GeoLogic Solutions, which provides communications and tracking systems to the transportation industry, has announced a strategic alliance with Instructional Technologies Inc. (ITI), the provider of TREAD-1
and Pro-TREAD computer-based driver training systems for the trucking industry.
Along with ITI, GeoLogic will offer in-vehicle training over its new CDU (Color Display Unit), a Windows-based touchscreen display featuring a high-resolution graphical interface.
"We designed our new CDU as an open system so we could easily integrate the latest applications," said John Lewis, president and CEO of GeoLogic Solutions. "Along with providing messaging, text-to-speech, electronic driver logs and onboard navigation, the CDU has the ability to play standard digital video files transferred to the unit via USB memory sticks. This feature provides trucking companies with additional methods for offering training to drivers."
Through the alliance, GeoLogic customers can provide drivers with ITI's Pro-TREAD training programs that are loaded on the CDU. Drivers watch the lessons and answer questions or interact after each section, or about every two minutes. The vehicle number, driver ID, and lesson progress are sent wirelessly to ITI, which documents each driver's training on the private database provided to each ITI client.
"Onboard computers with USB ports and large color screens like the GeoLogic CDU are quickly becoming the standard in our industry," said E. Bruce Weiss, executive vice president of ITI. " Because these computers can collect a wide range of vehicle and driver performance data, and because ITI can interpret that data intelligently, we will be able to detect at-risk driver behavior before an incident ever occurs. In collaboration with the fleet and with GeoLogic, we can preemptively re-train the driver in-cab. This proactive, targeted remediation represents an enormous advance in safety and risk management and should save thousands of accidents from ever happening."
Interactive video playback capabilities for driver training are a valuable feature of the GeoLogic CDU. Major benefits include the potential impact on retaining skilled drivers and the ability to streamline new driver orientation. In addition, the systems can save time and money by eliminating the need to re-route drivers for training, helping maximize asset utilization and efficiency. Drivers can train in-cab while not driving, or while waiting for loads.
GeoLogic's new CDU features two industry-standard USB ports to access standard memory sticks loaded with training programs. The memory sticks can also be used to issue employee communications, including settlement and compensation statements and fuel efficiency incentive program updates.