[rj5316]

Hi,

Is it possible to integrate incoming GPS truck locations into OTM for planning. At this point we are not sure if the input would be GPRS bnased or web based....

Would be great if any who has done it / knows about this woyuuld advice.....

rgds---

[chrisplough]

Hello,

Others are more experienced with this than I am, but here's my initial thoughts. The info would have to come into OTM as status updates, via the standard XML interface, so you'll need an integration server (or at the very least integration scripts) which take the information from your GPS tracking software and converts then to the G-Log status update XML and posts to OTM.

Does that help?

--Chris

[rj5316]

Thanks Chris....we still at avery nacent stage with this client on this ...I shall revert if I need more help...thanks once again

[gig]

Hello,

A couple of things to note on this. I've not done this with OTM, but another TMS back many years ago. First off, make sure you can align your responses from the GPS with some meaningful shipment status in OTM. This can be a little challenging as your GPS signals are just that positions, while the Shipment Status is usually event based. So just be clear. It's been awhile since I dived into OTMs status/event codes.

Just a curious question, I think getting this information maybe really cool, but what's the general purpose. Having experience with working with Linehaul, and PU&D operations I'm a little curious on your end-goal.

In any case good luck. Fyi. I used Qualcomm and Metasys (now part of some other company in the past).

Thanks,
John

[rj5316]

Hi John,

Many thanks for your response. Yes as you rightly said one needs to get these positions (From the GPS) translated to (OTM) meaningful status / events.

Also we would need some thing to indicate to OTM the likely delay in the arrival times by using these positions...may be the clients present RTLS system might help us on that... this however needs to be further explored.

Our proposition to our client on this is that it may be helpful to him in having real time visibility of the location of the trucks that he operates and hence a proactive notification on the likely arrival delay times. This could further be used to amend / change the transportation planning done earlier in case of a multi stop scenario..

Well these are initial thoughts... please do let me know, with your experience, as to what you feel could be done father to create value addition with the use of RTLS.

Thanks and best regards

Ravi

[gig]

Hi Ravi,

Sounds like good stuff a couple of thoughts though.

1. Our need was slightly different at the time and we may have rethought given the technology of today. Our goal was to provide downline stations (terminals) accurate data so the good plan inbound moves and outbound line hauls. We were a carrier. Since our fleet team was at our headquarters, they had the cool software from Qualcomm, our CS and Stations had nothing. Our integration was pure visibility only, we did not recalculate times.
2. The reason we did not recalculate ETA was many. First, the TMS did not support it. I could pass in a new ETA and it would use that, but it could not recalculate we would have needed to build a tool, ala like carrier operation systems do. It was deemed over kill. Secondly, drivers can make up time. Our ops experience said noted that it was good to have the information, but constant time changes might be a little crazy. So this would have needed to be managed. Finally, the log interval was seen as a huge advantage and out team didn't really need that feature.
3. We did not provide this information to external customers. Though it was debated it was seemed too risky. It was secured so only operation supervisor and customer service people saw the data. The risk was deemed to be both performance based and more importantly Loss Prevention and Risk Management based. Knowing the mile marker and its contents is great information for Hijackers.

That's all I got for now. Let me know if you need anymore information. Like I said it's fun to pull the information over and provide that data to the ops people, they will love it.

Thanks,
John