The unknown benefits of Frotcom’s firmware
Frotcom develops its proprietary firmware to control its tracking devices – for a good reason!
One of the most frequently asked questions by new customers is: Why can't Frotcom use all the tracking devices on the market?
Frotcom uses its own device software (firmware) to improve efficiency, functionality, and consistency. Only some tracking devices allow us to run our firmware, so we cannot use every device. So, what are the benefits? Why not use the firmware provided by the tracker manufacturer?
Here are the various benefits offered by Frotcom's firmware:
Frotcom reduces the cost that our customers need to pay for their monthly service
The average data usage of trackers using Frotcom’s proprietary firmware is only 2.2 MB per month, which is often less than half the amount of standard tracker firmware, and the savings improve further with the use of more complex Frotcom features.
While data costs have reduced significantly since Frotcom started 25 years ago, some regions still experience high charges. Even in these regions, this extraordinary efficiency enables Frotcom to offer highly accurate ‘detailed’ tracking (tracking points every 2 seconds) at an excellent price.
We achieve this efficiency through various strategies embedded into our device firmware. There are obvious things, such as advanced data compression. However, some processes monitor data locally on the device, sending only the necessary information and accelerating the sending of critical information such as sensor driver status changes.
Frotcom ensures the experience is consistent, regardless of the device used
Fleets are usually made up of more than one vehicle type. Most are mixed fleets, requiring different features and, hence, different tracking devices. If these devices employ different operating firmware, their behavior will not be consistent. Consider driver behavior, an important feature to assess a driver's relative safety and efficiency. Interpreting when a ‘harsh-braking’ event is considered significant can differ significantly based on the device’s firmware. In this case, comparing driver behavior scores between your drivers is unfair if the score is influenced by which tracking device is used.
Frotcom’s firmware enables functionality that would otherwise not be possible
Frotcom’s firmware has evolved over many years to best address our customers’ needs based on listening to their requests. Essential features that, on the surface, seem to be the same across different trackers can actually be very different. An example is vehicle immobilization, which allows or denies a vehicle to start. Frotcom’s immobilization service can enable mobilization based on two criteria:
- The identification of an approved driver using the automatic driver identification functionality;
- Fleet managers or owners request by sending an immobilization command through Frotcom's web interface or Fleet Manager app.
Ideally, the fleet manager has access to both these immobilization options. However, certain device firmware limitations may restrict the availability of both options simultaneously.
Frotcom's firmware represents our commitment to excellence in fleet management technology. The functionalities built into our firmware translate into tangible benefits for users. Its unparalleled efficiency and guarantee of consistency across fleets are proof of the innovation that Frotcom strives for daily. Developing our proprietary firmware enables us to deliver a superior tracking experience that provides cost-effectiveness, uniformity, and flexibility to meet the dynamic needs of fleet management. By choosing Frotcom, customers can access cutting-edge technology and a comprehensive solution that establishes new standards in the monitoring device industry.
Authored by: Clive Taylor, Commercial Director at Frotcom International