Omnitracs Navigation 5.6 Release Notes

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Omnitracs Navigation provides drivers with a tool that they can easily use to find the best path to take for their trip. The application features a map showing the driver the path, as well as audible and visible alerts for turns and other important events. In addition, you can configure the application regarding the types of roads it proposes so that the path meets your needs.

The product has the following features:

Drivers can now limit the list of possible points of interest (POIs) instead of seeing all POIs.
There were several updates to the user interface, making it easier for drivers to use the application.
User can now configure when trips are purged, previously they were purged after one day
Drivers now have more options to search for POIs, and better visibility of them on the map.
Drivers can use waypoints to help specify a path they should follow.
Drivers are now alerted if their path does not follow the selected path settings, and they can easily see which setting was violated.
The driver is alerted when maps need to be updated. When alerted, the driver can update maps then, or at a later time.
The driver will hear audible alerts for issues like speeding.
The driver can provide feedback on road closures and other conditions.
The driver can choose the most commonly used options and add them to the Quick Menu for easier access.
The driver can search for a destination and add it to the trip.
The driver can select a point on the map and get directions to it.
The driver can search for a fuel stop or restaurant, or other point of interest (POI) and save it or navigate to it.
The driver can select paths for Hazmat loads (requires v12 maps).
The driver can manipulate the map, such as zooming in and out, to see more or less area.
The driver can find a detour to the next location if necessary.
Omnitracs Navigation can be integrated with a transportation management system (TMS) can receive trips from the TMS.
If there are stop notes for the individual stops on the trip, the driver can view the notes.
The driver can add, edit, or remove a stop on a trip.
The driver can re-sequence stops on a trip.
The driver can choose to have the application automatically arrive at a stop, or to manually arrive at the stop.
Depending on how the system is configured, the driver can set the vehicle attributes and path settings that will affect the path that is suggested.
The driver is alerted when maps need to be updated. When alerted, the driver can update maps then, or at a later time.
The driver will hear audible alerts for issues like speeding. Depending on how the system is configured the driver can choose the settings for these alerts.
The driver can easily access help.

Limiting POIs

When drivers need to find a gas station, truck stop, or other point of interest, they can search for one. Previously, they had the option to search for POIs that were near their route, or for all POIs. However, this could still provide the driver with a long list of POIs that needed to be scrolled through to find the best option. Now, drivers can fine tune the search, limiting the search results to those that are near the current location (Nearby), (along the route) In Route, or (near the destination) At Destination.

Note: This option is only available if the driver has a route loaded.

Updates to the User Interface

To make it easier for drivers to find information, several updates have been made to the user interface.

All menu options have been consolidated under a hamburger menu. In addition, the Quick Menu option has been replaced with a kabob menu; the driver can choose to place the most commonly used actions in this menu. To configure click the hamburger menu and choose Quick Menu Settings from the main menu, then choose the options you want to see on the Quick Menu.
To see more information about a waypoint or stop, simply click on it and a tooltip with more information, such as the name and address of the location, appears.
It is now easier for a driver to start searching for a waypoint, POI, or destination.
- To search for a city, address or POI, click in the Search field; a window opens where you can search for city center and full address under those OR select from map, history, POI.
- To use the map to find a location, click the green Drag map to select icon. Move around the map to find the proper location, then press on it. Choose Start, Add to Trip. or Favorite.

Using Waypoints to Help Specify a Trip

Waypoints are geographical points the driver wants to pass through on their way to a destination. Waypoints differ from stops. Stops represent places where the driver stops moving and performs some activity. Activities might include delivering product, dropping a truck load, filling up for gas or eating lunch. In each case, the driver will remain at the stop for some period of time. By contrast, waypoints are pass through points. They are directional guides that help navigate the driver in a particular direction without the intention of stopping. Waypoints are a good option if a road is under construction for the week or as a way of bypassing roads near a sporting venue during a major sporting event.

Waypoints show in the trip listing. When the driver passes near the waypoint, Navigation notifies the driver the waypoint has been passed and proceeds to navigate to the next waypoint or final destination. If the driver passes a waypoint but is too far away for automatic detection, the driver can select SKIP WAYPOINT. Navigation will then move on to the next waypoint or final destination.

Waypoints show on the map and the trip list. Waypoints that have been passed are indicated with a green check mark. Those that are skipped are noted with a red X.

For customers using Direct TMS Integration, waypoints can be included along with the destination in the integration from your TMS.

Alerts Regarding Path Settings

Navigation has allowed you to specify path settings that help determine the path that the driver should take. For instance, you can say that the driver should avoid dirt roads, or even toll roads. However, if it was unavoidable, the path would violate the settings and take the dirt road or toll road. Now, if this happens, the driver is alerted to the violation and can see which path setting was broken.

When the driver's path is obeying the path settings, there is a green flag icon to indicate no violations have occurred.

If a violation has occurred, the flag icon turns from green to orange, and the driver receives an audio alert. If the driver presses the orange flag icon, a window opens indicating which path setting was violated.