Discrete Wireless updates fleet management system

Atlanta-based Discrete Wireless has introduced what it calls its "second generation" fleet management product. In addition to monitoring vehicle location, Discrete's revised system now offers upgraded tracking capability to new and existing users that includes an enhanced dispatch system using Microsoft MapPoint 2002 software, along with the ability to monitor power take off (PTO) use and vehicle idling.

Discrete added that its updated system can also monitor door openings and closings and refrigeration levels. Dispatchers can observe when a vehicle arrives at its scheduled stop, and determine if the employee is actually using the equipment on the vehicle, and for how long, the company said.

Using MapPoint 2002, Discrete said fleets can now display locations, vehicles, and zones on a full screen map. The software also provides access to current street databases and allows dispatchers to quickly determine directions from the vehicle's present location to its destination by pointing and clicking on a map with turn-by-turn directions as well as a highlighted route on the map.

The vehicle data is refreshed every two minutes as various vehicles continue to report at five-minute intervals, the company added.