Navman Wireless Adds Multi-Stop Route Optimization to Fleet Tracking System

GLENVIEW, Ill., Jan. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Navman Wireless has added a route optimization capability to its OnlineAVL2 fleet tracking software through integration with Dashfly's web-based mapping service. The new option – available exclusively in the U.S. – saves time, mileage and fuel by enabling dispatchers to calculate the fastest and shortest driving routes for up to 25 stops with one click and then electronically transmitting the resulting routing information to Navman Wireless' M-Nav in-vehicle terminals for driver notification and turn-by-turn navigation.

Dispatchers managing delivery, service, construction equipment transport and other vehicles can save an average of 55 minutes in planning and communicating a typical 10-stop route to drivers by automating the route optimization process as well as eliminating routing-related phone calls, according to Dashfly calculations. Dashfly's optimized routing also cuts an average of 10 miles, 20 minutes and $1.50 in fuel for each 10-stop route, enhancing the ability of Navman Wireless' OnlineAVL2 platform to help fleets operate at peak efficiency.

Other benefits of the combined OnlineAVL2/M-Nav/Dashfly solution include:

• Elimination of wasted driving, potentially enabling more stops per vehicle
• Easy drag-and-drop rerouting to accommodate new job orders or other changes
• Improved driver safety through reduced cellphone use and wrong turns
• Avoidance of traffic-related delays enabled by M-Nav's live traffic monitoring  
• Seamless integration of all three components for easy, streamlined use

Dispatchers simply enter the addresses of all stops on any given route into a password-protected portal at https://navman.dashfly.com; wait a few seconds for Dashfly to generate the most efficient stop-by-stop routing; and transmit the results to the appropriate driver by choosing from a dropdown menu listing each fleet's vehicles. The M-Nav unit then displays the route and delivers turn-by-turn voice directions with a tap.

The new route optimization feature is available immediately to U.S. customers as an optional monthly subscription service with Navman Wireless' OnlineAVL2 fleet tracking platform and M-Nav 760 in-vehicle terminal for two-way messaging and GPS navigation.

"Our OnlineAVL2 platform has always been able to optimize routes one stop at a time, but dispatchers had to map out multi-stop routes themselves and guess at the most efficient sequence," said Renaat Ver Eecke, Vice President and General Manager, Navman Wireless North America. "Dashfly's multi-stop route optimizer will save hours of time for both dispatchers and drivers, help conserve fuel by minimizing mileage, and increase fleet productivity by ensuring that each vehicle makes as many stops as possible."

API Available for Other Integrations
Dashfly's integration with Navman Wireless' technology marks the latest use of Navman Wireless' Application Programming Interface (API) to enable seamless communication between the OnlineAVL2 software and third-party applications. The Navman Wireless API can be used both to add new functionality to OnlineAVL2, as in the case of Dashfly, and to leverage Navman Wireless' fleet tracking data to help power other systems, such as a towing application and an after-hours college ride service.

The GPS-based Navman Wireless platform is the only fleet tracking solution that provides location, operations and performance data for both on-road vehicles and construction equipment from a single interface. The system monitors vehicle location in real time while also helping fleet managers reduce fuel, labor and vehicle operating costs. System maps and reports pinpoint problems such as idling, inaccurate timesheets, unauthorized stops and personal vehicle usage as well as improving dispatch efficiencies and optimizing maintenance schedules.

Components include the back-end OnlineAVL2 application, delivered under the Software-as-a-Service model with no major in-house software installation or maintenance required; the Qube on-road and Qtanium off-road GPS tracking devices; and in-vehicle M-Nav 760 and MDT-860 mobile messaging/turn-by-turn GPS navigation devices.

About Navman Wireless
Navman Wireless is a global leader in GPS-based fleet optimization products and services, including real-time vehicle tracking and analytics delivered under the Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model as well as OEM GPS solutions that enable companies to track, monitor and communicate with their movable and fixed equipment assets. The company's technology currently monitors more than 130,000 vehicles owned by over 13,000 organizations worldwide, making Navman Wireless one of the world's largest fleet management providers with coverage on five continents. Navman Wireless is based in Glenview, IL, with facilities in the U.S., Mexico, UK, Italy, Taiwan, Ireland, Singapore, China, New Zealand and Australia. For more information, visit www.navmanwireless.com.

About Dashfly
Dashfly Technologies' Dashfly.com is a web-based routing and mileage tracking tool that creates optimized multi-stop driving routes for individuals and businesses as well as maintaining a running log of all miles driven in one central location. Users can also edit, reroute and save routes for on-demand retrieval. Standard, premium and enterprise versions are available. For more information, visit www.dashfly.com.

SOURCE Navman Wireless