Communication kings

Established five years ago, Hugo International Ireland Ltd. trading as Universal Radio and Data Communications are experts in the field of data communications. Based at St. Margarets in Co. Dublin the company offers a range of products ideally suited for the transport operator. Projects Development Manager, John Carey, spoke with Irish Trucker.

In the cut and thrust world of haulage, an efficient, accurate and cost effective communications system is part and parcel of the modern transport office. Historically two-way radios or mobile phones kept the transport office in contact with the driver.

Satellite Tracking
This type of communication offered little if anything to the operator in terms of management information. However, with the advent of satellite tracking, the scope and range of management information now available is practically limitless.

John explained the benefits of the satellite revolution. “The main product we would offer to truckers is the Inca Unit .That is a global positioning system manufactured by APD Systems that will actually locate your vehicle all over Ireland and Europe. The systems can access a number of satellites to find and track your vehicle. The information is then relayed through the interface to your mobile phone.”

GPS Aerial
“We install a GPS aerial on the vehicle, and interface box to the phone. It gets a fix from the satellite and it tells you the truck location, speed, whether the engine is running etc.. That information is transmitted through the phone to the base station. It is taken off the base station, transferred on to your computer,” John explained.

John explained that there is practically no limits to the amount of information that can be extracted from the system. A wide range of software and accessories is available to enhance the system and to give the end user quality information. This information can then be manipulated to suit the end users’ particular needs.

Advantages
The APD system has advantages over its competitors in that the entire operation is controlled from a computer in the transport operators’ office. This feature is practically unique to the APD Inca system and therefore has inherent benefits as a result. John revealed: “Most systems on the GPS system are not controlled by the office. With other systems you are depending on other companies to do the tracking. With this system you have the monitoring equipment in the office. You can access it 24 hours a day. You don’t need to go ringing other companies that do the tracking for you.”

Calls to a mobile phone, especially international calls can be expensive. The APD Inca system gives the transport operator a much cheaper alternative. The operator can communicate with the driver via the computer. “Instead of a voice going over the phone giving names, addresses, quantities to be delivered, order numbers etc., text appears on a monitor in the truck. It is very cheap to operate because it only takes a matter of seconds to send the message,” John added.

Security
Apart from acting as a tracking and monitoring system, the APD Inca unit has applications in terms of security. “The system tells you where your vehicle is 24 hours a day, and it will also tell you if your vehicle is somewhere other than where it should be. It will also alert you if your vehicle is broken down in the middle of nowhere,” John enthused
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Many hauliers involved in local deliveries already have the benefits of two-way radio communications. These systems can now be enhanced through the APD Inca system.

For the local transport operator, the APD Inca system will operate efficiently through its existing two-way radio system.

Coverage
John elaborated: “Every scenario is different. If you are operating locally you can get a vast amount of coverage off your local two-way radio system. You will get 15 miles to 20 miles coverage which in many cases is all the haulier needs. That goes for Dublin, Cork, Galway and Limerick. On the other hand if you need international coverage the mobile networks are a better option.”

In September Universal Radio and Data Communications installed 12 APD Inca systems in conjunction with a two way radio system supplied by Tait Mobile Radio Ltd., to Blanchardstown based Alan Martin Coaches (AMC). John explained that the company is already reaping the benefits of two way voice communication and G.P.S tracking within the one system and is very happy with the system to date.

Cost Effective
The APD Inca system is very cost effective to run either through your mobile phone or two way radio system. “With the two-way radio system, the initial purchase cost plus an annual £18 licence is all that you pay. With the mobile phone your costs are considerably reduced because you can monitor your vehicle at any time of the day. It cuts down on the number of telephone conversations you need to have with the driver,” John explained.

The APD Inca system is very price competitive to install. A stand alone computer, software, mapping system and all the infrastructure required will cost in the region of £6,000. To equip the vehicle will cost between £600 and £800 depending on what type of communications system (two-way radio or mobile) the operator wishes to use.John can be contacted for further information on 01 - 8644390.