System Overview
Navman has three essential functions, beginning with fleet tracking for fuel savings and increased productivity. The second is 2-way text messaging for better communications with more range than 2-way radio, less cost than cellular, and more efficiency than paging. The third is navigation routing either appended to a message from the office or dispatch center or available on demand as required by the driver. Basic tracking is a little less than $1.50 per day, tracking with messaging - a little less than $2.00 per day, or all three services for less than $2.50 per day. The savings and improved profits can be significant!
The system essentially consists of five components beginning with the GPS 
satellite network. Vehicle location and navigation is basically controlled by these satellites working through a GPS receiver in the vehicle. We call this the Halo Qube tracking receiver with cellular data transmitter. Thats a picture of it over on the right. You will note that there are four connections - the GPS receiver connects to the gold connector on the top right. The cellular data antenna connects to the silver connector on the top left. At the bottom left is an accessory connector for use with external devices, and the phone jack at the bottom right is used for connection to an optional Mobile Data Terminal.
The antenna used with the Halo Qube units looks very similar to a hockey puck. Both the GPS and data transmitter antennas are built into this single unit what can be mounted in a concealed fashion under the dashboard or rear widow ledge. For a completely covert installation, the Qube Receiver/Transmitter unit can be placed underneath the front seat or other hidden location. Power connection is made at the vehicle fuse block for covert installations. If preferred, the Qube unit can be connected by a standard mobile DC receptacle plug for easily moving the unit from one vehicle to another. However, it you need to monitor when the vehicle ignition is on or off, you will need the standard covert installation (which is included in the monthly lease rate or purchase price as applicable).
The third part of the system is a celluar data network using state of the art GPRS technology offered either through AT&T Wireless or Verizon Wireless. AT&T provides excellent coverage throughout the State of Alabama as well as nationwide and is the best choice for most of our users. If you would like to check AT&T GPRS coverage in your area, go to www.wireless.att.com/coverageviewer. Click on the Data selection at the top of the map, then fill in the data requested at the left. In general AT&T provides the best coverage north of Montgomery, AL whereas Verizon seems to provide better coverage in South Alabama. If you see a coverage gap with AT&T, you may want to check the Verizon Wireless EVDO high speed data coverage map at www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/CoverageLocatorController. When you are ready to order, simply specify whether you want the AT&T or Verizon network services. The price is the same.
If you simply want to track, the aforementioned GPS receiver cellular data network connection and an Internet connected PC is all that you need. However, you can expand the capabilities of the Navman system by adding a messaging terminal such as the MDT-860 shown at the left. With this additional capability, you no longer need a pager, 2-way radio, or cell phone for disptaching field personnel. Additionally, each driver can report status at the touch of a button.
Next, we have a terminal that combines messaging and navigation as shown on the right. Technically, it's called an M-Nav 650. We call it a dandy little mobile terminal that lets you receive and send text messages, get driving directions, and other useful options as desired by the user. If you only require GPS tracking and fuel management, you do not this device. If you do not need nevigation, the MDT-860 should above will do the job but if you want location reporting, messaging, and navigation, you will need the M-Nav 650.
The final element is the AVL software that manages all the system activity. Navman is an Internet based system so you will need a PC with an Internet connection, preferably high speed, at your office. The Navman AVL software is the most powerful and easiest to use we've ever seen, and we've seen a LOT of systems over the past decade. The GPS tracking and reporting system is simple, efficient, and affordable. The software is ready for an over the air upgrade if you decide to start with just GPS tracking and fuel management, you can add navigation and messaging later by adding the M-Nav 650 and upgrading your service plan.
That's a picture of the opening screen for the Navman system at the left. The detail is a little lacking because of space limitations, but we can give you a quick overview of how simple this system is to use. Below the green horizontal bar at the left of the screen will be a list of vehicles in a particular fleet. You can view all vehicles simultaneously or a single vehicle by clicking on the desired unit.
At the top of the page is a task bar where you can Query a particular unit for an instant location report. You can send a message of up to 400 characters, set up a geofence, run a report and more at the click of a mouse key.
That about covers the system. Suffice it say that it's SIMPLE and EFFICIENT! For a live demonstration, go to our My Navman page and follow the instructions. If you would like an example of what others are doing with Navman, please visit www.info4u.us/ov.pdf. You're going to love this system!
