Monday, December 3, 2018

Last reflection


Three months has passed, and it has now come to the end of the trimester. I will like to extend my gratitude to professor Brad for making these past three months a wonderful and memorable journey for me. Numerous valuable inputs were shared, and it gave me an insight on how to improve on my communication skills. Through this module, I have developed a skill on report writing, and I learnt the proper way on how to cite the reference. One thing I like about this module is that we received feedback from our professor on all our assignments and draft assignments. It informed us on the things we need to improve on, emphasizing to us about using the correct grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure (parallel structure etc.). I believe the things I learnt in this module will be helpful for me in the long run, especially when I progress to the working world in the time to come.

The objectives I set for myself at the beginning of this module has been achieved. My group was selected to present for the showcase, and it gave me an opportunity to stand and talk in front of many people. Typically, before any presentation, I will feel anxious and worried that something unexpected may happen. But at that moment when it was my turn to present, I managed to put aside all those feelings, be confident, and gave my best performance in front of all the audience. There are some points I failed to recall during the presentation, but I tried not to make it obvious and have long pauses during the presentation because it would seem unprofessional. Overall, the showcase was a good experience for me to gain exposure in presenting to a large group of people.

Monday, November 5, 2018

Group technical report draft #1


Background

According to Zonar Systems, Zonar’s Logs Comprehensive Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Solution is a telematics application is developed for safeguarding the driver’s well-being and logging data while going paperless. It has also mentioned that that the application is able to aid drivers in terms of notifying them regarding any “pending violations”, by sending notifications to their smartphones. In addition, the webpage remarked that Zonar Logs can “track drive time”, thus, enabling the employers to look at the driver records from any date. Besides that, the system is user-friendly in the terms of viewing the "available hours, updating of the duty status" and tracking the travelling time. Due to these customisation, Zonar's application can generate an "electronic logbook" which allows them to go paperless. Hence, it is evident that Zonar's Logs Comprehensive ELD focuses on tracking and logging with the users' satisfaction in mind. When comparing with other similar products in the market such as Kinesis Fleet (n.d.) and Trimble Transportation Mobility (n.d.), Zonar Logs has a competitive edge in terms of providing up-to-date logging data to be viewed on the spot by the driver and software to update the law reinforcements help to distinguish its solution from others.




However even with these features, Zonar’s Logs Comprehensive ELD lacks user friendliness due to the complex user interface. Some factors contributing to the complex user interface are multiple layers of executions to complete logging data of a parcel into the device, duty logging and the logging correction procedures are awkward and slow. This complex user interface had led to the unproductive of the drivers, making them deliver lesser than compared to what they previously had before the use of the logging device.




Due to inadequate features offered by Zonar’s Logs Comprehensive ELD, customers may turn to competitor’s product instead. According to the ratings and feedback given by existing customers, it scored ratings of 1 out of 6. This meant that current users are very unsatisfied with the logging device.
Problem statement

The ideal log tracking device should be easily navigated by drivers with a press of a button which will provide them information required for the delivery like the product code, product description and the delivery address. Zonar systems requires drivers to key in delivery details including product code, address and related informations. Every delivery caused an extra delay of information entry and slowed the delivery process. This poor user interface is complicated which caused misled information thus preventing employers from receiving an accurate log too. Poor user interface led to possible miscommunications which led to employers receiving an inaccurate log. Zomatics’ aim in simplifying the overall process of getting data quickly and more efficiently.



Purpose statement

Zomatics’ aim is to create a more user-friendly interface and a detachable tablet that allows the drivers at Zonar Systems to properly make use of the software which will aid their workflow, in return helping increasing workplace productivity.



Proposed adaptation

The proposed solution that Zomatics came up with incorporates revamping and simplifying the Zonar Log ELD system. The simplified interface on the tablet will shorten the process it takes for drivers to comprehend the necessary details and to increase productivity in delivery items.




PART 1: Implementation of one-touch button

A significant advancement to the Zonar Log ELD system is to simplify the user interface by creating one-touch button features. This includes simplifying the way the interface is done. We can reduce the unnecessary information and increase the font size as we maximise the screen by utilizing of different icons and fonts. With these different variations, it will be easily differentiated for drivers and they do not have to worry about locating the different icons.




