Monday 5 December 2016

Reflection

In the blink of an eye, technical communication is coming to an end.
Twenty hours of lesson seem to be insufficient but i had learn and gain knowledge on developing important writing and oral communications skills from the product summary, design report and team presentation. Through this various assignments, i learnt to use the correct grammar,writing skills, paraphrasing, a report format, presentation and many more. I realized i am able to write a better formal letter or email as well as a persuasive product design report and presentation which is very important for telematics engineering.

Another important thing is that throughout the lessons, i get to interact and mix around with my classmates and learn how to work better together as a group with different people for the two assignment. I can say confidently that i have got to know them better and are much closer now through this module. Also, i am thankful to our teacher, brad for the kind guidance throughout this module. The lesson will be so much less interesting without him.

Although there is also communication skills lesson back in polytechnic, it was quite different from this module. This module was more specified for telematics engineering which we had to know about the telematic product well so that we are able to come up with a summary, report and presentation for the product which i felt was quite challenging. For the trial presentation, i was not well prepared for it so i did not perform well which is a unpleasant experience for this module but this make me realised that i have to be better prepared for my formal presentation. Other than teacher feedback, the peer feedback was also quite helpful for me to know my strength and weakness better. Having multiple drafts was also very useful for written assignment as this allow us to have more time and improve step by step.

I think that my biggest weakness is that during presentation i seem to be memorising and just saying it out more than presenting and also my pace in speaking is too fast. I will continue to  improve on my weakness as well as my strength. Overall, the module was really fun, enriching and applicable in many areas.








Transmittal letter - InTrend

23 November 2016

Mr Brad Blackstone
TLM1010 Coordinator
Singapore Institute of Technology
SIT @ Dover
10 Dover Drive
Singapore 138683

Dear Mr. Blackstone,

Design Proposal for an “all-in-one” Tomtom Link 410 GPS tracking device

This letter is to acknowledge and respond to your letter of authorization. My team would like to present to you our following design proposal for an “all-in-one” Tomtom Link 410 GPS tracking device.

Based on our team’s evaluation of the original Tomtom Link 410 GPS tracking device, we have identified some improvements that would enhance the usability of the product. Our conceived design of an “all-in-one” Tomtom Link 410 GPS tracking device will help to simplify the overall installation process and provides important software functionalities, such as fuel usage and carbon emissions monitoring for fleet companies. These are some of the few aspects which fleet companies will consider when purchasing a modern fleet tracking product.

My team would like to thank you for taking the time to read through our proposal. We hope that you will consider our proposed design, which would enable fleet companies to optimize their fleet’s efficiency and reduce operating costs in the long run.


Yours Sincerely,


Telson Ting
Team Leader

On behalf of InTrend

Executive Summary - InTrend

This proposal discusses the various software functionalities of the original Tomtom Link 410 GPS tracking device and the required installation of additional devices for full fleet management. The advantages of implementing an improved “all-in-one” Tomtom Link 410 GPS tracking device are explained in the proposal. The improved device functions just like the original Tomtom Link 410, with fewer hardware components and integrated management of fuel usage and carbon emissions through the WEBFLEET application. These features offer benefits, such as easier installation and overall reduction in operating costs for fleet companies.


Potential challenges in the implementation of the improved device are identified in the evaluation of the product, along with the appropriate measures taken to address them. Secondary research demonstrates the importance of cost savings due to the rising fuel prices and carbon emissions surcharges under the Carbon Emissions-Based Vehicle Scheme (CEVS). In conclusion, the various improvements of the proposed “all-in-one” Tomtom Link 410 GPS tracking device will allow fleet companies to optimize their fleet’s efficiency and reduce operating costs in the long run.

Tuesday 18 October 2016

Product summary draft III (Final)

The article "Geotab GO7"(Geotab, 2016) presents the benefits, features and function of GO7. The GO7 is a telematics device for GPS vehicle tracking designed and built by Geotab. It has features like cellular modem, GPS with built in antennas, an accelerometer, and is able to transmit highly detailed information from delivery vans, highway track, hybrids and electric vehicles regarding the engine, drivetrain, on-board instruments, and other subsystems. Also, tracking and real time data will be transmitted when the vehicle transits and will notify the driver if the vehicle requires maintenance, collects information driving habits, and guide the driver if it's deem unsafe. Another function is that the device can send notification and forensic data if an accident is detected. In addition, the GO7 has an expansion port, allowing peripherals to be added if needed.  
   
