#3 Selecting the Right Mix of In-Cab Technologies Now that you have the operating system identified and a device management process in place, how do you choose the right type of hardware for your in-cab experience? Just like the consumer hardware market, the choices for displays and other in-cab equipment are seemingly endless, so it is important to weigh your options by considering the following points: How your hardware connects: What your drivers’ workflow looks like: Which other benefits are available to help you It starts with determining how your vehicle’s hardware When it comes to selecting the displays themselves, you have a lot of justify an upgrade in in-cab connectivity? components will connect and communicate with choices to consider, too. The three main categories of displays are: In addition to thinking about the hardware itself, it each other and the back office. Some more basic | Proprietary: These displays are manufactured exclusively for your is equally important to consider what the hardware configurations connect the telematics box with the in- technology provider. can enable and how this can help you justify the cab display via Bluetooth, using the display’s wireless investment. By taking the time to invest in new network to connect each component. Another | Commercial: These displays are made by third-party technology, you should also look at the full range of common configuration is to use wireless connectivity manufacturers like Samsung and can be purchased either through options available from your technology provider. Do on both the telematics box and the in-cab display and your technology provider or off the shelf. they offer: pair them in the cloud. | Video and other safety-related technology to Both of these options present challenges: the first | Bring your own: The “bring your own device” (BYOD) model relies improve liability protection and driver coaching option depends on a less-than-reliable Bluetooth on your drivers to use their own cell phones or tablets as an in-cab opportunities? connection and the telematics box only works if display. the display is in the cab to connect to. Pairing the Which options does your technology partner offer? For enterprise | Truck-safe in-cab navigation to enhance driver telematics box and display in the cloud also presents fleets looking to have more control over the management of the efficiency, reduce out of route miles and increase challenges: since it relies on wireless networks, the displays and the user experience, proprietary and commercial grade overall fuel economy? box and display will not be able to communicate with choices are likely to make the most sense. Even these options come | Electronic scanning and document management each other if there are any disruptions in coverage. with many choices. When looking at display types, remember to to eliminate paperwork and streamline the flow of Instead, fleets should look at a more robust consider: information across your fleet? connection in the cab, leveraging wireless networks | Portability: Do your drivers do work outside the cab that requires | What integrations are available to other in-cab via the telematics box and connecting it to the in- electronic signature capture? What about electronic driver vehicle technology providers that might further improve cab display via Wi-Fi. Connecting via Wi-Fi not only inspection reports? If so, perhaps a portable tablet might be how your fleet and drivers operate? ensures a connection between the display and the preferred over a fixed-mount display. telematics box even in spotty coverage areas but it By taking a more holistic approach to your new enables you to connect a wide range of other on- | Toughness: Regardless of your fleet or load type, the trucking technology investment, you can identify and uncover vehicle components and gather additional data on industry can be a rugged environment to operate in. Do you new opportunities for further ROI and make the most vehicle and driver performance. operate in extreme weather conditions or in particularly tough of this change to discover additional ways to enhance conditions? If so, you may want to consider a ruggedized device how your business operates. that is built specifically for the rigors of the industry.