www.amicusvms.com

Keeping track of your assets anywhere in the world

Vehicle monitoring comes of age with new system that delivers all the data cost-effectively over GSM, GPRS and the internet

Amicus VMS (Vehicle Management System) has pioneered a revolutionary tailor-made telematics solution to resolve some of the operational issues experienced by Airports, Airline operators, GSE (Ground Service Equipment) operators and supporting airport services.

In your business, it’s important to know the market and understand some of the issues that you face. Better decision-making means improved performance and superior results for your Company. Understanding who the market leaders are and why it is crucial in establishing beneficial supply chains for future development and growth plans.

Amicus VMS recognizes that our technical innovations and higher performance translate into new business opportunities for our customers.

The state-of-the-art Vehicle Management System (VMS), Amicus VMS comprises a discreet, on-board vehicle data logger that records key operational data for both the vehicle and driver. The technology has been specifically designed to address key issues such as, who’s driving a vehicle, accurately calibrated distances and speeds, journey dates, stop and start times with locations, accident alert monitoring and up to 12 auxiliaries. Typically these can be used to monitor doors, lighting, power take off units and a variety of other vehicle sensors.

Once installed, Amicus VMS operates 24 hours a day 7 days a week providing detailed information on the vehicle that has the unit fitted. Monitoring is carried out automatically via GSM and or GPRS mobile networks and data is made available to end users via the Internet. By using the internet it provides a centralised management system that is scalable as businesses expand. The Amicus VMS eliminates the need for specialised software, while at the same time empowering customers with a variety of devices to access data, ranging from PDAs and laptops through to desktop PCs and centralised server based systems.

The Amicus system was developed around committing to the Siemens module and future developments evolved in-line with their GPRS (general package radio system) roadmap. With the introduction of the TC 45 and MC 45 modules it enabled the design to incorporate a ‘total embedded design’. Size constraints and module approval were two important factors in considering the use of the module coupled with considerations about market penetration.

The functionality of the TC 45 module enabled Amicus to develop the java capability and also the compatibility of interfacing with bespoke developed software

The functionality of the TC 45 module enabled Amicus to develop the java capability and also the compatibility of interfacing with bespoke developed software. The speed of access requirement also became an important factor during the development work and trials undertaken by Amicus customers. Using the feedback it then became apparent that it was necessary to develop the next generation of the Amicus product. Migration to the new Siemens TC 65 range of GPRS quad band modules has taken place. This became an integral part of the new Amicus system and enabled rationalisation by offering a global solution to end customers who use the Amicus system. Previously the customer would have taken a different Amicus product depending on where they were using the system in the world.

Keeping up with the times

Primarily, the Amicus VMS was developed to satisfy and address the needs and requirements of the ‘airport sector’. Units have been installed and are operating in several European countries. Further, Amicus can be adapted in to other sectors that include, amongst others, commercial vehicle, car fleet users, material handling and plant equipment.

In late 2002 Aviance UK Ltd, a UK based ground handling agent and subsidiary of the Go-Ahead Group PLC, looked at the potential of acquiring a comprehensive Telematics solution that would allow them greater control of their mobile assets, as well as increased accurate reporting facilities. Subsequently, Aviance UK Ltd in 2003 signed a deal with Amicus VMS Ltd to supply their Amicus Vehicle Management System, as a pilot scheme to 30 of its new electric vehicles. The brief laid down by Aviance UK Ltd outlined that the new system had to be flexible in its application and include accurate core operational data such as dates of journeys, driver details, vehicle speeds, GPS locations, crash data and more. Amicus VMS met all the required statutory obligations and far exceeded Aviance UK Ltd’s expectations. This in turn, has led to the successful further roll out of over 500 units by the middle of 2005.

“The Amicus VMS system has assisted and demonstrated that with the new electric vehicles fitted with Amicus, the overall vehicle fleet size was reduced by an additional 9 ageing vehicles compared to the 30 originally scheduled for replacement” said Bob Belither, Equipment Manager. “We can now monitor accurately the utilisation and productivity of our assets leading to an increased return on investment. The Amicus system also supports our Health & Safety requirements with driver authorisation, accountability and awareness resulting in a reduction of vehicle damage”, he continued. “The Amicus system covers a large grey area of uncertainty and inaccuracy of who, what, where and when, now deemed an essential part of an operators management and contract cost projections”.

The actual savings made by the implementation of the Amicus Vehicle Management System has afforded Aviance the opportunity to invest further in the Amicus system on a nationwide scale.

