Based on Psion Teklogix' netpad and powered by Webraska's SmartZone Navigation software, PsiNav Pro extracts delivery addresses from their daily delivery schedule and generates GPS-enabled turn-by-turn navigation instructions, thereby eliminating the need for a paper-based mapping and delivery system.
The netpad is a Windows CE .Net handheld device, with optional 802.11b, Bluetooth or GSM/GPRS connectivity. SmartZone is available in different versions, including Windows Mobile Pocket PC, Windows Mobile Smartphone and Symbian.
The PsiNav Pro package offers:
Turn-by-turn navigation - drivers are guided directly to a customer's address
Proof of delivery - signatures and barcodes can be captured and transmitted in real-time, allowing faster execution of transactions
Quality control - barcode scanning enables organisations to monitor goods returned and process credit notes more efficiently
Predictive arrival time - PsiNav Pro can predict the driver's arrival time at set destinations. The system can automatically alert customers of delivery arrival time via SMS or email thereby improving customer satisfaction levels
The turn-by-turn navigation module is developed upon Webraska's GPS navigation software and is to be available in three variants: on-board, off-board and hybrid.
"There are many satellite-navigation systems on the market, but none offers the enterprise-wide intelligence and extensive feature-set of PsiNav Pro." said Vipul Palan, head of business development at Psion Teklogix. "The system delivers compelling benefits such as improved driver productivity, reduced fuel consumption and increased customer satisfaction."
Some of the other features include: route calculation, where customer addresses and delivery priorities are downloaded at the depot, or en route via GPRS; guidance, where audio-visual information is delivered to the driver via the vehicle's audio system and the netpad's SVGA display; off-route functions, whereby if the driver goes off route, PsiNav Pro sends an alert and provides the navigational information to get them back on track; and traffic updates - full advanced warning of traffic problems are sent to the driver, including changes to estimated time of arrival (ETA).