The GO7 is a comprehensive product,featured with easy installation, fastest GPS acquisition time and ultra-accurate engine diagnostics that make it stand out from other competitors regardless of convenience or functionality, and help users increase their fleet efficiency by reducing operation cost.  
   
Convenience is an important fact that users look out for. Its GPS tracking ability provides alternate course to routes that are affected by traffic or weather, reducing time wastage and fuel. Also, its ability to transmit data about the vehicle will allows for timely maintenance of the fleet that can reduce down time of vehicle. One of its competitor, TomTom Link410, has similar functions but users will have to purchase an additional pro driver terminal to track. Therefore, GO7 provides greater convenience compared to similar products like TomTom Link410.   
   
Beside convenience, road safety is another main concern for a user. Another function is guiding users when it detects danger and monitoring their driving habits, reducing the risk of potential accidents. In addition, the article “Aberdeen Group's GPS tracking study key facts” (Cullen, 2016) mentions numerous benefits of a GPS tracking system. An average decrease of 13.2% and 13.4% in fuel expenditure and overtime can be achieved by using location intelligence. The article also states that the operating cost of a vehicle can be cut by 10.4%.  

Another competitive advantage would be fast and easy installation. GO7 can be easily installed by plugging it into the vehicle’s OBDII port or adapter and no extra tools nor assistance is required. Similar product to the GO7, like Tomtom Link410, requires a pro driver terminal and also a Link105 add-on devices in order to complete fleet management. Morever, Link105 does not transmit real time data unlike the GO7.  
   
All in all, GO7 is fully featured product that can provides users convenience such as easy setup, avoiding time wastage, safety alert system and reducing cost in addition to a pleasant journey. Eventually, helping to prevent and reduce road accidents from occurring. 

Mark Cullen (2016). Aberdeen Group's GPS tracking study key facts. Retrieved October 6, 2016 from: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/aberdeen-groups-gps-tracking-study-key-facts-mark-cullen
Geotab (2016). Geotab GO7 brochure. Retrieved October 6, 2016 from: https://www.geotab.com/wp-content/themes/geotab-template/resources/doc/Geotab-Brochure.pdf

TomTom(N.D). Retrieved October 6 2016 from: https://telematics.tomtom.com/en_gb/webfleet/products/link/
                                     

Tuesday 11 October 2016

Product summary draft II

The article (Geotab, 2016) “Geotab GO7” presents the benefits, features and function of GO7. The GO7 is a telematics device designed and built by Geotab. It has features like cellular modem, GPS with built in antennas, an accelerometer, and is able to transmit highly detailed information from the vehicle regarding the engine, drivetrain, on-board instruments, and other subsystems. It is compatible with most types of vehicles from manufacturers around the world. The device can be easily installed by plugging it into the vehicle’s OBDII port or adapter. Tracking and real time data will be transmitted when the vehicle transits. It can notify the driver if the vehicle requires maintenance, collects information driving habits, and guide the driver if it's deem unsafe. The device can send notification and forensic data if an accident is detected. The GO7 has an expansion port, allowing peripherals to be added if needed.
The GO7 is an advanced technology product that will satisfy user compared to other similar product regardless of functionality or convenience, and help users increase their fleet efficiency.
The GO7 could utilise its GPS tracking ability to provide alternate course to routes that are affected by traffic or weather, reducing fuel and time wastage. Its ability to transmit data about the vehicle will allows for timely maintenance of the fleet, reducing down time of vehicle. The article “Aberdeen Group's GPS tracking study key facts” (Mark, 2016) mentions numerous benefits of a GPS tracking system. An average decrease of 13.2% and 13.4% in fuel expenditure and overtime could be achieved by using location intelligence. The article also states that the operating cost of a vehicle can be cut by 10.4%.
There are other telematics products available on the market, one being the TomTom Link 410. The features of the Link 410 are similar to the GO7. The Link 410 however, requires a Link 105 add-on devices to monitor engine information. The link 105 does not transmit real time data, as compared to the GO7. The GO7 is able to better integrate multiple feature into a single device, compared to its competitors.
All in all,the GO7 is able to deliver a product that is comprehensive, fully featured, and able to help user increase fleet efficiency by reducing operating cost.


