GUEST EDITORIAL
With the electronic logging devices (ELD)
mandate looming, and regardless of a potential
delay due to continuing legislative review, it’s
important for fl eets to understand the impact
it has on their business and strategically plan
how to implement the new standards.
While the ELD mandate can be perceived as
overwhelming and confusing, this regulation
should be looked at as an opportunity to not
only meet, but also exceed, its expectations.
Fleets should be thinking broader in order to
set up their in-vehicle strategy for success, and
consider their Total Mobility Solution. Th e right
strategy is critical to not only save time and
money now, but to maximize the company’s
return on investment long term.
A Total Mobility Solution ensures a safe,
comfortable and effi cient mobile offi ce for any
fl eet, and it has fi ve key components. Th ere
are numerous options available within each
component, and each should be evaluated for
its function and reliability in the fi eld, as well
as overall value.
» Employing a plan to
incorporate electronic
logging devices
(ELD) can appear
overwhelming, but
fleets can make the
process easier and
more productive by
considering a Total
Mobility Solution to
set up their in-vehicle
strategy for success.
Photo courtesy of Havis Inc.
70 Fleet Maintenance | October 2017
1. Software
Soft ware solves business problems, like the
ELD Mandate. Soft ware will allow fl eets to
oversee GPS tracking, route planning/mapping,
dispatch, driver management and more.
2. Hardware
Appropriate hardware is essential to a mobility
solution as it is the key to operating soft ware.
Fleets should consider the environment within
which the hardware will operate — whether
ultra-rugged, non-rugged or somewhere in
between — in order to develop a solution to
fi t its needs.
As for the actual electronic ELD, it is important
to note it is not the same as an automatic
onboard recording device (AOBRD). Th e technical
specifi cations are diff erent. Manufacturers
will be able to notify owners of existing
AOBRDs if their devices are capable of being
updated to meet ELD requirements through
soft ware updates.
3. Connectivity and Integration
Successful mobility solutions are supported
by reliable connections to mobile networks,
including back-end systems. Identify connectivity
needs in terms of Internet access, SIM
(Subscriber Identity Module) services or Cloud
storage. Fleets should carefully consider the
options they have before making a fi nal decision.
4. Docking and Mounting
When considering a successful mobile solution,
the safety of those in the vehicle is
paramount to all other considerations. If not
properly secured, hardware and equipment
can become hazardous projectiles in the
event of a sudden stop or collision. Quality
docking solutions keep hardware in place,
ensuring both safety and functionality by
minimizing the risk of a device disconnecting
in rugged conditions.
Fleets should consider a driver’s or passenger’s
ability to see, operate and maneuver a
device and its connected peripherals, including
printers, keyboards, scanners and antennas.
Successful mounting solutions organize
in-vehicle equipment and conserve space for
maximum usability, comfort and productivity.
Another top concern when considering
in-vehicle displays and safety is minimizing
driver distraction. Distracted driving costs
thousands of lives every year and has an
average economic impact of $123 billion each
year in property damage, medical bills and
workplace injuries, according to the National
Highway Traffi c Safety Administration.
Consider solutions designed to work with
devices and soft ware to minimize physical
and visual distractions. One example is
screen-blanking technology, which is an easyto
install solution that limits the functionality
of a device while a vehicle is in motion.
Many OEMs work directly with docking and
mounting solution providers to design equipment
that is compatible with specifi c brands
and models of vehicles or computing devices.
For fl eets purchasing equipment, it means that
docking and mounting solutions may be available
for a specifi c vehicle or computing device.
5. Professional Installation
To guarantee the eff ectiveness of a mobile
solution, fl eets should seek proper installation
by professionals familiar with the docking,
mounting and connectivity of the system.
Manufacturer sales representatives can also be
used as a resource to help ensure maximum
product compatibility, develop a customized
solution, identify bundling opportunities and
connect fl eets with warranties to add additional
value to a purchase.
To avoid the hassle and potential hazards of
confi guring multiple docking and mounting
products into one solution, consider solutions
that bundle compatible products. Bundled solutions
ensure that all parts are fully integrated
to operate properly as designed.
Support
Beyond product quality and features, consider
the support a fleet may need in choosing,
installing and operating devices, software
and docking and mounting equipment.
Recommendations from other professionals
in the field are also useful when making
a decision regarding a product or installation
vendor. The right vendor will have the
expertise to guide fleets towards a mobile
office solution that accommodates their
needs, meets standards and fits within a
set budget.
The Impact Of The ELD
Mandate On A Total
Mobility Solution
Five components for a successful in-vehicle strategy
By Keith Steidle
DIRECTOR, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & MARKETING,
HAVIS INC.
The company (www.havis.com) designs and manufactures
computer docking and equipment mounting solutions for
mobile applications.