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AVeL-BASE version
6
by
Alex Sagala, Product Manager
With the imminent release of AVeL-BASE
version 6 (v6), Ortivus is once again pushing
the limits of Automatic Vehicle Location
solutions. AVeL-BASE v6 offers a
redesigned User Interface, as well as added
functionality and a redesigned mapping engine. A
beta version is currently installed at select
customer sites and we are confident that this
new release of AVeL-BASE v6 will bring
added value to our current and new customers.
AVeL-BASE v6 will enable monitoring and
tracking of all GPS equipped vehicles in your
fleet in real-time. In addition to the common
AVL functionality, such as mapping navigation,
vehicle tracking and tracing, AVeL-BASE
v6 also offers a playback feature, allowing you
to replay specific vehicle activity or specific
date/time ranges. Another essential function
that is available in AVeL-BASE v6 is the
Map Matching feature which is used to compensate
GPS errors on a map.
Mapping from different commercially available
formats (such as MapInfo, ARC/INFO, etc) can be
used or imported into AVeL-BASE v6, thus
giving you the flexibility to use your own map
data or to purchase one that offers the best
cost/benefit ratio.
We are excited to bring you these new features
and improved functionality in AVeL-BASE
v6 as a part of our continuing effort and
commitment to deliver the latest advancements in
technology and the best software in the Public
Safety and EMS industries.
 Version 5.2 Sweet
Release
by Dan
Voss, Product Manager
Version 5.2 of Sweet-Billing and Sweet-Field
data will be released to Beta testers soon with
a projected general availability this spring.
This release includes a number of enhancements.
The major new item in version 5.2 is Data
Reconciliation. This feature is important to
most customers that have Sweet-Field Data
or use the ASCII import. In short, Data
Reconciliation allows information from an
outside source – like Sweet-Field Data,
Sweet-CAD, or other third party data
source to update call and patient records that
already exist in Sweet-Billing. Your
operation will benefit from this feature because
it will allow:
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Updated/changed patient information from
Sweet-Field Data to upload to the
matching patient record in Sweet-Billing.
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Call information from multiple sources like
Sweet-CAD and Sweet-Field Data
to merge together into the same call in
Sweet-Billing.
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Call and/or patient information imported
through ASCII import to merge into existing
call/patient records in Sweet-Billing.
Data
Reconciliation is a standard feature included
with Sweet-Field Data or the Station to
Billing upload module. It is an optional module
that may be purchased by customers who only
utilize ASCII Upload. Watch your e-mail this
spring for more information on version 5.2.
Other important new changes include:
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The addition of effective dates for
ICD-9/Condition Codes.
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Enhancements to support the introduction of
Condition Codes.
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Unit has been added to the Flexible Filters
and may be used on all reports.
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Compatibility with Microsoft SQL Server 2005
While the wraps are being put on the development
for 5.2, plans are being set for version
5.3…..but that’s a topic for another article.
Applying New
Technology to EMS
by Dan
Voss, Product Manager
One of the most
important pieces of data to know for fleet
management is “Where are my vehicles?” Accurate
information on the current location of your
vehicles can make the difference between good
decisions and bad decisions when dispatching
vehicles.
While this information is critical to know, in
many EMS operations, the current location of
vehicles is taken on faith. We know where a
vehicle is when it is ‘at station’, or ‘at
scene’, or ‘at destination’ – assuming the crew
has kept us up to date with their status. But,
when a vehicle isn’t at one of these statuses –
most operations take it on faith that the
vehicle is on its way to back to a station or
post.
An Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) system can
provide you with accurate information on the
locations of your vehicles all the time – no
faith involved.
Until recently, the cost of AVL systems was
prohibitive for many organizations. However,
with the spread of data capable wireless phone
networks, AVL is affordable for almost any size
agency that has a need to monitor fleet
activity.
To support this need for AVL, map technology has
been embedded in our computer-aided dispatch
product Sweet-CAD. An optional module for
Sweet-CAD allows it to receive location
updates from your vehicles – giving your
dispatchers the best possible information to
make dispatch decisions.
For agencies that do not need the functionality
of computer-aided dispatch, Sweet-AVL is
an alternative that allows you to track the
locations and status of your vehicles.
Implementing AVL technology not only offers
improved operational efficiency by allowing you
to send the closest applicable vehicle to a
call, it also can come in very handy for
non-emergency transports.
When it’s getting close to pickup time for a
patient, and the nursing home calls to ask for
an update on the vehicle’s arrival – a quick
glance at Sweet-CAD/Sweet-AVL will
show you where the vehicle is, and your
personnel may be able to answer the caller’s
question without even talking to the crew.
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