Glossary contains information on terms, phrases and acronyms that are used on this site or that you may come across in the mobile assets management field. Terms are arranged into the following groups:
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ASP
Telargo's entire system is provided on the ASP (Application Service Provider) business model, which means that customers just have to subscribe service from Telargo. It is web hosted, a monthly service fee replaces the costs associated with bringing the solution in-house. Up-front costs are removed and implementation costs are not an issue.
Mobile assets
We define mobile assets as everything from vehicles and machinery to trailers and vessels – the physical components of your fleet.
Mobile assets management system
Telargo’s mobile asset management system is a powerful tool that helps you leverage your mobile assets – your vehicles, machinery, trailers, vessels, etc. – to optimize your operation’s performance. A simple electronic device, installed in each of your fleet vehicles gives you comprehensive management of your mobile assets through our Telargo Control Center. The system features technologically advanced vehicle location, monitoring and communication capabilities.
Road MUse
Application based on proprietary data acquisition and processing techniques, enabling road network profiling, traffic flow statistics, predictions and dynamic routing
SAP
Sales agent
TCC
Telargo Control Center
TER
Telargo Enterprise Reporting
TMU
Telargo Mobile Unit
TSP
Telargo Service Provider
VAR
Value added Reseller
COMMUNICATIONS
3G
Next generation of wireless technology. Multimedia 3G networks transmit wireless data up to 2 megabits per second making possible the integration of voice, data, and video
APN
Access Point Name is the name of an access point for GPRS
Blackberry®
A mobile device that supports wireless voice and data capabilities, including email, Web browsing, and contact and task management applications. A wireless service that provides data transmission service is required
Bluetooth™
A short-range wireless technology that interconnects devices such as phones, computers, keyboards, microphones and mice. It connects a wide range of computing and telecommunications devices without the need to connect cables. Bluetooth supports both voice and data communications.
CDMA
Code Division Multiple Access. A spread-spectrum approach to digital transmission. A way to allow many conversations to occur on the same frequency at the same time. Each packet on frequency is tagged with a special code so it can be distinguished from all the other packets. The mobile phone is then instructed to decipher only a particular code to pluck the right conversation off the air.
CDMA2000 1X (or 1XRTT) — Backwards compatible upgrade to CDMA IS-95 with real speeds of 50-60 Kbps. Strongest presence in North America (it is used now in Asia, but some WSPs there have already committed future networks to WCDMA). CDMA2000 operators must install new channel cards at the BTS, software upgrades at the BSC/MSC and a packet core backbone to carry traffic.
CDMA2000 1X- EV DO (data only) — Specification that will dedicate channels to high-speed data in excess of 2.4 Mbps.
CDMA2000 1X-EV DV (data and voice)—Integrates all spectrum for voice and data, will allow for highly efficient packet data and voice; specification still being decided; commercial launch is at least five years out.
CDR
Digital billing records; detailed billing specifications
Coverage Area
Geographic area served by a cellular system in which service is available to wireless users.
CSD GSM data communication
Circuit switched data communication
EDGE
Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution. A software/hardware enhancement for existing GSM networks designed to provide higher data rates to enhance the delivery of multimedia and other broadband applications for wireless devices.
Encryption
The transformation of data, for the purpose of privacy, into an unreadable format until reformatted with a decryption key.
ESN
Electronic Serial Number. The unique number assigned to a wireless device by manufacturer. It is fixed and unchangeable.
FCC
Federal Communications Commission. The government agency responsible for regulating agency responsible for regulating telecommunications in United States.
FOMA
NTT DoCoMo’s WCDMA-compliant 3G network. Supports high-volume, high-speed wireless data transmission to enable multimedia services such as videophone and video mail.
FTP
File transfer protocol is an application program which transmits files between computers connected to the internet.
GPRS
General Packet Radio Service. A packet-based wireless communication service based on Global System for Mobile (GSM) communication. GPRS - General Packet Radio Service. An extension to the GSM standard to include packet data services.
GSM
Global System for Mobile Communication, a widely used digital mobile phone standard. GSM - Global System for Mobile Communications. A world standard for digital wireless transmissions. GSM is the most widely used standard in the world today
IP
Internet Protocol. The method of sending data from one computer to another on the Internet. IP is part of the TCP/IP protocol and is an integral component of the Internet.
IPSec
Internet Protocol Security. A collection of protocols for secure exchange of packets at the internet protocol (IP) layer. IPSec supports two encryption modes: Transport mode encrypts only the data portion of each packet; Tunnel mode encrypts the data portion and header of each packet.
