Ford will install the fleet management technology of Microlise in Ford Work Solutions’ new in-cab telematics service Crew Chief, available on 2009 model year E-Series vans, F-Series pickup trucks and Chassis Cabs.
Crew Chief, with access to Ford’s CANBus data, enables organisations to locate their trucks 24/7 and keep track of driver’s and vehicle’s performance through in-dash computer or any computer with web access. The telematics data is available to managers in real-time, for better scheduling, route planning and job allocation.
Paul Russell, marketing manager at Ford Work Solutions, said: “We believe that Crew Chief is the next step forward in manufacturer offered telematics and fleet management solutions. Our customers had a business need for a factory installed, intuitive fleet management tool.”
Magneti Marelli and Sprint will provide hardware and high speed internet access respectively, to Crew Chief.
Microlise’s fleet management system provides web services in four levels from tracking through to driver and fleet performance management. It manages the storage and archiving of all necessary documents and certification relating to the fleet of vehicles, their usage, maintenance and inspection histories.
Ford will implement Microlise’s base (data only) and standard (data and map client) levels on the 2009 E-Series and F-Series launch, while intermediate (driver hours and task management) and advanced (full Microlise suite) levels are expected to be considered for future implementation.
Nadeem Raza, managing director at Microlise, said: “This deal has really allowed us to accelerate our product roadmap, helping to refine and develop our offering which will have very obvious benefits to our existing and future customer base.”
In August 2008, retailer Tesco.com has installed parts of the Microlise Fleet and Distribution portfolio to cut on fuel usage and improve customer service across its home delivery fleet.