Mark Cullen (2016). Aberdeen Group's GPS tracking study key facts. Retrieved October 6, 2016 from: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/aberdeen-groups-gps-tracking-study-key-facts-mark-cullen
Geotab (2016). Geotab GO7 brochure. Retrieved October 6, 2016 from: https://www.geotab.com/wp-content/themes/geotab-template/resources/doc/Geotab-Brochure.pdf

TomTom(N.D). Retrieved October 6 2016 from: https://telematics.tomtom.com/en_gb/webfleet/products/link/

Thursday 6 October 2016

Product description draft I

The article by Geotab Inc “Geotab GO7” presents the benefits, features and function of GO7. The GO7 is a telematics device designed and built by Geotab. It has features like cellular modem, GPS with built in antennas, and an accelerometer. It is able to transmit highly detailed information from the vehicle regarding the engine, drivetrain, on-board instruments, and other subsystems. It is compatible with most types of vehicles from manufactures around the world. The device is easily installed by plugging into the vehicle’s OBDII port or adapter. Tracking and real time data will be transmitted when the vehicle transits. It can notify the driver if the vehicle requires maintenance. The GO7 also collects information driving habits, guiding the driver if it's deem unsafe. The device can send notification and forensic data if an accident is detected. The GO7 has an expansion port, allowing peripherals to be added if needed.I feel that the GO7 is an advanced solution that could help businesses increase its fleet efficiency. The GO7 could utilise its GPS tracking ability to provide alternate course to routes that are affected by traffic or weather, reducing fuel and time wastage. Its ability to transmit data about the vehicle will allows for timely maintenance of the fleet, reducing down time of vehicle.

GO7 is an advance technology product that will satisfy user compared to other similar product regardless of functionality or convenience.

The article “Aberdeen Group's GPS tracking study key facts” (Mark, 2016) mentions numerous benefits of a GPS tracking system. An average decrease of 13.2% and 13.4% in fuel expenditure and overtime could be achieved by using “location intelligence”. The article also states that the operating cost of a vehicle can be cut by 10.4%. The average operating cost per vehicle was 33 cents a mile and with a yearly mileage of 33243, savings of $1100 per vehicle per annum could be achieved. These savings would justify the investment in the telematics device.

There are other telematics products available on the market, one being the TomTom Link 410. The features of the Link 410 are similar to the GO7. The Link 410 however, requires a Link 105 add-on devices to monitor engine information. The GO7 is able to better integrate multiple feature into a single device, compared to its competitors. Therefore, the GO7 is an advanced telematics device that helps improves efficiency.

In conclusion, i felt that GO7 is a fully characterization product that will satisfy user. GO7 helps in maintaining safety, preventing accident to occur and also to improve user driving skills. Adding on, it is convenient with easy setup and not requiring additional equipment.

Geotab Inc(2016)Geotab GO7.
https://www.geotab.com/wp-content/themes/geotab-template/resources/doc/Geotab-Brochure.pdf
TomTom Link 410.
https://telematics.tomtom.com/en_gb/webfleet/products/link/

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Cambria, font size 12, with 1.5 spacing

Wednesday 28 September 2016

Product description(short)

The GO7 made by Geotab has features like cellular modem and GPS with built in antennas, and an accelerometer. It is able to transmit highly detailed information from the vehicle regarding the engine, drivetrain, on-board instruments, and other subsystems. It is compatible with most types of vehicles from manufactured around the world. It is easy to install; just plug it directly into the vehicle’s OBDII port or adapter. A mount also allows other vehicle types to be connected. Once you start driving, real time data will be transmitted to you. Geotab GO7 collect data of driving habits and collects information of the vehicle and update the driver if it requires any maintenance. Other than collecting data, Geotab GO7 also guides the driver with feedback on their driving if it's deem unsafe. Notification through email or desktop alert can be set if Geotab GO7 detect an accident. Forensic data will be sent on suspected accident, including reverse collision.