MNO
Mobile network operator
MVNO
Mobile virtual network operator. A company that buys network capacity from a network operator to offer its own branded mobile subscriptions and value-added services.
PDA
Personal Digital Assistant - Small, hand-held devices offering functions similar to a personal computer (though limited). A portable personal computing device used for text messaging, email, calendar, contacts and a wide range of other applications.
P2P messaging
person-to-person messaging; between Control Center user and keypad user-driver
Push-to-Talk (PTT)
It is a two-way communication service that works like a “walkie-talkie”. PTT is half-duplex, meaning communication can only travel in one direction at any time given.
Roaming
The ability to use a wireless phone to make and receive calls in places outside one's home calling area. Roaming refers to a cellular subscriber using mobile phone service while outside of his/her service provider's coverage area.
SMS
Short Message Service: available on digital GSM networks allowing text messages to be sent and received; store-and-forward service for the bi-directional exchange of alphanumeric messages of up to 160 characters
SIM
Subscriber Identity Module. A computer chip set in a handset that contains information needed to identify the subscriber when connecting to the network, especially for billing purposes. A removable card built into all GSM phones and other mobile devices. The SIM identifies the user’s subscriber information, such as handset number and wireless features, and can also store data, including telephone numbers and addresses.
Smart Phone
A class of wireless phone handsets with many features, and often a keyboard. What makes the phone "smart" is its ability to handle data, not only voice calls.
SSL
Secure Sockets Layer. A protocol for managing the security of message transmission on the Internet, for example, between a Web server and a Web browser.
TCP/IP
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. The standard set of protocols used by the internet for transferring information between computers, handsets and other devices.
TETRA
Terrestrial Trunked Radio. Set of standards that describe a common mobile radio communications infrastructure throughout Europe. This infrastructure is targeted primarily at the mobile radio needs of public safety groups (such as police and fire departments), utility companies, and other enterprises that provide voice and data communications services.
UMTS
Universal Mobile Telecommunications Services. The European term for wireless systems based on the IMT-2000 standard.
VoIP
Voice over Internet Protocol; A technology for transmitting voice, such as ordinary telephone call, over packet switched data network (also called IP telephony)
VPN
A virtual private network (VPN) is a private data network that makes use of the public telecommunication infrastructure, maintaining privacy through the use of a tunneling protocol and security procedures
WAP
Wireless Application Protocol. A set of standards that enables a wireless device to browse content from specially coded Web pages over wireless devices such as mobile phones.
ZigBee
A wireless technology developed as an open global standard to address the unique needs of low-cost, low-power, wireless sensor networks. The standard takes full advantage of the IEEE 802.15.4 physical radio specification and operates in unlicensed bands worldwide.
TRANSPORT
1PL
Self sufficient logistics function, mostly small business buying and selling at the same location
2PL
Second party logistics provider; capacity provider; provide services for a single or small number of functions in the supply chain
3PL (Third-Party Logistics Provider)
An organization that manages and executes a particular logistics function, using its own assets and resources, on behalf of another company.
While 3PLs do own some assets such as key distribution centers in strategic locations or a small trucking fleet to fill emergency needs, they may outsource most of their capacity needed by 2PLs. Hence the terms 3PLs focus on logistics solutions and look for the optimal combination of assets available from capacity providers.
4PL
Integrated Logistic service; one-point contact for manufacturer’s logistics outsourcing requirements, has complete overview of the supply chain; also provide consultancy
The term "4PL" was introduced into the supply chain to convey that deep informational technology skills and deeper analytical skills were required to achieve supply chain leadership. But the true evolution of the 4PL term is better defined in context of the global marketplace where outsourced logistics creates more of a partnership critical to success than a supplier/customer relationship. Companies in the global marketplace are finding that supply chain engineered logistics is not a commodity, and understand it is a vital means to boost their cost savings, enhancing their cash flow and improving servicing levels for getting their products to market.
5 PL
Supply chain management; providing overall logistics solutions for the entire supply chain.
Backhaul
A vehicle’s return movement from original destination to original origin.
Bar code reader
It is a device that reads bar codes and communicates data to computer systems.
Freight forwarder
An enterprise that provides services to facilitate the transport of shipments. Services can include preparation of documents, space and equipment reservation, warehousing, consolidation, delivery, clearance, insurance services, etc.
FTL
(Full) truck load; goods occupy a whole carriage/container.
Truckload - Quantity of freight required to fill a truck. When used in connection with freight rates, the quantity of freight necessary to qualify a shipment for a truckload rate, usually over 10,000 pounds.
