Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) By Doug Lambert

Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL)Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL)

By By

Doug LambertDoug Lambert

Service Area:

Why have an AVL System?

• Number One is SAFETY. Aiding in keeping track of crews during outages and for playing back after the outage for discussion.

• Productivity and improved customer service.

• “Big Brother” is not watching you!

Software and components involved

• Trakit AVL Software by IDA Corporation• SQL Server (Key for Integration)• LCRA Radio Network• Data Capable radios• SBEC LAN• NISC MapView (GIS)• Milsoft’s Outage Management System• 60+ Fleet of Vehicles

Installed in Truck

Antenna on roof

SBEC Control Center

Screen Shots

Query Specific Vehicle

Follow a Vehicle

Setting up vehicles in software

Other Available Features

• Monitor Speed

• Alarm settings for traveling outside of defined area or into restricted areas.

• Replay and record location of each vehicle

• Multiple definable alarm settings ie. Time out when queried, powered up alarm…

• We don’t utilize these features.

Integration with our GIS

Future Plans

• Integration with Milsoft’s DisSpatch OMS utilizing the SQL server database.– Allow for display and assignment of trucks

moving across the connectivity maps where our outages also display.

– Minimize the need for additional applications to accomplish one task.

Issues Encountered

• Reliability

• Mic laying in seat…

• Antenna Connection poor

• Dead batteries in trucks

• “Are you spying on me?” attitudes