The transit industry has undergone significant technological advancements in recent years, and one of the most notable additions to the arsenal of transit operators is vehicle-mounted devices or vehicle-mounted computers. These devices have revolutionized the way transit drivers operate, allowing for better navigation, communication, and data management.
In this blog from our MDM for transit series, we will explore the growing importance of vehicle-mounted devices in modern transit. We will also delve into how Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions for logistics & transportation, particularly the OEMConfig feature, can be leveraged to manage these devices efficiently.
Brief of Vehicle-Mounted Devices
Vehicle-mounted devices or computers are specialized computing devices mounted inside transit vehicles, such as buses, trams, and trains. These devices serve as the central hub for a multitude of functions critical to the smooth operation of public transit services.
Here are some key features and functionalities of vehicle-mounted devices:
1. GPS Navigation
Vehicle-mounted devices are equipped with advanced GPS technology that provides real-time navigation assistance to transit drivers. This helps drivers follow designated routes, avoid traffic congestion, and provide passengers with accurate arrival times.
2. Communication
Vehicle-mounted devices enable communication between drivers and dispatchers, ensuring that transit services run efficiently. They facilitate voice communication, text messaging, and even video conferencing when necessary.
3. Passenger Information
Vehicle-mounted devices display essential information to passengers, including next stop announcements, service updates, and emergency alerts. This enhances the overall passenger experience and safety.
4. Data Collection
Vehicle-mounted devices collect various data points, such as vehicle location, speed, and engine diagnostics. This data is invaluable for optimizing transit operations, maintenance scheduling, and ensuring passenger safety.
5. Integration with Fare Systems
Many vehicle-mounted devices are integrated with fare collection systems, allowing passengers to pay for their rides electronically. This streamlines fare management and reduces the risk of fraud.
Growing Importance of Vehicle-Mounted Devices in Modern Transit
In recent years, the transit industry has witnessed a growing reliance on vehicle-mounted devices and computers. These devices have been integral in the transformation of legacy transit operations. Some of the primary factors that underline the importance of vehicle-mounted devices are:
1. Improved Efficiency
Vehicle-mounted devices significantly enhance the efficiency of transit operations. They help drivers navigate congested routes, communicate with dispatchers for route adjustments, and provide real-time updates to passengers.
2. Enhanced Safety
By monitoring vehicle data and driver behavior, vehicle-mounted devices contribute to safer transit operations. They can trigger alerts for speeding, harsh braking, or other risky behaviors, promoting a safer environment for both passengers and drivers.
3. Data-Driven Decision-Making
The data collected by vehicle-mounted devices enables transit agencies to make data-driven decisions. It allows for proactive maintenance, route optimization, and better resource allocation.
4. Passenger Experience
Vehicle-mounted devices enhance the passenger experience by providing accurate information, reducing wait times, and ensuring a smooth ride. This can increase rider satisfaction and encourage the use of public transit.
OEMConfig to Manage Vehicle-Mounted Devices
Transit agencies are turning to MDM solutions to harness the full potential of vehicle-mounted devices and ensure their efficient management. One powerful feature of MDM solutions, especially for Android-based vehicle-mounted devices, is OEMConfig.
What is OEMConfig?
OEMConfig is a standardized framework introduced by the Android Enterprise team. It enables Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to expose their device-specific settings and configurations to MDM solutions. For transit agencies using vehicle-mounted devices from different manufacturers, OEMConfig streamlines the management process by providing a unified interface for device configuration.
Benefits of OEMConfig for Vehicle-Mounted Device Management
Simplified Configuration
The flexibility of OEMConfig allows transit agencies to easily configure various settings on vehicle-mounted devices, ranging from display brightness and network preferences to application-specific configurations. These configurations can be managed centrally from a single MDM console, simplifying the management process significantly.
Firmware and App Updates
Keeping vehicle-mounted devices up-to-date with the latest firmware and applications is crucial for ensuring optimal performance and security. OEMConfig allows for seamless firmware and app updates on vehicle-mounted devices, ensuring devices are constantly updated with the latest features and security patches. This reduces downtime and enhances the overall reliability of transit operations.
Consistency
Transit agencies can maintain consistency in device settings and policies by standardizing configurations across different vehicle-mounted device models and manufacturers, reducing the risk of errors and inconsistencies. OEMConfig streamlines the management of diverse models by providing a uniform interface for configuring settings and policies. This uniformity ensures consistency in device behavior and simplifies troubleshooting.
Remote Troubleshooting
In the event of issues or errors, MDM solutions with OEMConfig support empower IT teams to remote troubleshoot vehicle-mounted devices, reducing the need for on-site maintenance and minimizing downtime. This reduces overheads and ensures vehicle-mounted devices remain operational, contributing to the overall reliability of transit services.
Security
Security is cardinal to transit operations, and OEMConfig allows transit agencies to enforce security policies consistently across device fleets. The ability to enforce security policies and settings uniformly across all vehicle-mounted devices enhances the overall security posture of the transit agency’s device fleet. This includes settings related to data encryption, app permissions, and device access control. Agencies can mitigate risks effectively and protect sensitive data by maintaining a uniform security posture.
As the transit industry continues to evolve, embracing OEMConfig as a part of their MDM strategy will enable agencies to maximize the benefits of vehicle-mounted devices, ultimately leading to safer, more efficient, and passenger-friendly transit services.
| Scalefusion’s OEMConfig for vehicle-mounted devices covers the following major OEMs: Honeywell Zebra Datalogic Chainway Learn more about the OEMConfig capability of Scalefusion. |
Get Scalefusion to Manage Vehicle-Mounted Device Fleets
Vehicle-mounted devices have become indispensable tools for modern transit agencies. Transit agencies should consider implementing Scalefusion with its OEMConfig capability to manage vehicle-mounted devices effectively. This approach simplifies device configuration, ensures consistency, and enhances security while allowing transit agencies to fully leverage the capabilities of vehicle-mounted devices.
As transit operations advance at pace, efficient vehicle-mounted device management will play a crucial role in the success of public transportation systems worldwide. To stay ahead in the rapidly evolving transportation industry, transit agencies must realize the full potential of vehicle-mounted devices using an MDM solution like Scalefusion.
For more information on implementing Scalefusion to manage vehicle-mounted devices management or to explore specific use cases, please reach out to our team of experts. Start your 14-day free trial today.