Heavy Duty Vehicle
Generally, a vehicle that has a GVWR of more than 26,000 lb. Definitions vary by organization.
Inbound logistics
Material management and procurement
Just-in-time
Order replacement and delivery that is synchronized with production schedules to reduce or minimize inventory costs.
Light Duty Vehicle
Passenger cars and trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating of 8,500 lb or less.
Line-haul shipment
A shipment that moves between cities in over distance more than 100 to 150 miles in length
LTL
Less than truck load carriers; a term used when goods do not occupy the entire truck/container; a quantity of freight less than that required for the application of a truckload rate. Usually less than 10,000 pounds.
Medium Duty Vehicle
Typically, a vehicle with a GVWR of 8,500 lb to 14,000 lb.
Outbound logistics
Customer service and channels of distribution.
Terminal
A location or facility for the handling and/or temporary storage of cargo and it is loaded/unloaded or transferred between enterprises
Tethered/Untethered trailers
Trailers can be tethered or untethered to tractors.
Trailer
A road vehicle designed to be drawn by another road vehicle.
Work Order/Task order
The organized details of service that needs to be completed. Usually gathered together for use in the field on a multipart paper form. Work orders are typically returned at the end of the day to record hours on site, parts utilized during service, cause of failure and what was completed to fix repair.
BUS TRANSPORT
APTA – American Public transit Association
The national, nonprofit trade association, representing the public transit industry. APTA members include more than 300 public transit systems carrying more than 95 percent of all transit riders in the United States. APTA members also include state and local departments of transportation and planning agencies, manufacturers and suppliers of transit equipment, consultants, contractors and universities.
Articulated bus
An extra-long (54 to 60 ft.) bus with the rear body section connected to the main body by a joint mechanism that allows the vehicle to bend when in operation for sharp turns and curves and yet have a continuous interior.
Average cost per passenger
The average total cost per vehicle-hour divided by the average number of passenger-trips made per hour.
Commuter bus
A bus which takes people from one place to another on a regular basis, e.g. commuters traveling to and from work or school.
Deadhead
The movement of a vehicle without passengers or cargo, e.g. from the garage to the beginning of the transportation route.
Downtime
A period during which a vehicle is inoperative because of repairs or maintenance.
Dwell time
The scheduled time a vehicle is required to discharge and take on passengers at a stop, including opening and closing doors.
Dynamic routing
The process of modifying a vehicle route to accommodate service requests received after the vehicle has been dispatched.
Fixed route
Service provided on a repetitive, scheduled basis along a specific route with vehicle stopping to pick up and discharge passengers at specific locations.
Load factor
The number of passengers actually carried divided by the total passenger capacity of a vehicle.
Off-peak
Non-rush hours of the day when travel activity is generally lower and less transit service is scheduled.
Para transit
Operate alongside public transportation systems and are more flexible and personalized to provide special amenities for the physically- and visually-impaired. These services may be provided by public or private companies typically using low capacity vehicles e.g. dial a ride, jitney, mini-bus, van pools, etc.
Peak/base ratio
The number of vehicles operating passenger service during teh peak hour period divided by the nuber operating during the base period.
Peak periods
Specific time periods during which there is a maximum volume of traffic and/or number of passengers.
Route
An established course of travel within the transportation network.
Scheduling
The planning of vehicle arrivals and departures and the operators for these vehicles to meet customer demand along specified routes.
ETA
Estimated time of arrival
ETD
Estimated time of departure
AUTOMOTIVE
Black box
Originally the name for the flight data recorder in aeroplanes, but now used to refer to onboard data logging systems in other vehicles; any removable and replaceable unit in a system.
CAN
Controlled Area Network
Data bus which enables computerized exchanges in a high bandwidth
DTC
Diagnostic Trouble Code. An electronic signal stored in an automotive computer, indicating the presence of a fault detected by that computer. Computerized engine control systems have a certain amount of built-in self-diagnostic capability to detect problems that affect engine performance and emissions. The same is true for the antilock brake system and other onboard systems that are computer controlled.
ECU
Vehicle engine control unit; Mobile Unit is connected to vehicle ECU
EDI
Electronic data interchange
EMC
Electromagnetic Compatibility. The ability of equipment or systems to be used in their intended environment within designed efficiency levels without causing or receiving degradation due to unintentional electromagnetic interference. Proper shielding of devices reduces interference.
Gyroscope (dead reckoning)
A gyroscope is a device for measuring or maintaining orientation, based on the principle of conservation of angular momentum; also defined as turn rate sensor.
I2C
Inter-Integrated Circuit bus. A protocol for providing communications links between integrated circuits. It is used to connect low-speed peripherals in an embedded system.