PART 2: Implementation of automated routes

Another huge improvement would be an automated routing. Drivers usually get a fixed amount of parcel delivery per day. With the back-end information being all the parcels to be delivered, we can utilised mapping application to figure out which parcel should be delivered first and the estimated time per parcel delivery.




PART 3: Implementation of fingerprint sensor

An improvement we can consider on is the implementation of fingerprint sensor. With time, technology has become more advanced and thus fingerprint sensor is an encrypted pin logger we can consider on to save time for drivers to have the hassle of keying in their pin.
Benefits of proposed adaptation
The software is hosting via a very simple update format for the tablet. The end user can choose to upgrade as when we release a new version of the application. The application will be dated from it’s version series. This can be done so by using wireless connection. This is simple and no hassle as compared to the previous versions.
Evaluation

The benefits that this revised solution will let drivers focus on their deliveries and only have to ensure the correct amount of packages are under their care.The revamped software will allow drivers to access the packages by accessing their account and showing the most ideal travelling route to take to effectively deliver the parcels to the customer.
Comparing current product with proposed adaptation

Currently the interface being shown is complex and the drivers require some time to analyse the electronic log device even before using it. They will require to fully go through and understand what all the icons signify. It is a huge hassle especially for drivers which are not very well versed in reading. This potentially created many misunderstanding between the drivers and the company in terms of two aspect. The first is the clash with the Human Resource team in terms of the hours of service on duty. The second will be the clash with the situation if the parcel was delivered but was not dated as delivered in the application.



We have created a very simple layout that can be easily understood with a glance on how many products are required to be delivered and how many hours the driver has been working. There’s a customisation layer where you can choose to view it in different format. Day, Week and Month format. This interface is to boost productivity and for the drivers to focus on their main goal - which is to get their parcels successfully delivered to the end location.
Drawback of proposed adaptation

Our proposed solutions are more targeted towards drivers who are less proficient in working with electronic device, especially with something complicated like the current Zonar ELD. By simplifying the user interface and making the device easier to use, it slightly reduces the functionality of the program by omitting some of the extra information needed to complete the action. With regards to implementing fingerprint scanner as one of our proposed solution, this idea helps to increase productivity to a small degree. However, integrating fingerprint scanner will require the development of the external unit, leading to a higher cost which will outweigh the benefits that can be obtained





Cost


Software interface design (use couple of designs, survey which one user prefers)


Auto route algorithm
Methodology

For this project, we are adopting DMAIC as a framework to improve processes. DMAIC is an acronym which stands for Define, Measure, Analysis, Improvement, and Control. It is a common tool often used by companies to seek out improvement opportunities by first identifying the issues in the current procedure. The first step ‘Define’, aims to present the problem and the purpose of this project, which were already discussed in the earlier stage of our report. The second step (Measure) and third step (Analysis), is the collection of data that can validate the issues faced in the current process. Lastly for the ‘Improvement’ step, it requires the brainstorming of ideas that can be proposed as a solution to the problem. This has already been established in the proposed adaptation section of our report.



Measure

As we begin brainstorming and forming our solution to help improve Zonar Logs, we have came up with a short survey (as shown in Figure 1.7), that we conducted over 50 people, we gathered the data to see the public’s choice on whether we should implement a new interface software upgrade or should our team come up with a brand new product that will succeed the current product that they have. The data and breakdown will be shown below.



Analysis

From the data collected from the survey that was conducted by a total of 50 people, Zomatics have came up with the following findings.






Figure 1.1 Customer Satisfaction on Zonar Log ELD







Figure 1.2 Cost of a new product






Figure 1.3 Cost of product customers are willing to pay






Figure 1.4 Comparing New Product vs Upgrade in Software & Interface






Figure 1.5 Simple vs Complex Interface






Figure 1.6 Consumer’s thoughts of purchasing the new product




There are a large majority of people (approximately 60%) in Figure 1.1, are dissatisfied with the current product that Zonar Logs offers and a large majority (90%) in Figure 1.2 finds that cost plays a huge deciding factor into whether a consumer were to make an upgrade in the current product.




In figure 1.3 above, we understand how much consumer are willing to pay for an upgrade on their current Zonar products, ranges from $30 to $70. Most of the people surveyed have voted that they find paying $50 to $70 for a new product is acceptable.




