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Better Buys for Business 2009 Editor’s Choice Award
Lexmark XS651de “demo” machines
We are running a special promotion to move 15 units, as is, for $999.00 ea.
$ 3,499.00We are running a special promotion to move 15 units, as is, for $999.00 ea.
Every once in a while you have a day where rhythm, timing and just being in the right place has it’s rewards. There’s hope…
Saturday morning, getting prepared for Thursday & Friday 1:30 Alabama / Auburn. Sun was shining, I started early, traffic was just starting so I was actually running ahead of schedule. I stopped at a local fishing hole.
Dupage County maintains numerous locations which I can say keep Bass Fisherman happy. For the past year my favorite spot – Mallard Lake has been closed due to construction around the facility. My fortune was coming across a Ranger, only they didn’t know either, “When it’s done ?”. Which is true they have been doing good work.
But it made me think – the fish (prospect) have been left alone, no fishing pressure, so by nature they surely are stacked in a couple areas. Which may explain the recent decrease in other facilities. The closing of Mallard actually put more traffic on the other locations. (Why West Branch does not mirror Blackwell? Like that couldn’t make money)
My thought, after posting on LinkedIn, maybe get some feedback from local fisherman. I’m still surprised not many know about Mallard, which can be a good thing. Walleye, Northern, Crappie, Gils, Cats, White Bass, BASS. Something is always going on somewhere, bet on it….
When I take a moment apply “business” to fishing, what area’s have been overlooked by my competitor? Or are they even still around?
Unless your line is wet, you have no chance or even getting a nibble.
Add a twist to your Surveillance program. One client understood that possibility and took us up on the challenge. Visit his web-site, in the left hand column you click on the camera, download a small Java applet, and if it’s during normal business hours, clients can see live streaming video of the repair work.
This is actual proof what alternative uses are available when discussing Surveillance cameras. Retaining clients is a big concern for most businesses. Finding that added niche of service that keeps them connected should not be such a difficult task, when you look at what you already have.
Service oriented businesses should lead the way in deploying this concept. The best part, this capability is already available
Sept 21, 15:44 is this falls Equinox. This event is celebrated by many cultures and religions around the world. My for me, it’s an opportunity to offer my sincere heartfelt appreciation too my deceased relatives and family.
Called Higan-e Ceremony – Nichiren Shoshu Temples conduct this ceremony twice a year. The merit in participating in this ceremony is two fold:
· Enables the deceased person to be relieved of their sufferings
· The person requesting the Toba tablet is also endowed with the full merit of the True Law
Because the deceased must rely on the efforts of those still alive, this is a tremendous opportunity for me to pay back the amount of gratitude they have planted in my life. Seldom do we have a chance in this lifetime to help our deceased relatives achieve greater happiness in the next.
Like we didn’t see this coming….
Never understood why SanDisk waited so long. Flash-cards with pre-loaded info has been a marketing tool most have come to understand. Considering the growth and expansion of mobile devises over the pre-dated “Notebook” is was only a matter of time before this would take hold.
About a year ago we here experimented with some OEM pre-loaded cards. A novel marketing idea at the time that served it purpose over the 07′ holiday season but never took hold. Flash-card has one big advantage over a CD, it is re-useable.
Does this really spell the end of CDs, doubt it. Heck it took over 6 years to kill the floppy and that still makes an appearance no and then.
Marketing people need a new approach. And the fastest way to get connected with any audience these days is through their phone. Drop us aline would like hear your commentary on this…
Vehicle Tracking Systems are gaining tremendous acceptance among Service orientented organizations. The reasons are simple:
Fleetmatics is one provider with a true web based solution. Unlike most, their focus is the SMB market of Service organizations. In todays competitive market, having a tool that can instantly turn a dispatcher into a profit center is something any business owner cannot over look.
Initial draw back for most is not the cost but concieved idea of “Big Brother”. “We know where are trucks are and we trust our drivers….” Funny how once you get owners out of the spot light and behind closed doors they do admit this statement is false. Again we come across a solution that challenges how we accept new tools.
A unique way in presenting this servcie Fleetmatics, gives “Live” Webex presentation to its prospects of how the system works. Take a moment and set-up your FREE demostration today.
