Reflections on TLM 1010-Technical Communications

As we bring down the curtain on the TLM 1010 Technical Communications module, a lot of things has happened in a very short 20hour course module. Looking back reflecting on this module, I have discovered that I have so much more room for improvement in the aspects of technical communication. Having scored A’s during my polytechnic days for communication modules or any sorts of presentation, I went in being overconfident of my own skills always thinking how it was going to be an easy ‘A’ for the module. But to my surprise, things were not as easy as compared to polytechnic, report writing, APA style referencing, product summaries were things that I have never touched on and always thought when the time came it would come innately. 

From the very first assignment right till this very reflection assignment, I have learnt many valuable lessons and skills, from something as simple as writing a formal self-introduction e-mail to something as complicated as writing a persuasive product design proposal report but it was from the very first assignment onwards that I realize that I needed to put in a lot more effort.

Throughout the course module, working with different people was the one of the factors that kept the lessons spontaneous. By constantly switching groups, not only did we to learn how to adapt to each other while maintaining quality work, we also got to know each other better as classmates and the insights each of us have from our diverse background. We learnt about our strengths and weaknesses and compensated each other and I have better understood what working style suited me better.

The most challenging assignment would undoubtedly be the report writing. Report writing has always been my Achilles heel as I constantly have issues trying to comprehend it, but thankfully I had amazing teammates Sheryl and Wei Sheng who guided and brought me through this trial. Yet through the very same assignment there was the presentation where I breath a sign of relief as there was finally something of my forte. Coming from a performing arts background, every single presentation is always like a performance to me, a place to enthrall the audience while bringing a point across in a spectacular way. It was the place where I could compensate for my lackluster report writing skills. 

Looking back as we draw a close to the module, I have realized that I have learnt in 20 hours more than any other communications module I have taken during my polytechnic days. As humans, communication is a necessity and I am sure that everything that I have learnt in this module will be put to good use in future and overall, I have thoroughly enjoyed my time taking this module.


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Edit: Commented on Wei Sheng & Marilyn

Executive Summary for Design Report

This report provides a summary of the current product Hum, drawbacks, and an evaluation of the proposed solution. It explains the current features and functions of Hum and also discusses its lacking features and functions as an ideal Telematics product. The report also presents information about the three main components of Hum and how these work as a diagnostic telematics solution. Solutions to improve Hum are proposed and elaborated in the solution section, where the analysis is discussed. The analysis includes benefits and possible challenges that the solution may encounter. The report concludes that by improving Hum, the product will be able to improve user experience, safety and convenience.

Letter of transmittal

Date: 27 October, 2016

From: LIVE (Ian, Wei Sheng, Sheryl)

To: Brad Blackstone

Cc. Mitchelle Waaras

Subject: Letter of Transmittal

Dear Brad,

With reference to the letter of authorization, we thank you for having the opportunity to submit this report on the telematics product, Hum by Verizon. The report provides information about the product, possible improvements on it, and benefits of the improved product.

The product lacks important features such as navigation and voice control.

Once again, we are grateful for this opportunity to further assist in maximizing the industrial capacity by improving a telematics solution product.

Yours sincerely,

Wei Sheng on behalf of L.I.V.E

Product Description Summary & Analysis Draft 3

According to the article “Telematics will change trucks and trucking” (Kilcarr, 2015), connectivity and opportunities created by data analysis is going to change trucks and the trucking industry. The article introduces key benefits of having an electronic logging device, such as connecting truck drivers via smart phone applications, better utilization of data and mixing of data and video. The easy to deploy Saavy FleetTrac telematic device will facilitate such connectivity for telematics in trucking. It features a powerful antenna whilst allowing concealed mounting even within a vehicle. In the article by Kilcarr, Wallace Lau argued that “connectivity is the biggest enabler of a lot of potential benefits for this industry.” Through connectivity drivers avoid traffic congestion when operating night time schedules. Even as trucking companies turn to telematics solutions, monitoring the hours of service (HOS) compliance remain a main concern. Therefore, companies implementing telematics solution should emphasize on systems with durability and consistency.

For functionality Savvy FleetTrac can be customized. In order to meet the individual customer’s needs the Savvy FleetTrac is adjustable, easy to install and requires no external antennae. Savvy FleetTrac is also distinctive due to the low power consumption, so it meets all current and potential environmental regulations. Additionally, it also boasts an integrated rechargeable backup battery which enables prolonged independent operational duration and warrants low external power supply usage.

