Dispatchers have the responsibility of keeping fleets safe, efficient, and functioning smoothly. Coordinating large fleets of vehicles is no small task, but with the help of technological developments your future as a dispatcher can be made much easier!
Automotive Vehicle Location (AVL) technology allows dispatchers to track where trucks or vehicles in their fleet are at all times. It provides one centralized place where dispatchers can stay on top of the company’s operations and deliveries. AVL can be used by a variety of industries like emergency services, delivery services, transportation, shipping, and more.
Read on to discover three things you should know about AVL.
1. Professionals With Dispatcher Training Know AVL Uses GPS
Having a fleet optimized with AVL technology will make life after your dispatch course much easier. At times, coordinating your fleet and knowing where vehicles and trucks are can be a logistical challenge. Luckily, AVL is a great way to streamline that process with accuracy and efficiency.
AVL functions by using cellular communication, detailed street mapping, and the Global Positioning System (GPS). GPS involves a series of satellites that orbit the earth. GPS-enabled units connect with three of the closest satellites, which then pinpoint the latitude and longitude of the vehicle. By connecting to a fourth satellite, GPS can also detect the unit’s altitude.
In order for AVL technology to work, GPS-enabled units are installed in each vehicle within the fleet. AVL uses wireless technology to track the GPS location of the units inside the vehicles as they are going about their daily activities. Some interfaces even provide information about weather and road conditions!
2. Students in Dispatch Courses Should Know AVL Can Increase Customer Satisfaction
Using AVL is beneficial to companies for a wide variety of reasons. For example, by knowing where drivers are at all time, professionals with dispatcher training can make routes even more efficient. If a vehicle needs to be dispatched, dispatchers know which one is the closest to the job and can assign that vehicle to make the delivery. As a result, delivery times can be shortened considerably, helping to boost efficiency for the entire fleet.
Dispatchers can also use AVL to provide increasingly accurate delivery estimates to customers, because of the real-time data the technology provides. This can help dispatchers provide even better customer service, and take their companies to new heights.
3. AVL Technology Can Help Boost Safety and Security
In addition to providing useful customer service and route planning benefits, AVL can also help to boost security and driver safety as well. That’s because AVL helps keep track of where trucks are at all times, so if any theft occurs, you’ll know right away. In addition, AVL can be used to monitor your driver’s habits. You’ll be able to see if any driver is prone to speeding, or other risky behaviour, which you can then address and correct to keep drivers safe and accident-free.
These are just some of the ways AVL technology can benefit a wide variety of companies. Want to find out more about dispatching for yourself?
Consider enrolling in dispatch school in Cambridge!
Contact an advisor at Automotive Training Centres today!