The National Transportation Safety Board this week issued its 2009 Federal Most Wanted List of safety improvements. Newly added to the list is one to require Electronic On-Board Recorders by all motor carriers. more
The technology has been slow to be deployed. Mainly because the real value has not been explored by those that will “benefit” in its use. The main thrust of “Safety” should always take center stage. The real benefit allows Fleet Managers to address “cost” per unit and not just GAS.
The FleetMatics GPS vehicle tracking system is helping thousands of fleet owners to drive down operating costs and increase earnings.
This story appeared in CNet – Dec 2005….
From the article “state says the GPS bugs must be made tamper proof and the vehicle should be disabled if the bugs are disconnected” AND “No policy bans police from automatically sending out speeding tickets based on what the GPS data say.”
Mandating GPS tracking on vehicles does push the boundaries. When the concept an “outside” source would have the potential to “tap into” this recorded data under the mask of Public Safety, the question of “Self” responsibility has to be asked.
These ideas only dampen the growth of this new market. There has to be a clear line between “personal” and “business”. Using the technology to better control a fleet, lower operation cost along with improving the overall functionality and re-defining a Dispather, should still be a choice business owners can or cannot deploy. As far as the general “public”, don’t even get me going….
Though I do agree that any municiple vehicle should be. How many times do stories hit the headlines of abuse. Another words, clean up your own yard before you start pushing your ideas on me.
John Hall - Oklahoma Chapter of ACCA. Recently took a survey of students entering in Ferris State University’s 2 and 4 year HVACR programs.
I for one will be looking forward to seeing the results of the next generations reasons/hopes/dreams for entering the profession. Having a career path at a young age is something I did miss out on. Though I am encourgage to read about a forgot industry/service that is addressing the need to raise capable people.
With advancements in technology extending to the HOME Environment, not to mention the Commerical opportunties that many over look, consumers like myself are always on the look out to find ways that help me determine what a capable service provider is.
But what did catch my eye was John’s call to other industry veterans to par-take in helping ensure these potential contractors get a dose of “Reality”. That is something individuals like myself would enjoy seeing though out other “trades”.
Alan Dobson of Cross, Gunter, Witherspoon & Galchus, P.C gave a presentation on Lien Laws for a Western Region breakfast at the Holiday Inn in Fort Smith August 21. a copy of his presentation. (box.net)
What is note worthy, the slides:
Accurate record keeping is mandatory, the true hidden benefit of Tracking Software. Getting past the initial preception of “tracking” or monitoring the travel habits of employees is the most difficult challenge today’s business owners face. Which is why we must educate the process of using tools (or technology) to simplify the demands of what the “LAW” states.
Manual handwritten documents is time consuming and prone to error. Fines have no mercy. The next time your stuck in the office creating these reports, not servicing clients, not purchasing materials, not quoting new projects or god forbid not hunting/fishing or attending that family function. Take a look in the mirror and ask the important question – is there a better way…..
Driver Resistance is one challenge most business owner would rather avoid than face.
Chad Simon of Automotive Fleet addressed this issue in March of this year. He sited a perfect example of turning the situation around to a “win-win”.
Having employees on the same page with company goals is a common obstacle. The same as expressing a vision that at times misses the mark. But when the employees can “share” the benefit, they now have a vested interest.
Combining two worlds that hold my interest [Video & GPS Vehicle Tracking]. Here is a simple video how (1) Roto-Rooter is using GPS Tracking to increase customer satisfaction.
Deploying new technology has many hurtles. Driver reaction is a concern, however as stated previously, the main issue here is getting everyone on the same page, focused on an overall company goal.
Simply put, GPS Vehicle Tracking is no different that optimizing a production line. Employee safety, which includes limiting company exposer too risk, has to be a key issue when addressing deployment.
Fleet management has come into it’s own as of recently. This technology has now worked itself down the food chain in affordability, addressing the needs of many SMB contractors with less than 10 vehicles.
Telematics – the science of Vehicle tracking is dependent upon the growth of the auto industry. Ford themselves will start introducing their Crew Chief solution making its debut on 2009 F-Series, 2009 E-Series and will be available on Transit Connect in 2010.
Currently the telematics market is basically a 2nd Tier or after-market approach. Unlike most that fear the prospect of manufactures taking a market share, I welcome it.
