TMW Systems, a leading provider of enterprise transportation software, and Vancouver, Canada-based WebTech Wireless, which offers location-based and fleet telematics products and services, announced a reseller and partnership agreement
that will enable a new mobile resource management solution based on TMW's existing D2Link software and WebTech's new WT7000 Locator in-vehicle device. This partnership will offer opportunities for cost-savings and efficiency gains to TMW's more than 1,600 customers managing more than 325,000 power units throughout North America.

The agreement allows TMW to supply WT7000 Locators for use with its D2Link mobile communications software, providing a comprehensive mobile communications solution that combines the advantages of TMW's driver-side D2Link cellular handset technology with the advanced vehicle GPS location and telematics data provided by WebTech's, Bluetooth-enabled, in-vehicle Locators. The complete fleet management solution gives trucking companies and their drivers the ability to easily and accurately monitor a wide range of vehicle location, usage and engine diagnostics data, all of which are suitable for IFTA reporting.

"WebTech's WT7000 with embedded Bluetooth and TMW's D2Link integration provide a very flexible and scalable platform that will exceed the needs of fleet organizations in an affordable, cost-effective and compact package," says Edward Kulperger, WebTech Wireless' senior director of Personal Automotive & OEM.

Ray West, director of TMW Product Management, notes that its D2Link software was designed for commercially available cellular handsets. "Combined with WebTech WT7000 devices, this enhanced D2Link solution delivers a much broader range of mobile communications capability. Furthermore, it's scalable for any size trucking operation and can accommodate the 50-truck company as well as the largest heavy-duty truck organization."

On-demand reports offered with combined D2Link and WT7000 Series Locator installations include a driver scorecard which records trip mileage, fuel economy, idle time, hard braking and overspeed. Other standard reports cover average and maximum speed and stop locations, plus arrival and departure times and odometer readings. A fuel report records fuel consumption plus MPG and an ECM Fault Log monitors vehicle component failures.

"Drivers carry the D2Link handsets and data wherever they go and stay available to dispatchers and planners via macro messaging. Load assignments and updates are downloaded to the handset and are available to the driver, whether at a truckstop, on a loading dock or at home," West noted. "Load requirements, proof of delivery, messaging and any other driver information are always at hand."

D2Link software design reduces mistakes in data entry caused by transposed numbers and other typing errors. Handsets incorporating barcode scanners can record information directly into D2Link. For companies that require their drivers to conduct an occasional scan, a range of inexpensive handsets are available with clip-on barcode readers.