Qualcomm Targets Private Fleets

Qualcomm, maker of mobile communications and onboard computing systems, announced the commercial launch of FleetAdvisor, a mobile fleet management and logistics solution aimed at private trucking operations.

The FleetAdvisor system consists of Qualcomm’s MVPc in-cab computer, OmniTRACS or OmniExpress mobile communications system, on-board software, and host-based software. Together, they offer full-function on-board computing, vehicle tracking, back-office management software, and real-time wireless communications. Applications include paperless driver logs, accurate mileage reporting, and improved route management.

The system is designed to compete with cellular phones, pagers, two-way radios and stand-alone, batch-only on-board computers/trip recorders, Qualcomm says.

In fact, this is the second launch for FleetAdvisor. The original product was developed by the Trucking Information Services unit of Eaton and introduced in 1997. Eaton offered FleetAdvisor as a proprietary system that could be configured to work with various mobile communications options.

Qualcomm bought FleetAdvisor in March of last year, announcing that the system would be adapted to run on Qualcomm’s MVPc in-vehicle computer and integrate Qualcomm mobile communications products.

The new launch of FleetAdvisor continues Qualcomm’s move into LTL and private fleet markets that began in 1999. OmniTracs has dominated mobile communications in the truckload field since its introduction in 1988.

Fleets running the old FleetAdvisor platform can purchase new equipment in order to upgrade to the Qualcomm system, or can opt to install the upgraded FleetAdvisor only on new trucks as they are purchased. The system is designed to work with a mixed fleet of DOS and Windows CE equipment.