Idle / Idling
When a vehicle’s engine is on but no movement is detected from the vehicle.
International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA)
IFTA (International Fuel Tax Agreement) is a base state program. A motor carrier can establish an account with its base state and submit a single IFTA tax report to that state as long as their vehicle are registered under and IRP account. The base state is held responsible to disburse the appropriate fuel taxes to each of the IFTA member jurisdictions. The motor carrier is issued an IFTA license that can be photocopies and carried in all qualified vehicles. The motor carrier's IFTA license is typically set up in the same base state as the carrier's IRP account.
I/O device
Input/Output device. A device that is used to transfer data into or out of the computer/ mobile unit, etc.; also called peripheral device.
Lambda sensor
(or exhaust gas oxygen sensor) - a key sensor in the engine fuel control feedback loop. Lambda sensor produces a voltage signal that recognizes the amount of unburned oxygen in the exhaust. As long as the Lambda sensor is working properly, engine maintains peak performance.
LED
Light-Emitting Diode.
LED display
A numerical readout in which the digit segments are delineated by light emitting diodes; outdoor display of arrival times at the bus stops
OBD
Stands for on-board diagnostics; computer software that is installed into a vehicle’s onboard computer. OBD monitors the performance of some of the engine’s major components. The system provides drivers with on early monitoring of malfunctions.
Odometer
Instrument which measures the distance travelled by a vehicle.
RFID card
Radio Frequency Identification Card; it is a wireless contact-less data collection technology that uses electronic tags for storing data
RPM
Revolution per minute, a measure of rotational speed
RS-232
A serial input/output standard that allows for compatibility between data communication equipment made by various manufactures.
Tachometer
A long-standing method of collecting information about a vehicle's journey, mainly used in heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). It records the times the vehicle is active and plots its speed on a graph against time (the tachograph).
VIN
Vehicle Identification Number: Also known as VIN and may be referred to as a serial number. This 17 character number is unique to each vehicle. It identifies characteristics of the vehicle, including manufacturer, year, model, body, engine specifications, and serial number.
GENERAL
API
Application Programming Interface. A set of standard methods or functions that application programs can use to access a particular set of services or tools, such as network services and program-to-program commands
Benchmarking
The process of measuring performance and analysis practices in key areas and comparing them to similar operations or functions, to find ways of achieving better results
Consignee
The person or place where a shipment will be transferred for the last time (destination); the individual or organization to whom the freight is addressed; in Telargo case the customer of our customer (in Bus Company the consignee is a passenger).
CRM
Customer relationship management. CRM entails all aspects of interaction a company has with its customer, whether it be sales or service related. CRM an information industry term for methodologies, software, and usually Internet capabilities that help an enterprise manage customer relationships in an organized way.
C-TPAT
Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism; is a joint government-business initiative to build cooperative relationships that strengthen overall supply chain and border security.
Dead Reckoning
The technique of determining position by computing distance travelled on a given course. Distance travelled is determined by multiplying speed by elapsed time. Look also: Gyroscope
Deterioration rate
The rate of change in asset condition form one year to another
DOT
Department of Transportation in US. A municipal, county, state, or federal agency responsible for transportation.
ERP
Enterprise Resource Planning. A business management system that integrates all major facets of a business, such as manufacturing, finance, sales and human resources functions. ERP software links together various back-office computer systems, including SFA (sales force automation) and CRM (customer relationship management) applications. ERP software typically incorporates heavy use of telecommunications, including providing wireless access to these systems to enable real-time information requests.
First fix
The initial instance when the geographical position of a GPS receiver is established.
Galileo Positioning System
A proposed alternative to the US GPS system by the European Union, it is also a satellite navigation system. Planned operational by 2010, the primary goals of Galileo is to provide greater precision to all users than currently available, improved northern latitude coverage and a positioning system that will be available during wartime.
Geocoding
The conversion of descriptive addresses of locations to the latitude and longitude coordinate data for those locations.
Geofencing
Restricting the movement of a vehicle or other object to within a specified area. The location of the vehicle is monitored by telemetry and an alarm raised if it goes outside that area.
GIS
Geographic Information Systems. Data management system designed to collect, analyze and report geographic and demographic information. A computerized data management system designed to capture, store, retrieve, analyze, and report geographic and demographic information.
GPS
Global positioning system (GPS) is a highly accurate satellite-based radio-navigation system providing three-dimensional positioning, velocity and time information. Telargo’s system incorporates GPS capabilities. A system of 30 satellites which orbit the earth at over 10,000 feet sending down information that enables specialized receivers to calculate the position of a vehicle or person.
