- March 17, 2014
March 17, 2014 - I.D. Systems updated its Vehicle Asset Communicator (VAC), an RFID-based, vehicle-mounted computer that forms the backbone of a wireless Vehicle Management Systems for lift trucks and other industrial vehicles. A wireless Vehicle Management System (VMS) helps improve material handling productivity by establishing accountability for the use of equipment, ensuring equipment is in the proper place at the right time, streamlining work flow, and providing unique metrics and Key Performance Indicators for equipment and labor. A wireless VMS also helps improve workplace safety and security by restricting vehicle access to trained operators, providing electronic vehicle inspection checklists, and sensing vehicle impacts. In addition, a wireless VMS helps reduce fleet maintenance costs by automatically uploading vehicle data, reporting vehicle problems electronically, scheduling maintenance according to actual usage rather than by calendar time, and helping determine the optimal economic time to replace equipment. I.D. Systems' VAC simplifies VMS installation on industrial trucks, improves the vehicle operator's experience, and enhances VMS functionality. The VAC is simpler to install than other devices in many ways. Its universal electrical architecture works on any OEM brand of lift truck, from 12-volt internal combustion (IC) vehicles, to 48-volt AC electric vehicles, to 100-volt DC electric vehicles. Its patented mounting bracket is universal as well, capable of affixing to both flat and curved surfaces, with unique protection for the unit's connecting cables. A simplified wiring harness also helps minimize installation time, as does the VAC's unique Installation Wizard, which guides the user through the installation process and instantly verifies the accuracy of vehicle sensor interfaces. In addition, the 4th-generation VAC has a smaller overall hardware footprint than earlier versions, so it can be mounted easily on even the smallest vehicles, like pallet jacks. To enhance the vehicle operator's experience, I.D. Systems' VAC has a phone-type, alphanumeric keypad and a larger, more versatile display. An operator can view up to nine menu options simultaneously, and any menu option can be selected by pressing a single button, without toggling or scrolling. New on-screen iconography and animations also make it easier for the operator to see, understand, and interact with a wide range of system information and alerts. Additionally, the new VAC displays real-time status of various functions, like wireless connectivity and device diagnostics. I.D. Systems also enhanced the functionality of its new VAC unit. The device is compatible with virtually any existing operator ID token a customer may have. The range of wireless options has been expanded to include in-vehicle cellular communications, which is beneficial for many applications, such as airport vehicle management. The new VAC also has enhanced motion-sensing technology for detection of vehicle coasting, adding another layer of fleet utilization data. And the 4th-generation VAC has multi-lingual character capabilities, so it can be deployed anywhere in the world.