MINNEAPOLIS - XATA Corporation, an expert in fleet operations optimization, is now shipping a significant addition to navigation capabilities within its two main fleet operations products, XATANET and MobileMax. Leveraging CoPilot Truck by ALK Technologies, a commercial navigation software package, the enhanced navigation solution provides turn-by-turn directions, voice prompts, and graphical maps that better help drivers complete their routes safely and more efficiently, according to the company.

Drivers can sometimes be unfamiliar with certain routes, new to an area, or forced to deal with traffic, construction, and other unplanned obstacles, all of which force them to shift their attention from driving to navigation. XATA's fleet operations software, integrated with ALK's CoPilot Truck, provides mapping and turn-by-turn directions that help drivers better manage these situations. The enhanced navigation capabilities eliminate the need for paper maps, written directions, or calling someone for directions, all of which can lead to unsafe driving conditions and delivery delays.

The navigation function within XATANET integrates with back-office routing and dispatching applications. By interfacing XATA's fleet management solutions with ALK's CoPilot Truck, each XATANET and MobileMax will put everything drivers need at their fingertips.

"In keeping with our promise to continually add functionality to our product line, we made it a priority to integrate this enhanced navigation capability with XATA's products," said Tom Flies, senior vice president, product management, XATA Corporation. "Adding ALK CoPilot Truck also delivers on our promise to add best-in-class third-party applications to provide the most comprehensive fleet operations solution in the industry."

The new XATA navigation solution provides users an interactive, onboard navigation with text-to-speech directions, graphical indicators and a large moving-map format.

"Pairing ALK's CoPilot Truck technology with  XATANET's integration of routing and dispatch applications eliminates manual interaction needed by the driver or dispatch personnel, which also helps eliminate delivery delays and errors," said Dan Popkin, vice president, CoPilot Sales, ALK Technologies. "Together, the two technologies give drivers truck-specific turn-by-turn directions that result in less distraction, allowing them to focus on their core task: driving safely to their destination."

"Turn-by-turn navigation will significantly increase the efficiency and delivery accuracy of our operations," said Chris Suttle, transportation manager, xpedx. "With their routes automatically integrated with XATA's in-cab navigation, our drivers can focus more on the road, making for a safer, efficient, on-time fleet."

"Our company prides itself on excellent service and on-time deliveries, which is essential to our trucking business," said Larry Gregory, president, Gregory Logistics. "The enhanced navigation capability that MobileMax provides helps us continue to provide our customers with exceptional service and safe operations."

Additionally, XATA's upgraded navigation results in less time drivers must spend learning new routes, and the solution's ease of use makes it easier to substitute drivers to cover routes when someone is out.

The enhanced navigation is offered on a single screen and provides industry compliance and performance-trend reporting that lets fleet managers assess how well drivers are following routes.