Sources: McNeilus Truck & Manufacturing, Dodge Center; CP staff
Through a partnership formalized at ConExpo-Con/Agg 2017, concrete mixer and construction materials information technology market leaders McNeilus and Command Alkon seek to further integrate truck controls and fleet management software for North American ready mixed producers. Their initiative extends a FLEX Controls and TrackIt telematics platform integration the companies announced late last year at the Command Alkon User Conference.
Direct TrackIt connection to the FLEX Controls system and mixer truck body from the McNeilus factory will provide a more streamlined user experience and reduce cab clutter. The telematics package will be available with FLEX Controls and its Android-based display tablet, standard on McNeilus mixers. The integrated solution enables one versus multiple in-cab displays, McNeilus engineers note, allowing safer truck operation and reducing hardware costs. Engine diagnostic information can also be broadcast through the TrackIt platform.
“We’re providing a fully integrated package for the ready mixed concrete industry. [Command Alkon’s] innovative fleet management product is the perfect choice to integrate with FLEX Controls,” says McNeilus Concrete Mixer Platform Lead Bryan Datema, characterizing the integration as “part of our continued focus on technology and innovation to create value and help customers streamline their operations.”
“Integrating TrackIt into FLEX Controls further enables our customers to cost-effectively manage trucks, drivers and deliveries with efficiency and safety,” adds Larry Curtis, general manager of TrackIt developer FiverCubits, a Command Alkon company.
“McNeilus and Command Alkon are working together to solve industry issues by reducing the number of screens in the cab, as well as eliminating the need for secondary installation of the fleet management system,” affirms McNeilus Mixer Product Manager Chris Wurtz. “This collaboration is the first of many milestones, and represents the first step in a technology revolution that will fundamentally change how our customers utilize their equipment.” Company programmers are working on additional features to be released over the next year, he adds.
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