The Savvy FleetTrac similarly to the Geotab GO7 are ruggedized devices which reduces the risk of downtime caused by harsh weather conditions. Savvy FleetTrac however uses GPS uses GLONAS satellite signals and GSM cell tracking which provides consistently accurate location tracking compared to the Geotab GO7 which only uses a hybrid GPS/SBAS engine.

The Savvy FleetTrac device uses a web-based software in which users can access it without local installation easily through the internet, via cloud storages on premises. The ability to access via mobile devices from anywhere and at any time empowers users of the Saavy FleetTrac to receive a clear overview of their processes and can monitor their activities. This in turn raises another main concern regarding information security. With data being garnered, hacking would disrupt telematics in trucking. To address this concern, Savvy FleetTrac transmits data securely via encryption on top of data transmission checks which ensure the safety of the information.

In conclusion, the Saavy FleetTrac is a very good product that not only provides accurate and consistent tracking which improves HOS compliance monitoring, but also addresses concerns on security breaches.

References:

Geotab (n.d.). Retrieved 23 September from https://www.geotab.com/vehicle-tracking-device/

Geotab (n.d.). Geotab Go Rugged brochure Retrieved 17 October from https://www.geotab.com/wp-content/themes/geotab-template/resources/doc/geotab-go-rugged-brochure.pdf

Kilcarr, S. (2015). Telematics will change trucks and trucking. Retrieved 23 September from http://fleetowner.com/technology/telematics-will-change-trucks-and-trucking

Savvy Telematics (n.d.). Retrieved 23 September from http://www.savvy-telematics.com/en/savvy-fleet-trac.html

Savvy Telematics (n.d.). Savvy FleetTrac datasheet Retrieved 17 October from http://www.savvy-telematics.com/downloads/prospects/141020_en_Savvy%20FleetTrac_datasheet.pdf

Product Description Summary & Analysis Draft 2

According to the article “Telematics will change trucks and trucking” by Sean Kilcarr (2015), connectivity and opportunities created by data analysis is going to change trucks and the

trucking industry. This introduces key benefits of having an electronic logging device, such as connecting truck drivers via smart phone applications, better utilization of data and mixing of data and video. The easy to deploy Saavy FleetTrac telematic device will facilitate such connectivity for telematics in trucking. It features a powerful antenna whilst allowing concealed mounting even within a vehicle. Wallace Lau argued that “connectivity is the biggest enabler of a lot of potential benefits for this industry.” Through connectivity drivers avoid traffic congestion when operating night time schedules. Albeit further research should be done in regards to the data security concern, the overall increased resource efficiency resulting to telematics should be exploited.

For functionality Savvy FleetTrac can be customized. In order to meet the individual customer’s needs the Savvy FleetTrac is adjustable, easy to install and requires no external antennae. Comparatively, GeoTab GO7 uses regular GPS and WAAS technology while Savvy FleetTrac utilizes GLONAS technology. Savvy FleetTrac is also distinctive due to the low power consumption, so it meets all current and potential environmental regulations. This enables prolonged independent operational duration and warrants low external power supply usage.

Some changes that connectivity would make in the industry would be allowing drivers to capitalise on data. The Saavy FleetTrac provides drivers with information instantaneously via a portal and connects it to a top quality map with the necessary metadata. An application of this would be to avoid traffic congestion when operating during night time schedules. This results in drivers benefiting things such as increased fuel economy. Being a web-based software, users can access it without local installation easily through the internet, via cloud storages on premises. The ability to access via mobile devices from anywhere and at any time empowers users of the Saavy FleetTrac to receive a clear overview of their processes and can monitor their activities.

A main concern would be information security. With data being garnered, hacking would disrupt telematics in trucking. The Savvy FleetTrac device transmits data securely via encryption. Additionally, data transmission checks ensure the safety of the information.

In conclusion, the Saavy FleetTrac is a very good product that not only provides convenience for the trucking industry but also addresses concerns on security breaches.

