TMW Hooks IES Suite to Rand McNally Trucking Devices

September 25, 2012 Alex Woodie

TMW Systems, the trucking software company that’s being acquired by Trimble, announced a new release of its IBM i-based Innovative IES suite that’s pre-integrated to work with in-cab computing systems manufactured by Rand McNally.

Innovative IES R9.5 brings out-of-the-box integration with two Rand McNally devices designed to keep truckers in communication with their dispatchers, including the TND 760 and TPC 7600.

The TND 760 is a small computer that includes a GPS receiver, cellular and WiFi cards, and a color display. It provides access to a range of software and electronic services, including Rand McNally’s IntelliRoute GPS navigation program and Rand McNally’s Connect Web portal, which provide an array of trucker-specific routing, tracking, and communication functionality.

The TND 760, which starts at $649, also provides drivers with email communication, text messaging, text-to-speech translation, and keeps track of driver and vehicle performance statistics, including electronic hours of service (HOS) compliance.

A step up from the TND 760 is the TPC 7600, a bigger, more powerful in-cab device that offers more functionality for the driver. Starting at $1,199 per device, the TPC 7600 also offers the option of satellite communications, in addition to Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity. It also includes a full Web browser, can run third-party applications, supports in-cab printing and scanning, can play training videos, and features an electronic on-board recorder (EOBR) for compliance purposes.

“The new integration with Rand McNally’s products creates additional options for our customers to incorporate valuable mobile communications in their business,” Jennifer McQuiston, director of partner management for TMW, says in a press release. “The critical information that moves between our Innovative IES system and the in-cab devices from Rand McNally can help carriers to improve driver and asset utilization, and streamline operations.”

Interestingly, the Rand McNally offerings may compete with those of TMW’s soon-to-be new owner. Trimble is a longtime leader in GPS positioning solutions and has customers in a wide variety of industries, as well as the military. It competes with the likes of Rand McNally and Qualcomm with products like the Trimble GeoManager GPS Fleet Management. The $335 million acquisition isn’t a done deal yet, and for now it appears Trimble will be hands-off when it comes to third-party integration with its TMW unit.