TranAir is the optional digital dispatch module for WinLimo, allowing small to medium transportation companies to reap benefits previously only available to the very largest operators. TranAir is a software module designed specifically for certain wireless phones, as outlined below.
All of these specific phones operate using a technology called iDEN, which is a Motorola designed cellular protocol used by Nextel and Southern Linc networks in the United States and the Telus "Mike" Network in Canada.
Conventional Cell Phone
In addition to what you would normally expect from a conventional cell phone, the Blackberry is also a speakerphone. In our experience this is invaluable when you are trying to sort out a problem and there are several parties at one location that would benefit by hearing both sides of the conversation. In addition, the speakerphone feature enables hand free operation for use while driving without added accessories. To further enhance the cell phone experience the Blackberry also has voice dialing as well as a voice note pad.
Two Way Radio
This is where the Blackberry excels. In addition to being a conventional cell phone it is also a two-way radio. This feature is called Direct Connect ® . One simply enters in the direct connect number (these numbers can be saved by user name in the phone) of who you want to talk to and then push the button on the side of the phone and presto - you have a two way radio. The advantage of this is that it is very easy to have quick conversations to update ones status without waiting for the phone to ring and the other party to answer. You decide who gets your Direct Connect Number, and only those people can contact you.
In Canada, the network operator, Telus Mobility has divided the country into two talk zones: Manitoba West and Ontario East. This means that you can talk between any two devices in the same talk zone without paying any incremental long distance charges. For example you could have a dispatch centre in Calgary and direct connect with any of your mobile workers from British Columbia to Manitoba with out paying for any extra long distance charges. A similar principle applies with the Nextel Network in the US however the talk zones are usually confined to a state or smaller geographic areas. However, Nextel is currently expanding this feature to allow Direct Connect within much larger trading areas, with the objective of having nationwide direct connect within a few months.
Both Telus Mobility and Nextel have rate plans that include unlimited direct connect airtime between two phones. This allows you to precisely budget for you communications costs. It is also possible to have a group of your mobile workers participate in a direct connect conversation. All of the group member will hear all of the group's transmissions. The only issue here is that both Telus Mobility and Nextel charge on a per minute basis for group usage. There are currently no unlimited airtime plans for groups using direct connect.
GPS Receiver
The Blackberry integrates state of the art GPS technology, which is optimized for location acquisition in low signal environments. Aside from satisfying the FCC mandate, the GPS capability opens the door for many personal and commercial applications. For example, Nextel corporate subscribers, using the location-enabled handset, can load a java application onto their phone and subscribe to a fully featured AVL solution that allows them to track the location of their fleet on a real-time basis. The SiRF GPS technology is designed to work in areas where GPS signals are weakened, such as densely wooded areas, urban canyons or even some indoor environments.
Two Way Data Terminal
The Blackberry comes equipped with a built in micro browser which effectively turns it into a two way data terminal. This browser is similar to the browser found on you desktop computer that allows you to surf the Internet. While there are obviously some differences (screen size, ability to display pictures etc) between the browser on your desktop computer and a cell phone, in general, the browsers work the same way. The Blackberry has a very large screen and built-in QWERTY keyboard, which is more than adequate to communicate the details of a mobile workers next assignment and allow the inputting of job status updates.
For workforce productivity solutions that utilize a cell phone's micro browser, you would bookmark the URL (address) of the website that hosts the application. Then following the menus, one would log on and be ready to receive work assignments. When a new work assignment arrives, your phone would beep providing you with an alert that there is a message requiring your action. Most applications that utilize the browser allow you to confirm the job, go en-route to the job, start the job, complete the job and enter a completion report. While the Blackberry only has a numeric keypad, it comes bundled with an application called T9. This application significantly reduces the multiple key presses required in order to spell a word. For example if one wants enter the word CAR, you would press the following key sequence 227. Instead of pressing the 2 key 3 times for the letter C, the space key, the 2 key once for the letter A, the space key and then the 7 key 3 times to get to the letter R. While T9 is not perfect it sure goes a long way to significantly reduce the number of keystrokes required to enter text.
The Blackberry allows JAVA applications to be downloaded and run in the device. For workforce productivity applications that utilize JAVA clients (software designed to run on the phone) the application can provide a much richer user experience. Typically this local processing is used to allow for out of coverage usage of the application and often some local intelligence to ensure that data is pre screened for errors before being up loaded to the server. In addition JAVA applications are available that turn the phone into a wireless credit card authorization device (when the appropriate service is also purchased). As mentioned above, new JAVA applications are available that enable the GPS location capability of the Blackberry to be used for vehicle tracking purposes, putting AVL within the reach of even the average consumer. |
