting application. Qualcomm customer C.R. England, the nation's largest refrigerated trucking company, is deploying the integrated solution.

Qualcomm's Critical Event Reporting application provides driver managers visibility into critical, safety-related events. Mobileye systems include a smart camera located on the inside of the vehicle's front windshield and use advanced vision technologies to detect and measure the distance to vehicles and to lane markings, providing the driver with timely alerts on lane departure warning, forward collision warning and following distance. By integrating data from Mobileye's camera-based C2-170 driver assistance systems with CER, fleets can monitor additional information related to critical events as they happen and proactively manage driver behavior.

Norm Ellis, vice president of sales, services and marketing at Qualcomm Enterprise Services, noted that Qualcomm's goal is to be "hardware agnostic" and work with a number of partners; its CER already integrates with warning systems from Bendix and Meritor. No matter which technology is used, he explained, that data is shown to the customer in a user-friendly format, showing customers the exceptions they want to see as configured by the customer.

More info: www.qualcomm.com