Through Figure 1.4, it is shown that a majority of 96% of our surveyors find that upgrading the software would suffice their consumer needs and there is not a need to buy a completely new product which will only incur more costs on them. They would also like the upgraded interface and software to be a simple one in contrast to the current model which is more complex, having multiple menus hidden within the software interface. From Figure 1.6, we can see that a huge majority feel that if the product were to be launched in the market, the consumers will purchase it if we price it competitively within the range that they think is good and affordable.




Through the survey, we understand how the average consumer feel on the current product that Zonar Log ELD provides and how Zomatics bringing a new interface with updated software will get more consumers on board to purchase the Zonar Log ELD.



Conclusion



In conclusion, we think that Zonar should implement (proposed final solution) into the existing ELD to boost the user's satisfaction and productivity.

Tuesday, October 9, 2018

Product summary draft #3

According to Octo Telematics North America LLC (2018), Octo is an international provider of “telematics and data analytics solutions” for the vehicle insurance industry. Octo Fleet offers insurance telematics solutions to insurance companies, allowing them to assess real-time driver’s behaviour by applying “proprietary algorithm to the database”. It collects analytical data for the insurance companies, thereafter providing solutions in the best interest of both the insurers and policyholders. The product features DriveAbility, which is used for insurers to access information about the driving pattern of the policyholders. DriveAbility score is generated by tracking the driving behaviour of the insured driver, while considering factors such as acceleration, braking, cornering, and the weather conditions that they are in. Insurers will then have the capability to send an evaluation to the policyholders with the aim of enhancing their safety. Furthermore, insurance companies can review a more accurate risk assessment that will profit the organization. This can be achieved by identifying the ideal insurance plan for each policyholder and determining whether the premium should be increased or reduced. At the same time, insured drivers will have a better understanding of how they can improve on their driving pattern if any. Although Octo Fleet has all these attractive features, Intelligent Mechatronics System Inc. (IMS) offers similar product features and has also surpassed Octo in terms of leveraging mobile technologies.


IMS focuses on making their product more appealing to the end-users with the integration of Mobile applications. Most of the features in Octo fleet can only be accessed by the insurance company who wants to track and collect information. Whereas for IMS, there are several features in the mobile application which policyholders have access to. Features such as Leaderboards is used for drivers to compete with other drivers in the system in terms of the safety scores. This feature can then be linked with Reward Badges; a feature of the application which aims to reward drivers if they complete the challenges that are available to them. Ultimately, these two features are implemented to encourage drivers to adopt a safe driving behavior.

Another way that IMS exploits its mobile technology is by integrating Intelligent Driver Detection to reassure insurance companies that they are collecting the correct information from the driver. Policyholders will be required to scan their fingerprint to ensure that the recorded trips are based on their driving behavior and not anyone else. Thus, the feedback given by the insurer will be more accurate when they know who is actually driving the vehicle.


When the features offered by Octo and IMS are compared, it is apparent that IMS is superior in delivering a better product to the insurance companies. Although Octo seems to have the complete package, there are still room for innovations and IMS seized the opportunity to do more. Not only do IMS has most of the features that are available in Octo Fleet, it also presents a solution that can attract the end-user better. With all these compelling features that IMS has developed, it can help insurance companies to gain more policy holders and subsequently able to contribute to their success.


Source:

I. M. S. (n.d.). Mobile Telematics - Behaviour-Based Auto Insurance Telematics. Retrieved October 2, 2018, from https://www.intellimec.com/mobile

Octo North America (n.d.) Telematics Solutions for Insurers, Fleets, and OEMs. Retrieved October 2, 2018, from https://www.octousa.com/telematics-solutions/











Tuesday, October 2, 2018

Product Summary draft #2


According to Octo Telematics North America LLC (2018), Octo is an international provider of “telematics and data analytics solutions” for the vehicle insurance industry. Octo Fleet offers insurance telematics solution to insurance companies, allowing them to assess real-time driver’s behaviour by applying “proprietary algorithm to the database”. It collects analytical data for the insurance companies thereafter, provides solutions in the best interest of both the insurers and policy holders. The product features DriveAbility which is used for insurers to access information about the driving pattern of the policyholders. DriveAbility score is generated by tracking the driving behavior of the policyholder, while taking into account factors such as acceleration, braking, cornering, and also the weather conditions that they are in. Insurers will then have the capability to send an evaluation to the policy holders with the aim of enhancing their safety. Furthermore, insurance companies can review a more accurate risk assessment so that it will profit the organization. This can be achieved by identifying the ideal insurance plan for each policyholder and determine whether they should increase or reduce premiums for them. At the same time, policy holders will have a better understanding on how they could improve on their driving pattern if any.

