A Vehicle Mounted Terminal (VMT) is a device that is installed in vehicles, such as trucks, buses, or cars, to enable communication and data exchange between the vehicle and a central control center or dispatch office. It typically consists of a ruggedized computer or tablet, a touchscreen interface, and various communication technologies such as cellular, satellite, and Wi-Fi.
The vehicle mounted terminal allows vehicle operators or drivers to send and receive real-time information, such as GPS location, vehicle diagnostics, navigation instructions, and messaging, to and from the control center. It also supports other functionalities like electronic logging, route optimization, dispatching, proof of delivery, and communication with other vehicles in a fleet.
1. Fleet management: VMTs are widely used for efficient fleet management, allowing real-time tracking of vehicles such as farm vehicle tracking, monitoring driver behavior, optimizing routes, and managing fuel consumption. They provide valuable data for analyzing vehicle performance, improving operational efficiency, and reducing costs.
2. Dispatching and routing: VMTs enable the effective dispatching of vehicles by providing real-time updates on job assignments, tracking the status of deliveries or service calls, and optimizing routes based on current traffic conditions. This helps in improving productivity, reducing response times, and enhancing customer satisfaction.
3. Communication and messaging: VMTs provide a reliable and secure means of communication between drivers and the central control center or dispatch office. Messages can be exchanged for job updates, status updates, or emergency situations, ensuring efficient communication and coordination within the fleet.
4. Proof of delivery: VMTs allow drivers to capture proof of delivery electronically, including signatures, timestamps, and photos. This eliminates the need for paper-based processes and provides accurate and real-time information on completed deliveries, helping in reducing disputes and improving customer service.
5. Compliance and safety: VMTs often have features to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and promote safety. These include electronic logging devices (ELDs) to track and record hours of service (HOS) for commercial drivers, providing alerts for speeding or harsh driving behavior, and monitoring vehicle diagnostics for maintenance and safety checks.
6. Mobile workforce applications: VMTs can be used to support various mobile workforce applications such as field service management, transportation and logistics, public transportation, waste management, and utilities. They provide tools for real-time data capture, task management, and coordination of field operations.
A Vehicle Mounted Computer (VMC) and a Rugged Tablet are two types of devices commonly used for vehicle-mounted applications. While they share similarities in being installed in vehicles and serving similar purposes, there are some differences between the two:
Form factor
A Vehicle Mounted Computer typically has a fixed installation in the vehicle, meaning it is permanently mounted and integrated into the dashboard or console. It is designed to be rugged and withstand harsh environments, but its form factor is typically larger and more box-shaped compared to a rugged tablet. On the other hand, a rugged tablet pc oem is a portable handheld device that can be mounted in a vehicle using various mounting options. It offers more flexibility in terms of portability and usage scenarios.
Display
Vehicle Mounted Computers often have larger displays, typically in the range of 10 to 15 inches or more, which can be advantageous for certain applications that require more extensive information or multiple screen views simultaneously. Rugged tablets, on the other hand, have smaller displays, typically ranging from 7 to 10 inches, making them more compact and easier to carry around.
Mobility
Rugged tablets offer greater mobility since they can be easily detached from the vehicle mounting and used as a standalone device outside of the vehicle. This can be useful for tasks that require mobility outside the vehicle, such as inventory management, delivery confirmation, or inspections. Vehicle Mounted Computers, being fixed installations, lack this portability.
Input options
Vehicle Mounted Computers often come with additional hardware peripherals integrated into the device itself or connected to it, such as physical keyboards, joysticks, or external scanners, to accommodate the specific needs of the vehicle-based applications. Rugged tablets, on the other hand, typically rely on touchscreens as the primary input method, although they can be equipped with accessories such as Bluetooth keyboards or barcode scanners if needed.
Both vehicle-mounted computers and rugged tablets are designed to be rugged and withstand vibrations, extreme temperatures, dust, and moisture typically encountered in vehicle environments. The choice between the two would depend on the specific application requirements, operational needs, and desired flexibility in terms of portability
By providing a centralized platform for communication and data exchange, VMTs help improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, optimize routes, ensure compliance, and enhance overall fleet management. They are commonly used in transportation and logistics industries to monitor and manage fleets of vehicles effectively.
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