Traditional big-box, fixed-modem, single-purpose, expensive-hardware, onboard computers have begun a slow descent into obsolescence. Yet, with the forthcoming ELD mandate approaching, some fleets may be looking for a quick and easy solution for compliance—a simple, ELD-only device that only fits the bare minimum of mandate requirements.

According to Jay Coughlan, chairman and chief executive officer of XRS Corp., “Today’s electronic logging software, like the smartphones and tablets that run it, is like a Swiss army knife of tools for drivers and fleets. There are tools that enable enhanced data collection for repetitive activities at a customer site, offer enhanced route planning and mapping features, and integrate form data and workflow functionality into a single application.”

There is a great opportunity for growth in the market, with much of the industry wanting full-featured trucking intelligence solutions that make their companies better and more efficient, not simply because they have to comply with the ELD mandate. A new white paper from ELD vendor XRS Corp.—featuring independent research from Gartner—highlights how fleets of all sizes can harness the power of technology convergence to drive businesses forward and outpace the competition.

“Trucking intelligence is a technology and efficiency leap into the future of the industry. It is the mobile delivery of data-driven solutions to maintain regulatory compliance and improve trucking operations,” Coughlan stated. “Notice the emphasis on ‘mobile’—that’s the way comprehensive trucking intelligence solutions are being delivered today: directly to both driver and fleet manager via smartphones, tablets and rugged handhelds, not single-purpose devices.”