Although Octo Fleet has all these attractive features, there are also other companies that offer similar product features. Having a reputation for surpassing customer expectations, Intelligent Mechatronics System Inc. (IMS) is a strong competitor in this industry. Both IMS and Octo excel in delivering quality products to their customers but one area that makes IMS stands out from its competitors is their ability in exploiting mobile technology to provide a captivating experience for the end-user. Compared to Octo fleet, IMS focuses on making their product more appealing to the end-users with the integration of Mobile Insurance Telematics. Insurers are able to collect driving data more efficiently which can lead to a lower cost. On the other hand, it also gives policyholders a wide range of in-app services from accessing scores of their driving behaviour, to allowing them to compare with other drivers in the system.

After comparing the features that both companies offer, it is apparent that IMS has the upper hand in delivering a better product to the insurance companies. Although Octo seems to have the complete package, there are still room for innovations and IMS seized the opportunity to do more. Not only do IMS has most of the features that are available in Octo Fleet, it also presents a solution that can attract the end-user better. With all these compelling features that IMS has developed, it can help insurance companies to gain more policy holders and subsequently able to contribute to their success.


Source:

Telematics Solutions for Insurers, Fleets, and OEMs. (n.d.). Retrieved October 2, 2018, from https://www.octousa.com/telematics-solutions/

Inc, I. M. S. (n.d.). Mobile Telematics - Behaviour-Based Auto Insurance Telematics. Retrieved October 2, 2018, from https://www.intellimec.com/mobile


Tuesday, September 25, 2018

Product Summary draft #1



Octo is an international provider of “telematics and data analytics solutions” for the vehicle insurance industry. Octo offers insurance telematics solution to insurance companies, allowing them to assess real-time driver’s behaviour by applying “proprietary algorithm to the database”. It collects analytical data for the insurance companies thereafter, provides solutions in the best interest of both the insurers and policy holders.

The product features DriveAbility Score which uses “granular telematics data” to help anticipate risk. This can be achieved by getting information about the driving pattern of the policy holders beforehand. Also, insurers will have the capability to send an evaluation to the policy holders with the aim of enhancing their safety . 

Therefore with this product, insurance companies are able to review a more accurate nature of accidents and thus letting them have a better conclusion. This will boost their credibility amongst the policy holders. Other benefits include having higher efficiency in managing the accidents and reducing the time taken for investigation. Hence, it save cost of operation while making it a smooth procedure.

Source:
https://www.octousa.com/telematics-solutions/

Monday, September 17, 2018

Self-introduction

Dear Professor Brad,

My name is Hilman Ansari, and I am currently pursuing a degree in telematics at Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT). The course that I am taking right now is not actually in line with what I took in polytechnic, and it is mainly because of my sudden interest in the automotives and transport sector. Having a strong passion for motorcyles, I strongly believe that this course could help me expand my knowledge about the industry and provide me with a better understanding on vehicles.

Apart from my passion for motorcycles, I also have an undying passion for silat. It has been close to 16 years since I first joined the silat club. Over the years, I held important roles that include being the vice captain for Temasek Polytechnic silat team. During the appointed term, I was tasked to conduct trainings and lead a team of more than 20 people. It was not an easy year for me as I had to juggle between school, planning out the trainings and executing them. But all of it was made bearable for me with the help of my committee members who had their own roles to play. I was grateful for the opportunity given despite the difficulties faced as it enhanced myself in leadership skills.

Having good communication skills is essential as we move to the working world. Thus, I believe that this module can be very useful as it tackles on that aspect. These skills are something that I have been wanting to develop over the past few years after I realised the importance of it. It is something that I am lacking in and I am constantly looking for ways to improve myself. One of the ways that helped me build up on my communication skill is by working at Decathlon as a sports advisor. There are a lot of interactions going on with customers, colleagues, superiors, and it slowly made me step out of my comfort zone as i became more confident in talking to people.

I hope with this module, I can improve on my communication skills even further and eventually becomes someone who is very confident in talking, especially to a big group of people. I look forward for a fruitful learning experience.

Regards,
Hilman

[commented on Jerome]
[Last edited: 10/10/2018]