Reflecting upon past experiences in other markets, CD/DVD reader/burners is a classic mirror. When first introduced this appliance was an “add-on”. Once the PC manufactures incorporated the units in their systems everything changed. Now it’s standard.
On board electronics in vehicles is still in its beginnings. Moving the appliances from the passenger seat to the dash-board has been the path that truthfully shows no end expect in your imagination.
Vehicle Tracking providers that focus on Web Based solutions [and not proprietary equipment] should be expanding their thinking. From an IT point of view, licensing the ability to utilize someone’s current hardware narrows the “risk” in hardware failure issues, these same companies now experience.
A recent survey by Telnav – “..revealed 94 percent of those who operate corporate vehicles are completely unaware of their fleet’s location during work hours…”.
To address this Work Truck magazine will have a free, interactive live event Dec 10th. Sponsored by Ford Fleet .
Saving the manufactures is vital, not just because they build vehicles, but the numerous after markets the industry has created.
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Alabama loss did crush my weekend. However I was able to get some excitement knowing football is not done yet. Wheaton College, IL will now advance to the Division III Semi’s by visiting the Top Ranked Mount Union Raiders in Alliance Ohio.
This match-up has a little personal connection, since I did spend some time in Alliance in the early 80’s. I was quickly reminded of the economic nightmare that forsake our country during that time.
Division III is the purest form of amateur sports – non scholarship athletes. But what is often overlooked is the schools themselves. Religious based institutions, whose main goal is creating character individuals that will lead society in the coming future.
Telematics industry is moving forward in partnerships. As posted yesterday, AT&T enterprise mobility services has expanded their offers to include GPS Vehicle Tracking.
I’m sure this will be followed-up by other carriers in the coming months. What may be of note is whether the cellular manufactures follow suite with an application. Intergration of mobile units with additional devices is a hinden demand the industry is waiting on.
Web based solutions allow for this seamless development to happen with little effort beyond “licensing”.
Monthly service fee’s will be the battle ground. From an IT point, the time is approaching where the “hardware” will be a non-issue. Currently proprietary units are installed. Open Sourcing or letting you choose your web based provider can only expand this market’s potential growth.
My recent endeavor into Telematics (GPS Vehicle Tracking) is providing one of the most challenging aspects in terms of understanding how the industry view’s the market & how the market (Users/drivers/employees) see’s the industry. There is a clear distinction.
Tracking – this word alone needs to be addressed and changed to something less suggestive or non intrusive. More along the lines of performance enhancement or proficiency generator, less focused on “monitoring” but I’ll leave that to the English/Journalism MBA’s .
Wanting a better feel to potential objections I posted this question on some forums:
Driver/Employee Reaction….
The biggest hurtle owners have with Vehicle Tracking units is driver reaction…
From a managerial point, utilization of the fleet or getting maybe one/two more jobs a week is the real point. Obviously, using a cell is the standard solution.
But I want to hear from u…
I was not disappointed in receiving responses. First, sending a text msg to a driver should also include directional mapping to locations. Second, drivers reacted in the same fashion typical of those we experienced in IT (monitoring email or blocking Social Networks) and HR with Security cameras. Third, dispatchers need training on the proper use of the system. Not in functionality, but usage in addressing a company’s objective and goals.
Universally, each addressed better employees. Along the lines that would eliminate the need altogether. Some owners weighted in understanding what a ROI should or could achieve. And positioning yourself to get one or two extra jobs a month can basically change any business.
But the one that really caught my attention, “….I have seen a few companies in our area try it and by year two it was out of their vehicles. Obviuosly it doesn’t work as well as they are sold.”
Hello, that begs the question of retention or more to the point, what is the vendor/user relationship after the units are installed. Let’s also consider, this technology has come along way in the last 30 months and where it’s headed is nothing short of NASA.
Most blog’s addressing GPS Vehicle Tracking/Fleet Management focus on presenting “their” solution. Which rightfully so they should. But they seem to miss the audience attention because the postings center around the product and not the user. Today’s tough market conditions provide enough managerial challenges. Creating another- “ Driver Reaction” just has no room on the plate.
