Whether it is a utility company managing service trucks or a TV station keeping tabs on dispersed news crews, monitoring rolling assets can be a challenge.
With an eye to these challenges, Verizon is launching Networkfleet on the Verizon Wireless network.
The solution combines the Networkfleet solution – acquired as part of Hughes Telematics which Verizon acquired last year -- with the speed and reliability of the Verizon Wireless network. The “all-Verizon” solution is intended to help fleet, operations and risk managers use technology to improve operations by managing speed, fuel consumption, drivers, and routes while using vehicle diagnostics to help hold the line on maintenance costs.
The company is so confident in this newly-combined solution that it’s being debuted in Verizon’s service fleet with a goal of deploying the solution in 18,000 vehicles this year.
“As one of the largest commercial fleet operators in the United States, Verizon recognizes the challenges and opportunities associated with managing fleets and we continue to shape our offerings to help customers turn rolling assets into a competitive business advantage,’’ said David Small, senior vice president and chief platform officer for Verizon Enterprise Solutions. “We see the fleet management space as a tremendous opportunity and we will continue to work with our ecosystem to serve this growing market and are committed to innovating in the machine-to-machine space.”
How does it work? The Networkfleet telematics solution combines in-vehicle hardware and a Web-based application to store, view and analyze data on specific vehicles as well as the overall fleet. The vehicle is equipped with a GPS device that sends information to the Networkfleet Data Center over a secure wireless network. Key features include GPS fleet tracking; asset tracking; fleet maps; vehicle diagnostics and alerts; roadside assistance; preventative maintenance; and other fleet management tools.
The solution can be deployed in a variety of industries, including transportation, energy and utilities, government, retail, distribution, construction, healthcare, media and entertainment.
For instance, the Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD) in Southern California turned to Networkfleet when it needed to shrink operating costs while still carrying out mandated projects.
For some industries, the fleet is the core of the organization and getting goods and people moved efficiently and on-time can have a real impact on operations -- and ultimately the bottom line.