Security is ensured through a driver ID key that uniquely identifies and authorises the individual and enables operators to have clear visibility of the vehicles status, allowing them to manage their assets more effectively and efficiently.

Amicus VMS can also store data when the unit is out of GSM or GPRS coverage and future developments will include Wi-Fi access as this important technology becomes more commonplace. The system allows key operational data for both the vehicle and driver to be delivered in a cost-effective method utilising GSM, GPRS via the Internet for wireless machine-to-machine (M2M) one communication. M2M communication involves the direct mobile data exchange between a remote machine, such as a vehicle, and a control centre for the purpose of monitoring and control. The Siemens COM Division have provided on going training, technical support and well documented product information. Siemens have also worked with customers like Amicus to address some of the issues and problems experienced about certification including network approvals. This is at the heart of providing a solution to address the needs and requirement of operators of machines.

When tendering for new contracts, Amicus VMS can be used in the decision making process and put a framework around certain financial requirements. This makes the Amicus system an integral and versatile business tool by enabling suppliers using the system to quantify their results with much higher precision based on more extensive data derived from the vehicle management system.

The ‘three horsemen’: accidents, legislation and security

Other considerations such as European legislation have resulted in many companies using the system to comply with ‘Duty of Care’ requirements. Directors of companies now have a responsibility for the well-being of their staff.

Operating a fleet of vehicles is an expensive operation. It requires constant attention and a great deal of vehicle management expertise. In all commercial environments drivers are more exposed to dangers and hazards as part of their daily routine. European harmonisation and enforcement of regulations such as driver hours, speeds, theft and changing traffic legislation, coupled with accidental damage costs, all contribute to making commercial fleet operations an increasingly difficult and expensive environment to manage.

Today it is widely accepted that vehicle acquisition is a significant “investment” to make. What’s surprising is that vehicles are not really “investments” at all; they’re depreciable assets with high ancillary costs of ownership. In the world of the modern Fleet Manager, vehicle fleets numbering in the thousands can greatly magnify ownership costs. Facing tighter constraints and an ever-changing information technology landscape, today’s companies require a solution that promotes efficiency and adapts to changing demands.

Recent Health and Safety Executive studies indicate that drivers of commercial vehicles are at least 30% more at risk of injury and prone to driver related sickness, such as back strain and increased stress levels. This is as a result of longer driving hours caused by, congestion and additional pressures to increase productivity due to customer demand. All of these pressures have contributed significantly to the costs on companies involved in managing a complex logistics chains.

Legislation and customer demands have reinforced the need to acquire an accurate Asset Management Tool.

Accidents do occur and often at great expense to companies, coupled with logistical issues, security is also a major concern. Information on who is driving a vehicle, when it stopped, its location are required in monitoring driver and load security. Legislation and customer demands have reinforced the need to acquire an accurate Asset Management Tool.

Security is another major concern. Information on who is driving a vehicle, when and where it has stopped, doors opened and closed, and its exact route are vital pieces of information that are required to enable monitoring of drivers and vehicles. This information is important to protecting a company’s valuable asset including transiting goods.

“If you can’t measure it … you can’t manage it.”

Capitalising upon our in-depth experience of the airline industry, we have invested time in working with and understanding airport operators, analysing the issues and concerns on an International basis. We have assimilated data that would be required on a statutory and a preferential level to enable us to develop the vehicle management system. It was also recognised that there are direct links between operator’s productivity and overall profit margin, with safety being maintained through more effective management of company assets. Industry managers themselves also highlighted some major concerns, namely managing full utilisation of vehicles and GSE, reducing accidental damage and minimising wear and tear on vehicles. Factors such as knowing exactly who is driving a vehicle, its speed, location and ancillary connections, (e.g. oil warning lights) are all crucial in reducing vehicle down time and prolonging overall vehicle longevity. These concerns are all part of a wider global problem affecting ground operations at all levels.

The industry, until now, has not been able to reap the benefits from past fleet management solutions such as Amicus VMS due to the high costs of implementation, high airtime charges, limited reporting facilities and a lack of understanding of the complex issues facing Airports, Airlines and ground handling companies industry. “Amicus VMS” can offer a tried and tested solution to address these issues as well as ensuring hardware/software reliability, data accuracy, full management reporting and secure, remote access to information at an affordable price.

Amicus VMS Ltd
Amicus House
Danehill, Cutbush Park
Lower Earley
Berkshire, UK, RG6 4UT

Tel: +44 (0) 8702 405 875
E-mail: info@amicusvms.com
Web: www.amicusvms.com

 

Click here to obtain a copy of AIRPORT 2010