{Special thanks too ABI Research} While much of the debate in the consumer navigation industry seems to focus on new features such as 3D maps, multimedia, connectivity, local search, convergence, and business models, the most important issue confronting navigation vendors is how to grow navigation beyond the current penetration rate of 20% to a virtually ubiquitous experience embraced by all layers of society in North America and Europe.
Mass market adoption will require creative thinking far beyond the current paradigms. First and foremost an uncompromisingly intuitive and simple navigation interface will need to be designed, combined with seamless multi-mode map updates, predictive traffic information, shorter GPS fix times and a wide range of dynamic and relevant content. In order to address the diverse user needs and behavior of all consumer segments, a large choice of form factors and price levels will have to be offered.
So I ask the masses of marketers/advertisers/promotional specialist/inter-active designers – how can you help this technology fulfill its expections?

Does your schedule provide an opportunity for an online 15-20 minute presentation where we can log you into a “live” client an see for yourself the value of our system.

· Pre-Set Alerts – instant email notification
· Vehicle Locator
· Online Acct Access – 24/7 from any internet connection
· Min 4 units to start – add-on at your convenience
· Life time warranty
· Free replacement and technical support
The debat is on between Mobile interface and vehicle mounted units. Granted the recent upgrades/development in mobile functions adds considerable advantages to using cell-phones. However this solution avoids one key element – the vehicle itself.
There is a big difference between knowing where your people are and knowing what your vehicle is doing. The vehicle (company asset) should be tied into some form of documentation. Generating accountability for insurance, 2008 Tax returns and more important electronic time sheets against manual time sheets.
As we all come to the end of 2008, most of us look forward to what 2009 will bring. Trying to say ahead of my reading some thoughts:
The sad part to all this, these questions will most likely not be answered or addressed anytime soon. Starting in Jun 08′ we started to see the consolidation of Disc Duplication providers, or more to point, buy outs by commercial printers. This natural progression is in response to the growth of companies addressing a different format (cost) in getting their message out. This has also lead to the growth in online presentations. Streaming video is beyond novelity.
Surveillance has seen a up-swing in deployment do to the recent adoption of local communities using “Red Light” enforcement solutions. When they start seeing the increase in potential revenues that each budget needs, community leaders wave the safety flag higher. One discovery that needs to be passed on, deploying a WiFi solution for surveillance creates a grid the citizens have access to – basically free internet access. Deferring the cost means getting more businesses involved. Picture a downtown section where the entire block is visible. Not just for safety or traffic but show-casing what a community has to offer.
GPS companies will have the most challenges in 2009. It starts with Magellan sell it’s entire self to MiTac (Taiwan). Will other states begin to follow California and Minnesota in setting rules to window mounted units? Will Ford and Mercedes see 2009 model sales increase due to their adoption of GPS in the dashboards? I say yes to both.
With new emerging solutions on Tracking (notebooks or personal items) or as seen recently on TV, this can only help ease driver reaction when companies move forward in attempting to apply “efficiency”. Which only several months ago we thought was too much Dick Tracy or George Orwell.
But where I see tremendous opportunity for “Tracking” is Auto – “buy-here pay-here” or tote note dealers. Why? Sub-prime finance companies are moving forward in combining this solution with High Credit Risk applicants. Those that don’t, prefer working with Dealers that do have this solution in place. Still many dealers refuse to accept that their customer will add to this growing chart. Which for me is hard to believe considering the current housing market is a perfect example. Was it not just 8 months ago, we were programmed to believe this problem was NOT that big. Gosh, what happened….
Washington Post – Government agencies are expanding there ability to track individuals. Obviously, Sex offenders is #1, but when we open are abilities an minds to provide an alternative use, Homelessness comes forward.
Following what many economist say is needed – more government spending this type of service needs some monitoring. Not just who, but what are doing with the information? Is the information for “public” access? Will this help or is it just exposing potential victims? If any area needs investigating it’s DUI offenders. Vehicles are weapons in their hands….we as a society must support the need to counter-act the current trend of multi-offenses before a licenes is revoked.
Orwellian theorist – you day is coming….
With the new year (2009) many look forward to starting with a fresh approach to sometimes old ideas. An Marketing is no exception.
This week with the return of CES (Consumer Electronics Show) to Las Vegas, a new (to some) area is In-Vehicle Navigation/Telematics/ITS.
