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  • 05.29.14
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Delcan Technologies, Inc. is proud to announce a new addition to our Mobile Data Collector (MDC) offering—the MDC-006. This is a lower cost AVL option designed for general motor pools and non-heavy machinery.

The MDC-006 provides GPS location services, engine code output for on-board diagnostics, and limited sensor inputs. It integrates seamlessly with DTI’s powerful central system– Intelligent NETworks.

Fleet and operation managers can quickly locate all of their vehicles in real-time. Vehicle data is displayed on feature-rich maps, and the system can be set up with automated notifications based on vehicle location, geo-fencing data, speed, or other activities. Standard and custom reports are available so that you can analyze trends and better plan your operations.

DTI is committed to offering a range of data tracking solutions to meet its customers’ needs. If your company doesn’t require multiple vehicle sensors and an in-cab touch screen display, the MDC-006 might be the right choice for your fleet management. Contact DTI today for more information on the new MDC-006.



  • 05.22.14
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Delcan Technologies is excited to announce that we will be presenting at the 2014 ITS World Congress.

The Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITS America) is hosting the 2014 World Congress on Intelligent Transport Systems in Detroit, Michigan from September 7-11. This gathering includes more than 10,000 of the world’s leading transportation policymakers, researchers, and business professionals from the United States, Europe, and Asia. This is an opportunity to share the latest intelligent transportation systems applications and showcase cutting edge technology. Activities include presentations, expert panels, publications, demonstrations, exhibits, and technical tours.

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), ITERIS, Inc., and Delcan Technologies will present on the successful deployment of a web-based AVL and Maintenance Decision Support System (MDSS) for over 300 MDOT winter maintenance trucks (WMTs). This project integrated Mobile Data Collector (MDC) data into a MDSS that uses the HiCAPS™ model, a highly sophisticated model that predicts highway conditions. As a result, MDOT can proactively plan for winter road maintenance based on real-time data and treatment strategies.

DTI will also be an exhibitor at the ITS World Congress. Please stop by our booth for more information, or schedule a time to visit with us.



  • 05.15.14
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One of the benefits of Intelligent NETworks is the ability to quickly create customized reports. Delcan Technologies recently released a new set of advanced ad hoc reports for Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). These report templates allow MDOT system administrators to automatically run custom reports based on their requested data parameters.

Here is a summary of the four custom reports created specifically for MDOT:

Salting Speed Report: This custom report measures how fast the plow vehicle is going during salting. The mobile data collectors (MDCs) on plow vehicles gather information from sensors and the engine diagnostics to determine when the salting process starts and stops, along with the vehicle speed. The custom Salting Speed Report pulls those data parameters into an automatically generated report. MDOT fleet management can then use that information to determine if the plow vehicle was traveling too fast, and therefore salt bounces off the roadway reducing the effectiveness of MDOT’s roadway treatment efforts and wasting material.

Geo Fencing Report: The Geo Fencing Report calculates the amount of salting material applied within a specific geographic area. The Geo Fence module of Intelligent NETworks creates a virtual perimeter around a user-selected area on a map. Whenever an MDOT plow vehicle enters or exits the geo fenced perimeter, the system captures that data. Another on-vehicle sensor collects data on amount of salt material applied. This custom report collates the data and shows exactly how much material was applied in a specific region. This is particularly useful for monitoring environmentally protected areas.

Plow Life Study Report: Although plow blades have a manufacturer lifecycle, it doesn’t always compare to the lifecycle of plow blades used in the field. The Plow Life Study Report measures the time a plow blade is down and compares it to the wear and tear data collected on the plow. This report helps management to understand why some plow blades wear out more quickly. They can easily see if an operator is putting a blade down too heavily or for too long.

Type and Amount of Material Applied Report: Currents reports were available to tell MDOT management how much material was distributed during each run. However, the snow removal material is usually a mix of different substances, including magnesium chloride, brine, and salt. The Type and Amount of Material Applied Report breaks down the total amounts of mixture distributed by each type of material rather than just a grand total. This report can help procurement estimate how fast each material in the mixture will be used.

SUMMARY
These reports were customized for MDOT’s specific needs. As MDOT determines more data assessment needs, additional custom reports can be created. DTI can take any two or more data points collected and create a report to display the data. As needs change, the reports can be updated accordingly. Contact DTI today to find out how you can benefit from custom reports.

 



  • 05.09.14
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North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) is working with Delcan Technologies (DTI) to upgrade their Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS) from Intelligent Control to DTI’s state-of-the-art Intelligent NETworks Suite. The project kicked off in February and will be fully deployed before the end of 2014.

Benefits of Intelligent NETworks

By upgrading from Intelligent Control to Intelligent NETworks, NDDOT has access to DTI’s innovative ATMS solution. The following benefits make Intelligent NETworks a smarter, more efficient and cost-effective choice:

Flexible: Intelligent NETworks is a web-based application that uses a standard web browser. Users can access the application from any location with web or local network access.

Configurable: The 26 modules that make up Intelligent NETworks can be installed as needed. In addition, customized modules can be created to meet specific requirements.

Integration: Intelligent NETworks® is built on the NTCIP standards from the ground up. It clearly envisages a migration from the proprietary systems of years gone by, towards an environment where system expansion on the basis of standards based procurement results in lower cost, lower risk, faster deployment.

NDDOT Modules

NDDOT selected the following Intelligent NETworks modules for their ATMS and they have the ability to quickly and easily add modules as needed.

DMS Module: The DMS module communicates with fixed and portable dynamic message signs (DMS) to disseminate information to motorists. This module allows the system administrator to post messages in real-time, schedule messages for posting at a specific time, or set a message to be sent to one sign, multiple signs, or all signs in the system at once.

CCTV Module: The CCTV module provides the functionality for viewing, controlling, and maintaining all the cameras in the system. Using CCTV cameras as part of the ATMS allows users to view real-time traffic and weather conditions. This includes snapshots and streaming images. The module supports all standard digital formats, and it includes the following features:

  • Camera controls
  • Camera presets
  • Camera locking
  • User priority override
  • Video wall configuration

ESS Module: The ESS module provides real-time weather conditions. Individual roadside weather stations, referred to as environmental sensor stations (ESS), are set up along highways. These stations collect the following types of data:

Atmospheric data:

  • Air temperature
  • Humidity
  • Wind speed and direction
  • Precipitation type and rate
  • Visibility distance

Pavement data:

  • Pavement temperature
  • Pavement condition
  • Subsurface condition

The ESS data is transmitted to Intelligent NETworks and displayed as color-coded icons on a map to alert users of hazardous conditions.

The ESS module works with NDDOT’s fixed automated spraying technology (FAST). This feature combines sensors with a pump that sprays anti-icing material on the road. The ESS module collects data from the FAST Sprayers including event times, tank levels, and history. The system can then be triggered to activate the FAST anti-icing spray pump.