References:

Savvy Telematics (n.d.) Retrieved 23 September from http://www.savvy-telematics.com/en/savvy-fleet-trac.html

Geotab (n.d.) Retrieved 23 September from https://www.geotab.com/vehicle-tracking-device/

Sean Kilcarr (2015). Telematics will change trucks and trucking. Retrieved 23 September from http://fleetowner.com/technology/telematics-will-change-trucks-and-trucking

Product Description Summary & Analysis Draft 1

According to the article “Telematics will change trucks and trucking” by Sean Kilcarr 2015, connectivity and opportunities created by data analysis is going to change trucks and the

trucking industry. This introduces key benefits of having an electronic logging device, such as connecting truck drivers via smart phone applications, better utilization of data and mixing of data and video. The easy to deploy Saavy FleetTrac telematic device would facilitate such connectivity for Telematics in trucking which feature a powerful antenna which allows concealed mounting even within a vehicle. Wallace Lau argued that “connectivity is the biggest enabler of a lot of potential benefits for this industry.” Through connectivity drivers avoid traffic congestion when operating night time schedules. Albeit further research should be done in regards to the data security concern, the overall increased resource efficiency resulting to telematics should be exploited.

For functionality Savvy Fleetrac can be customized. In order to meet the individual customer’s needs the Savvy FleetTrac is adjustable, easy to install and requires no external antennae. Savvy FleetTrac also stands out because it needs very little power to operate, so it meets all current and potential environmental regulations. This enables prolonged independent operational duration and warrants low external power supply usage.

Some of the changes connectivity would make in the industry would be allowing drivers to capitalise on data. The Saavy FleetTrac provides drivers with information instantaneously via a portal and connects it to a top quality map with the necessary metadata. An application of this would be to avoid traffic congestion when operating during night time schedules. This results in drivers benefiting things such as increased fuel economy. Being a web-based software, users can access it without local installation easily through the Internet, via cloud storages on premises. The ability to access via mobile devices from anywhere and at any time empowers users of the Saavy FleetTrac to receive a clear overview of their processes and can monitor their activities.

One of the main concerns would be information security. With data being garnered, hacking would disrupt telematics in trucking. The Savvy FleetTrac device transmits data securely via encryption. Additionally, data transmission checks ensure the safety of the information.

In conclusion, the Saavy FleetTrac is a very good product that not only provides convenience for the trucking industry but also addresses concerns on security breaches.

Product Summary

Saavy FleetTrac

Telematics mainly benefit trucking through connectivity.This results in increased fuel economy, less vehicle downtime and higher productivity.More connected drivers via smartphone applications allows the use of data obtained to avoid traffic congestion and improves fatigue monitoring capability when operating during nighttime schedules .

The easy to deploy Saavy FleetTrac telematic device comes with a powerful antennae which allows concealed mounting even within a vehicle. The device uses GPS, GLONASS and GSM technology for higher precision tracking.

In-built rechargeable batteries with a 3-month charge life recharges automatically whenever possible even in low temperatures.

The device is also environmentally friendly as a result of a low power consumption which in turn fulfills current and predictable environmental regulations.

I feel that the Saavy FleetTrac would greatly assist the trucking industry in the tracking and logistics aspect.

Reference: http://www.savvy-telematics.com/en/savvy-fleet-trac.html

Formal Email Writing

To: Brad Blackstone

From: Ian Tan

Date: 22 September 2016

Subject: Self-Introduction

Dear Brad,

I would like to take this opportunity to have a short formal introduction of myself. My name is Ian Tan, a telematics student from your TLM1010 Technical Communications module from Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT). I have graduated from Nanyang Polytechnic with a diploma in Biomedical Engineering in 2012. Following my fulfilment of the national service, I have worked in DBS as a customer service officer for almost 2 years.

During my education in polytechnic, as a specialized course, I have had to cover a wide variety of subjects ranging from the sciences (i.e. chemistry, biology, physics) to things like programming, device design modelling and even manufacturing. My specialization is in the Biomedical Device Design, which focuses on the aspect of designing biomedical devices to further augment and improve existing products.

I have several passions that I pursue during my free time, of which one is being a martial arts (Wushu) practitioner. Apart from keeping me fit, Wushu has aided me in developing a sense of responsibility, self-discipline and self-awareness. Music is also another passion that is crucial part of my life and which drove me to attain the diploma grade in Guzheng.

My goals in SIT would be to graduate and be able to continue on pursuing the Master’s degree. Apart from academic goals, I hope to be able to expand my social network and to make life-long friends. Travelling is a daily necessity, my aim for the future would be to help improve the transportation system in Singapore so that everybody would be able to enjoy their daily commute.

With this I conclude the end of my short formal introduction, and hope that this has served to let you have a better understanding of me.

Yours truly,

Ian Tan

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Commented: Xin En, Telson
First Revision: 30/09/2016