Mobile Resource Management Use Case

Getting the most out of:

Introduction
Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) has gone from the stuff of James Bond movies to a must-have feature for Utilities of all sizes. AVL solutions come in many varieties from basic web solutions to very sophisticated server based solutions that allow the AVL data to be integrated into a wide range of applications. Clevest has developed an advanced, Utility-focused AVL solution that offers unmatched adaptability to your needs. It transforms traditional AVL from a historic reporting mechanism into an important element of a real-time incident response system while serving as a foundation towards a future mobile system. Our focus on developing AVL for utilities is evident at the very root of our system. Traditional AVL providers offer only hosted solutions and charge monthly rent for the service. What this means is that the Utilitys AVL data is sent to a remote location that is under control of the service provider. The AVL data is then made available to the Utility via a web browser. Attempts to share data with other systems are limited and expensive. In addition to offering a hosted solution, Clevest provides an onsite solution that runs on a server based at the Utilitys IT center and processes the AVL data inside the Utilitys firewall. This makes sharing data with other systems and maps simple and cost effective. Additionally, utilities can create their own AVL reports something unavailable from hosted AVL vendors. Utilities can purchase AVL licenses up front or pay monthly. 100% of our utility accounts have opted to host the system themselves and to purchase the software.
Bucket truck managed with Clevest AVL

Automatic Vehicle Location AVL

Enables Map Based Dispatch Identify / enforce best practices

Improves safety

Wireless Network. This can be a Private Radio network, Cellular network or a Satellite network or indeed a combination of these Mobile Hardware. This consists of a GPS receiver, GPS antenna, Wireless Modem, Wireless Network Antenna Map. Where vehicles are visually displayed. Software. This is the software that receives the data from the field and processes the information.

Clevest is unique in being agnostic to Network, Hardware and Map elements. This means your organization can choose the network, the hardware and the maps it wants vehicles to be displayed on.

This application note introduces AVL and discusses how Utilities can get the most benefit from their Clevest AVL system. Understanding AVL At its most basic level, AVL allows the location of vehicles in the field to be reported in real-time to a central location. Modern AVL solutions are based on Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) location technology. The GPS receiver picks up signals from orbiting GPS satellites and calculates the geographic location usually within 5 yards. This information is passed to the wireless data modem and the location information is sent over the wireless network to the central server for processing by the central AVL software application and presentation on the desired maps.

Wireless Network Clevest has extensive wireless experience and can work with a wide range of wireless networks including cellular, private radio and cellular/satellite hybrids. The selection of your wireless network will involve many factors including: geographic coverage, availability of existing private network, cost of monthly service etc. Clevest can work with any cellular provider and will work with you to select the best wireless network. If cellular networks are selected Clevest uses specialized equipment to extend wireless connectivity to up to 50 miles from cell towers. Mobile Hardware Clevest has an agnostic approach with respect to hardware and works with a wide range of vendors; each meeting unique needs and budgets.

With Clevest AVL there are four interchangeable building blocks:

More information: web: www.clevest.com Email sales@clevest.com Toll Free 1-866-915-0088

Mobile Resource Management Use Case

Getting the most out of:

Automatic Vehicle Location AVL

Enables Map Based Dispatch Identify / enforce best practices

Improves safety

Clevest will work with in-place private radio AVL equipment, satellite equipment or can supply cellular or cellular/satellite equipment. Typical equipment is highly ruggedized, designed to maximize connectivity and offers warranties beyond the industry average. Map Having a choice of maps to display your vehicle data on is an obvious and very key differentiator of the various AVL solutions available today. Most web-based AVL solutions provide the ability to visualize the location of vehicles on a street map. While quite interesting at first blush it soon becomes obvious viewers lack some context by not seeing the vehicles in relation to their system. By offering utilities the ability to host their own AVL server (virtual or dedicated), Clevest easily (and at no extra monthly charge) shares vehicle locations with any map system you require. This enables presentation of vehicle locations on GIS and OMS viewers along with street maps or in fact any custom layers required. For example, a client might use their ESRI viewer within Clevest to see the vehicle locations overlaid on system and street map layers. Clevest users can then dispatch orders directly from their viewer. In addition to the choice of which map to view the vehicle location, it is often critical to know the truck type to optimally determine the right truck for a new work request. Clevest offers an unlimited variety of ICONs to visually represent your specific truck types. Customer administrators can even import vehicle icons to match icons from other systems. The status of certain vehicles can also be displayed e.g. idling/non-idling or a bucket truck icon can change when the bucket is up or bucket is down. A robust AVL solution must convert raw data into useful information by integrating the AVL data with all other systems and offer a platform for future Mobile needs. Clevest leads the industry in delivering integrated solutions that make AVL much more than dots on a map while providing a platform for the future! Software It is the software portion of the solution that provides the features, reports, alerts and smarts for your mapping options. Some features include: Fuel Saver: Idling reports, visualized assignments and route optimization (with order import) frequently yield fuel savings in the range of 9 18% on average. Fast Search: Configurable Filters/Sorting tools assist users to rapidly identify teams, types of vehicles etc. Bridge to the future. AVL is a highly useful system in its own right but many utilities view AVL as the initial phase of

a full Mobile deployment that encompasses vehicle tracking PLUS electronic tickets, dispatching and scheduling. Clevest AVL is that starting foundation. In-Vehicle Navigation is achieved via interface with Garmin personal navigation devices.

Software Feature Highlight - Dispute Resolution A relatively common situation is that a member or the public may report damage has been caused by a Utility truck. Sometimes the individual reporting the damage saw it was caused by a bucket truck and not realizing that the Utility is not the only owner of bucket trucks, simply assumes the Utility is responsible. With Clevest, all the AVL data is time-stamped. By simply drawing a circle on a map and specifying a time-range, Clevest can display all vehicles that were in the specified area and show that a utility vehicle was or was not at the location.

Software - Best Practices / Compliance By relating the raw AVL data to order data within Clevest MFF, it is possible to identify best practices and then set benchmarks to drive these practices across the organization. For example the start times and stop times of orders can be related to vehicle arrival and departure times. Travel times can be reported and analyzed. The AVL and order information can be tied into timesheets and/or the project general ledger - this can reduce the amount of administrivia field workers are required to perform freeing up more time for productive work. AVL information can also be used to identify compliance issues i.e. individual field workers that are not complying with company policies. e.g. AVL can generate alerts and reports of vehicles that exceed speed limits or are operating outside of geo-fences that have been defined by the administrator. Software - Safety Field worker safety is paramount and Utilities are always looking for ways to enhance this while not impeding productivity. Panic fobs, man-down devices, longer than expected job time and idle alerts are some options that support worker safety initiatives.

Summary Clevest AVL is designed for your needs now and in the future. Customers can expect a steady stream of innovations all based on requirements from other utilities.

Clevest AVL: More useful. Better Fit. Guaranteed.

More information: web: www.clevest.com Email sales@clevest.com Toll Free 1-866-915-0088