It’s a start, GPS Vehicle Tracking, the next step up from directional mapping, has an up-hill battle on it’s hands. As mentioned before, Driver reaction is #1 deterrent business owner’s face when deploying this technology.
Most technology installs follow a path either up the channel or down. Telematics pursuit of consumer exception is the right path. With the support of Auto manufactures, who currently are expanding the command centers in their vehicles, making the solution available beyond the term “option” helps take the sting of “tracking” out of the conversation.
Having engaged this subject matter on social networks, one thing becomes clear, the fundamental attitude of workers taking “advantage” of company vehicles is wide spread. We’re not talking about the occasional side trip for a burger or stopping by the store on the way home. It’s the mapping of manual time sheets vs electronic. Maybe it’s just me and I live on island, but if you’re not working, how do you have the conciseness to “charge” your employer for time you have not earned? Especially, in these times when each of us should step forward and share that burden by showing some appreciation (you have a job) an repay a debt of gratitude. Or did we forget the promises we made the day we got hired?
Telematics is really about performance assessments or production efficiency. Truthfully, the first phase is cutting waste(idling time). The second is changing the dispatcher to a “profit” center. Real Time is the next step. Being able to see where your fleet is NOW, enables the dispatcher to deploy drivers more effectively. An getting one more customer or responding to a client disaster needs is what everyone is in business for. Crucial moments of opportunity happen every day, being in a position to act upon it separates the crowd.
But the Telematics vendors at CES missed the boat again, or maybe it was the media/show organizers. The highlighted product a video screen.
De Pere WI - EVA’s (Enhanced Vehicle Application)CyntrX Web-based GPS tracking system will expand it’s relationship with Penske Truck Leasing.
GPS Vehicle Tracking Solutions once an add-on application is slowly becoming a standard. Which is great news for the Telematics industry as a whole. The new battle ground will be vendors developing long term relationships with vehicle providers. Locking down a direct channel.
The current hot button being “Real Time” will now change to “Web Based” Application(WBA). Passive solutions rely on downloading results to a secondary devise or additional equipment. WBAs employ browser based solutions which to some degree is as simple as paying a monthly ”hosting” charge like your web site.
Some telematic vendors take their coffee an ponder what this means for them and miss the real beauty.
Market awarness. To date, many businesses that have investigated deploying this solution have come up with many reasons not to. Granted cost is one factor, however since the owner(s) usually get the newest vehicle, when it comes “preloaded” this solution takes on an “in your face” approach.
We have seen this type of development in different markets before, with great success. Having an indirect approach to acceptance will allow users to re-evaluate their position. And knowing from this point forward it will be a standard, why fight it. While the selective few focus on these relationships, I’m excited about servicing the millions of vehicles already on the market.
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John Feeney is a Bus Dev Mgr for Fleetmatics, web-based GPS Vehicle Tracking solution.
automotive-fleet.com - Effective Jan. 1, texting while driving is banned in the State of California.
Though some see this a blow to the mobile industry, is should be a rally cry. Hands-Free manufactures must be rejoiceing with “it’s about time”, yet our public officials (Law Enforcement) still wonder, how do we enforce it.
Either way, Telematics will lead the way in Safety Issues facing the Auto Industry. By replacing the terminology of “tracking” with “safety” we can move forward developing a new era. But that is getting a little ahead of ourselves.
People’s habit’s have to change and California being the most ”Liberal” state in our union at times is not the example I care to follow. Why? I have yet to see a “Law” they inspire that doesn’t have a hugh back-lash, reminder when they de-regulated the power Utilities.
How do they plan on addressing the coming new trend of CAR Vehicle Surveillance Cameras?
Fighting though these tough times means making tough decissions. And having a option when making these choices does add a little light.
It’s been along time coming but the importance of creating a more fuel efficient fleet or in this case moving to more Alternative options is not just a dream any more.
We are slowing seeing more Alternative fuel locations pop-up across the country. This is one avenue we must enlighten our government to support. That is the type of infrastructure investment we need.
Autobloggreen.com should be your first visit. We should also participate by forwarding this link to the world. Everyone must take advantage.
The ugly side of GPS Vehicle Tracking does show its face at times. Contacted a demolition company in Colorado looking to schedule a Online Presentation about our services. The timing could not have been any more planned.
