How is the PreCise solution better than other alternatives for tracking my fleet? There are several advantages to the PreCise system that separate the solution from alternatives. First, the system is specifically designed to provide much more comprehensive information about the job your equipment is performing. While many solutions provide GPS information, PreCise correlates the GPS information with the 5100 series electronic spreader controller to provide detailed reports that dramatically increase the visibility of the job while decreasing paperwork. Second, since the PreCise solution is web-based, you do not need to maintain an IT infrastructure and you can be up and running quickly.
How difficult is the installation of the system? The PreCise solution is relatively simple to install. The basic installation is 3 wires (power, switched and ground) and an antenna that mounts anywhere with a clear view of the sky. If you wish to capture information from on-board system such as the 5100 series spreader controller, there is a serial cable that needs to be connected between the PreCise hardware and the spreader controller. Also, the PreCise solution allows you to monitor other switched inputs such as a PTO or a hydraulic switch to monitor plow position, compressors, or cranes. Generally this only requires a single wire to be connected for each switch.
What if my fleet is in an area with poor cellular coverage? The PreCise solution has been designed with the understanding that there will always be areas of limited or no cellular coverage. The PreCise architecture stores all of the information you gather while outside of a coverage area and then reports once coverage is available. You will never lose data while out of a coverage area. Also, PreCise solution offers the WiFi option to collect data then automatically connect to the installed WiFi access point when it returns to its home base at the end of day or end of shift. This gives you the option to gather information on all your equipment and eliminates the need for a cellular plan.
What is the distance range my equipment needs to be from the WiFi antenna to report? Distances can vary based on the environment, but in general, if you can place your WiFi antenna in a location where the equipment will pass within 100 feet, the WiFi system should have a strong enough connection to consistently and automatically report.
Can I use the WiFi (802.11 b/g) with the cellular model (GPRS)? Yes, the PreCise hardware can be purchased with both WiFi and Cellular capabilities built in and function in parallel. When using the system in this manner, if your equipment is within range of your WiFi antenna, it would automatically use this system to report. If the WiFi antenna is not in range, the system would then utilize the cellular system to automatically connect and report the vehicle’s activity.
How much can I expect my monthly cellular bill to be if I used the cellular system? The PreCise solution has been designed to optimize the data usage and give users maximum flexibility in configuring the system to achieve the right blend of timely information and affordable data services. Your monthly cellular cost corresponds directly with the set-up of your system. The PreCise solution provides the ability to adjust reporting frequency, GPS sensitivity and the types of data your track to provide you the information you need when you need it.
Is the PreCise hardware capable of handling heavy duty applications? The PreCise hardware differs from most GPS based solutions in that it was originally designed for commercial/heavy duty equipment applications instead of consumer use. The hardware has no moving parts, a shock rating of +/-25g and an SAE J1455 vibration rating. It is certified to operate from -30°C to +60°C. It is an ideal solution for heavy duty applications for both extreme heat and cold.
Can I utilize the PreCise solution on equipment other than Snow & Ice? The PreCise solution has been architected to provide a platform for gathering information in a wide range of equipment. It has been deployed for municipalities looking to track broom use for street sweepers, bed scrapers, meter readers, utility trucks and emergency response equipment. While each of these examples may vary in function, there are specific aspects that can be measured of each piece of equipment that the PreCise solution is equipped to handle. As an example, in a sweeper application the system can measure if each of the brooms is active and if the water spray system is on, thus allowing for measurement of broom wear and assuring coverage across a route.
What types of information can I measure with the PreCise solution in conjunction with a spreader controller? Depending on the model of spreader controller, there is an enormous amount of information you can track. The FORCE 5100 controller provides 37 different events that can be monitored. Examples of these include spreader status, spread rate in pounds per lane mile, air temperature, road temperature, direct lanes active and where blasting occurs. In addition you can track the plow position of front plow, wing plow and belly scraper. All of this information is mapped on both satellite and road imagery so you can quickly make decisions. From a snow & ice standpoint, you can get a very accurate view of the sander’s job at a glance.
Do I need to install software to utilize the system? The PreCise solution has been designed to minimize the overhead associated with getting your information. You can access a multitude of reports and dynamic mapping from any computer with a web browser without having to install software. You will have a secure login where you will be able to view and administer your fleet via the internet from any web browser.
Since the system is web based, how can I be sure my data is protected and accessible? One of the important benefits of the PreCise web-based system is centrally hosted data services. Your information is available online for 3 years and is readily accessible. We also permanently archive information more than 3 years old which can be accessed upon request. All of your data is stored on a secure web server with redundancy and disaster recovery components built in. There are 5 separate copies of your data stored in the PreCise data center and then a 6th back-up copy stored in a separate location. Thus your information is very secure and accessible. Finally, you also have the option of exporting the data and storing it in your own location and importing into your own applications.
Can I import the data into our GIS application? The data stored by the PreCise system is stored in a standard format so that it can be imported into a variety of systems including GIS applications.