GUI
Graphical User Interface. A name for any computer interface that substitutes graphics for characters.
HACCP
Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point; a food safety and self-inspection system that highlights potentially hazardous foods and how they are handled in the food service environment.
Hands-Free
A feature that permits a driver to use a wireless car phone without lifting or holding the handset. Hand-free kits are an important safety feature.
HazMat
Hazardous materials that a Department of Transport (US) has determined to be a risk to health, safety and property; includes items such as explosives, poisons, corrosive, liquids, radioactive materials, etc.
HOS
Hours of service; the hours of service that a driver has operated a vehicle.
HR
Human resources
IFTA
The International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) is an agreement among U.S.A. states and Canadian provinces to simplify the reporting of fuel use taxes by interstate motor carriers.
ITS
Intelligent transport management
JATO database
Represents comprehensive and up-to-date global information on all vehicles’ (all makes and models) specifications, pricing,….
KPI
Key Performance Indicators (KPI), also known as Key Success Indicators (KSI) are financial or non-financial metrics used to reflect the critical success factors of an organization. These are used in Business Intelligence to assess the present state of business and to prescribe the course of action. The KPIs differ depending on the nature of the organization. They help an organization to measure progress towards their organizational goals.
KRA
Key result area
Life Cycle Costing
Often referred to as LCC, Life Cycle Costing identifies all costs associated with ownership of a product in addition to its acquisition costs. Such costs may include, for example, transportation and handling, training, maintenance, fueling and disposal. Life Cycle Costing provides a basis for assessing performance versus cost. The sum of acquisition cost and ownership cost of an asset over its entire life. Acquisition cost includes planning, investigation, design and construction costs. Ownership cost includes maintenance, rehabilitation, operating expenses, and disposal costs.
Maintenance
All actions necessary for retaining an asset as near as practicable to its original configuration and condition or reducing its deterioration. Any activity carried out on an asset to ensure that the asset continues to perform its intended function, or to repair the asset.
Map display
A graphic representation of a geographic area and its features.
On-Duty Time
On-duty time starts when the driver begins work or must be ready for work and ends when the driver is relieved of all responsibility. On-duty time includes all time spent driving, loading and unloading, preparing accident reports and attending to the operation of a vehicle. It also includes meals and coffee breaks.
OEM
Original Equipment Manufacturer – who manufactured the component in question. The manufacture of a device (often a consumer electronics product) that is sold to another company which in turn sells the device to the end consumer under its own name.
Outsource
Getting a “third party” to provide a function that was historically performed in-house.
Payload
The maximum load that a unit of equipment may carry within its total rated capacity.
POD, POS, POC
Proof of delivery, proof of service, proof of collection
POI
Point of interest
QoS
Quality of Service. A measure of network’s transmission reliability and efficiency. QoS is commonly used by network operators to indicate a higher level of service guarantee to customers.
ROI
Return on your investment. A financial performance measure to determine the relative attractiveness of a proposed investment. ROI is typically measured in dollars but can also be measured by less quantifiable benefits such as increased customer satisfaction.
In Telargo ROI comes from reduced operating costs, improved asset utilization and increased customer satisfaction.
SLA
Service Level Agreement defines the parameters of the service, for the benefit of both the provider and the recipient.
If you make an agreement with your client regarding certain service that you provide (example: Helpdesk support; you agree that the response will be provided within 1 hour; if you stick to the agreement that your SLA performance is 100%; can be divided to different issues-SW, HW issues)
SLM
Service Lifecycle Management; is a strategic approach for service oriented companies to better serve their customers for enhanced profitability. Profitability in the services business comes from developing and maintaining long-term customer relationships; to view service operations as a strategic opportunity and focusing on improving their processes to serve their customers.
SRM
Supplier relationship management. It is the management of the flow of information between suppliers and purchasing organizations and the integration of supplier information in the procurement process by the buyer.
Supply chain management
Supply Chain Management is the management of the entire value-added chain, from the supplier to manufacturer right through to the retailer and the final customer.
TCO
Total Cost of Ownership. A financial measure commonly used by enterprises to calculate total relevant costs of a particular project. TCO includes the actual purchase price or cost of implementation plus relevant costs such as administration, maintenance, support, software and training.
Telematics
Combination of telecommunications and informatics
Telemetry
A wireless or landline system for the transmission of data (either digital or analog) for remote monitoring.
TMS
Transport management system
User interface
The way a receiver conveys information to the person using it. The controls and displays.
WMS
Warehouse management system
WTD compliance
Working time directive compliance
