Navman Wireless is cementing its relationship with Telstra as part of a strategy to extend its market reach
By Gary Worrall | October 20, 2011
GPS tracking solutions providers Navman Wireless is cementing its relationship with Telstra as part of a strategy to extend its market reach.
In an interview with ATN, Navman Wireless Vice President Asia Pacific Ian Daniel says the deal with Telstra is the first part of a multi-pronged assault on the Australian market.
Although Navman Wireless has used Telstra exclusively as its telematics provider in the past, Daniel says new customers can now receive a single invoice for the hardware and software.
Previously, multiple accounts were required for the various hardware, software and messaging components. Daniel says this can now be packaged through Telstra as a single payment, “just like buying a phone”.
“We have seen an explosion in local demand for fleet management solutions and are excited about working with Telstra to make our products easily available to more Australian businesses,” he says.
As well as fleet tracking, Daniel says the system can be configured to report on various parameters including time spent at a location, speed, idle times, driver time sheets, unauthorised vehicle usage and vehicle maintenance status.
“We can also set up ‘geo-fences’ for operators, to send an SMS to nominated personnel, including the driver, if they stray into, or out of specified areas.”
Importantly for transport operators, the in-vehicle units, which use the Telstra Next G mobile network to send and receive data, can store data when travelling in remote areas and will then send them as a burst transmission when mobile service is restored.
“This means if the vehicle is operating in an area with intermittent coverage, that data is not lost, it is held until there is a signal to transmit the information, ensuring record keeping is maintained for the fleet operator.”
The new deal comes during a solid growth period for the company, with Navman Wireless doubling its customer base year-on-year for the last three years.
As well as the current suite of products, Daniel says 2012 will see the company release new products, particularly for the transport industry.
While he remains tightlipped on the exact nature of the new offerings, Daniel says by the end of the first quarter of 2012 the company will have an option to include roll-over sensors and driver panic buttons.
“We do understand the industry needs these systems, you will just have to watch out for the end of the first quarter of 2012 for some new developments,” he says.