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