Rand McNally Partners with Platform Science for Advanced Fleet Navigation
Rand McNally, a renowned name in commercial mapping and fleet technology for over 165 years, has announced a new partnership with Platform Science, which promises to transform the future of truck navigation. This collaboration will introduce the next-generation Rand Navigation, powered by Rand Road IQ, into the Virtual Vehicle Marketplace, integrated into the Platform Science connected-fleet ecosystem.
A New Era of Navigation
The new Rand Navigation system is specially designed for professional drivers and large fleets, delivering a comprehensive navigation tool that leverages decades of trusted map data combined with real-time intelligence. Doug Phillips, the CEO of Rand McNally, emphasized the importance of this partnership in maintaining their legacy of reliability while adapting to modern technology in the connected vehicle space.
Key Features of Rand Road IQ
Rand Road IQ is built upon 80 years of meticulously compiled road data, originally developed for the Motor Carrier Road Atlas. This innovative platform offers about 33% more truck-specific features than conventional maps. Some of the key advantages include detailed insights into low-clearance bridges, weight restrictions, and routes limited by hazardous materials. Moreover, the system dynamically adjusts routing based on real-time traffic conditions, weather, and operational data, ensuring that fleets can optimize travel times and maintain safety based on vehicle types.
This kind of detailed information is essential for commercial transportation, where every minute and every route can have significant safety and financial implications for fleet operations.
Continuous Improvement
An important aspect of Rand Road IQ is its ability to continuously learn. According to Phillips, the system evolves from being a static tool into a more context-aware solution that provides drivers and fleet managers with real-time insights necessary for making safer and more informed decisions. As Rand McNally expands its data ecosystem, the predictive intelligence capabilities will also grow, thereby enhancing overall driver performance and vehicle health monitoring.
Easy Integration and Deployment
One of the standout features of this partnership is the seamless integration process that allows fleets to activate Rand Navigation instantly within their existing telematics environments. The open, OEM-ready Virtual Vehicle platform enables fleets to easily deploy and manage applications directly from the Marketplace without incurring heavy integration costs. This innovative approach will simplify operations for businesses, especially those managing diverse fleets.
Joe Jumayao, VP of Business Development at Platform Science, noted the addition of Rand McNally's trusted navigation to their expanding Marketplace as a significant enhancement that affords fleets more choices and data-driven insights.
A Milestone in Connected Fleet Technology
The collaboration with Platform Science is more than just an addition of new features; it's a key stride in Rand McNally's transformation into a pioneer of connected fleet technology. The company is not only enhancing its services with truck-safe navigation but also encompasses a broader array of tools including electronic logging devices (ELDs), fleet management solutions, and onboard video telematics. This comprehensive approach positions Rand McNally at the forefront of the fleet technology evolution, exemplifying its commitment to innovation and safety in commercial transportation.
Conclusion
Rand McNally continues to lead the way in redefining navigation for commercial drivers by integrating cutting-edge technology into their solutions. As fleets navigate an increasingly complex transportation landscape, the combination of trusted mapping data with advanced analytics provided by Rand Road IQ represents a pivotal step towards safer and more efficient operations. Moving forward, Rand McNally aims to remain the go-to name for all fleet and navigation needs in the industry.
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