During a routine maintenance check, Shop Supervisor noticed something different under the hood, a GPS Tracking Device. Totally unaware of this he proceeded to question the ownership on the item. My call triggered a rage from the ownership who was themselves unaware of what was going on with their fleet. Though the product was not ours, it did not matter, the idea his fleet (26 vehicles) had these items on an NO ONE knew about it put me in the bull’s eye. Once I was able to determine and verify the product was not ours and we as a company have little market penetration in her area, we came to the conclusion someone other than an employee had done this.
With my help we were able to determine the manufacture and the “RETAIL” outlet where the item came from. Armed with this info they have set about inquiring WHO purchased the item and why are they tracking the vehicles…..
This type of behavior is something I stand totally strong an apposed too. I have purposely left off the manufacture and the client names since legal proceeding are in process.
This type of behavior has been gaining ground lately because of the un-regulated use of these devices. I hate to see when the mental behavior of few can cause such a disruption with a industry. But like the title says, it’s beyond cool….
According to One to One (an online media publication), DVD Association has now become the IDMA (International Digital Media Alliance). Reflecting the changing times, [with the arrival of Blu-Ray] even associations have to “up grade” their presence.
Visit their site take the Blu-Ray Survey and fill out the petition, licensing is the issue of the day.

CBR Mobility yesterday sent me a feed: Dr Pepper Snapple deploys TeleNav Track
Dr Pepper Snapple Group, said they saved over $166,000 because of their ability to accurately track employees’ hours worked and mileage traveled. Talk about addressing user reaction.
On my side of the house utilizing Vehicle Tracking services comes up against “Driver” reaction which may have some value when addressing employees that have been with you for sometime or even a “family” run business. The initial reaction calls into question the “trust” factor. These same individual companies need to read how an organization the size of DR Pepper moved pasted that. There effort was ineffect focused on the “Moble” work force. Companies that utilize trucks/vans in deploying their services, (especially when the vehicle is taken home with the operator) should focus on the fact it’s a capital assest period.
Though cellular solution(s) provide tracking ability your still relying on individuals to step-up-to the plate and turn them on. What many forget is Telecoms never ending ability to change programs once they gain volumn acceptance. Take note, don’t be surprised come later this summer we see changes to these $10/$20 application.
CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Carbon Day Automotive today announced the unveiling of the first solar-powered electric vehicle charging station in the City of Chicago. Located and operational at the City of Chicago Department of Fleet
Maintenance, it was one of the focal points of the recent IOC tour on April 5th, 2009 where guests were able to see the nation’s foremost Solar Plug-In Station™ that was designed to pave the way to fuel plug-in electric vehicles. It will be used daily by the City of Chicago to fuel the city’s electric vehicles with power from the sun. Carbon Day Automotive is the sole Midwest distributor for Coulomb Technologies ChargePoint™ Networked Charging Stations.
Graham Jesmer, Video Producer @ RenewableEnergyWorld.com posted an interesting video highlighting the current challenges facing solar photvoltaic space.
After experiencing explosive growth rates, this sector is finding it hard to maintain the pace.
Chicago lured 45M tourists who dropped $11.8B last year. More than 45 million domestic and international tourists visited Chicago in 2008 and spent $11.8 billion, according to figures from the Travel Industry Assn. of America. Those visitors generated about $656 million in tax revenue for the city and state, and contributed to 132,000 local jobs. Read More…
Just returned from 6 days in Japan. In the near future I’ll be posting pictures and commentary on my trip. But first order of business…
ANA Airlines - anyone considering a trip to the East needs to put ANA on their Radar as a premier choice of Air Travel. The best part, moving in & out of the terminals. Picture this. Considering Chicago has 5+ connections to Tokyo from numerous airlines. ANA is the First one leaving and the First One arriving. And anyone with International Travel experience, Customs can be a drag. Not having to compete with other carrier passengers, takes the level of stress way down.
For me, seeing a fresh smiling face that exhibits a true since of wanting you to enjoy your flying experience just sets the tone for a good trip. I look forward to upgrading my status with ANA Airlines and for once, encouraged to travel more. It’s been awhile since a company could secure my business by actually providing something of real value – SERVICE