South West Tow Operators Association asked that I write an editorial for the association website. However, rather than write about VTS Systems management software, I think it more important to help inform Texas towers and SWTOWOP members about the next wave of technology changes that will both directly or indirectly effect the towing industry.
I recently wrote the article for Tow Professional magazine, it informs the reader about what is needed for tomorrow’s internet or “cloud based” technology. However, before you give up on your reliable PC based management software, there is much to consider.
Not all internet connections or software applications (Apps) are created equal; make sure your internet connection is reliable and capable of providing the bandwidth required for tomorrow’s business demands. In addition, are you ready to give up control of your company data to an unknown cloud warehouse server? Internet security is also a very important consideration, recent attacks on Target and Macy’s should make us all cautious.
Cloud Based Technology will dominate within five years, but is it right for you NOW?
It is a year since Tow Professional reviewed the industry software market and much has changed. New towing software vendors are entering the market, providing competition for the more established software companies who have a long-standing national presence. These prominent software brands, Beacon, Tracker, and VTS Systems have continued to added new features, and there is a growing trend, initially started by VTS Systems, toward collaborating with other technology leaders, such as Auto Data Direct and TomTom, providing expanded features at a lower cost. Over the past 12 months, Telematics or integrated GPS has become the fastest growing segment and a must have for competitive, cost conscience owners. Integrated Telematics link with your management software, providing “intelligent dispatch” and interactive driver/dispatcher input, along with real time vehicle performance data. TomTom’s “Traffic” stands out as a major advance, providing real-time updated traffic flow and congestion status, continually updating the quickest route from call inception to incident location. When used to optimize driver/truck efficiency, TomTom claim a 15 to 20 percent saving in fuel and maintenance costs.
For many towing companies, paper ledgers, paper invoices, manual lien letters, and visits to the Post Office are just memories. Yet many in the industry are struggling to accommodate the never-ending advances in office automation. Not everyone caught the computer bug and to many the black box in the office is something you do not mess with. Therefore, it is important for the software developers while providing additional cost saving benefits, to keep the programs intuitive and easy to operate.
New operating platforms from Google and others are challenging the dominance of Microsoft and Apple, by offering cloud friendly operating systems. However, Microsoft will not give up its global dominance of the OS market, without a fight. Launched in August 2012, Microsoft’s Windows 8 operating system has successfully moved Microsoft firmly into cloud OS territory. However, for tow companies who are firmly entrenched in the traditional Windows 7 or previous versions of Microsoft OS, Windows 8 is a steep learning curve.
There is little doubt that web or cloud based technology, along with smartphones, tablets and a host of new apps will dominate our industry within five years, however, is it the right choice for your company?
If your business is located in a rural community or a city that has below standard or acceptable internet service, then cloud based technology may not be for you. Before you throw caution to the wind and give up your solid, reliable PC/server based application, and jump into a cloud solution, there are preparations to make and questions to ask.
Consider these facts… Without Internet, a PC/server-based system can enter and release vehicles, print statements and operate almost normally. Without the internet, a cloud-based business is dead! You may as well turn out the lights, close the door, and go home.
However, this should not be a showstopper, but you do need to rethink your network priorities. Reliable, high bandwidth internet and VoIP telephone services are essential to tomorrow’s towing and VSF business. It is usual to find three broadband providers in the major cities, cable, DSL, and cellular based wireless. Many larger centers will have two services available from which to choose however, rural area internet service will continue to be problematic for some time. Satellite or broadband wireless, although slow, may provide a solution. It is important that you have a primary and a back-up solution, one that you can switch to when the primary goes down. Notice I said WHEN, not IF! High-speed 4G wireless, although slower, makes an excellent secondary plug and play solution.
Do your research; do not go cheap, go for a business package; reliability and bandwidth are most important. Ask about outages and repair history, get it in writing. Cable offers the most bandwidth for the buck, up and down speed packages vary, so get the details. Some national cable providers have earned a poor reputation for return to service times, ask around. DSL is the next best offering for bandwidth, as long as the phone lines are solid. Older rural phone lines in the 512, 409 and 817 area codes, among others, may have sustainable connection issues. In addition, check out bundling packages, TV, phone, and internet bundling can offer great savings. Remember reliability and bandwidth is paramount!
About the Author
Nigel Pestell, is a senior partner at VTS Systems, a Texas based Software Company, which focuses on the towing and VSF industry. VTS Systems offer secure PC/server based management solutions that are easy to use and TDLR compliant, its documentation sets an industry standard.