Challenges
In 1999 AAA Northern California, Nevada & Utah (AAA NCNU), the nation's second largest AAA-affiliated club, turned to Mobile Data Computers from Mentor Engineering to replace radio dispatching. This computer dispatch system allowed AAA NCNU to reduce the time it took to get a call to the truck from the 45 to 60 second average using radios, to 3 to 6 seconds. As the club grew, CSAA wanted to keep pace and upgrade their mobile computing system to facilitate point-of-sale transactions with in-vehicle credit card processing, and onscreen tow manuals and maps.

Solution
AAA NCNU selected Mentor Ranger® rugged in-vehicle computers to replace the MDCs. As Joe Roberts, Manager at AAA NCNU, explains, "Following a comparative study of the existing mobile computers on the market, we found that Ranger has superior functionality." Ranger features a 16-channel GPS receiver for automatic vehicle tracking and improved driver navigation, an integrated credit card swipe, and supports onscreen towing manuals. As well, Ranger can be programmed and upgraded over the air using Mentor's XMobile Manager® (XMM), saving AAA NCNU from having to visit each vehicle individually to perform these tasks. In addition, Ranger is the only DHS-certified mobile computer to meet Mil Spec standards for ruggedness.

Results
Onscreen towing manuals mean that drivers have the information they need, when they need it, allowing them to respond to members faster. In addition to driver benefits, Ranger helps AAA NCNU improve scheduling. Dispatcher time is freed because drivers can reference their onscreen maps instead of calling dispatchers for directions. "Without this technology, our staffing levels in the dispatch center would increase as we try to deal with our heavy call volumes," says Joe.

Joe continues: "The outstanding relationship AAA NCNU and Mentor have enjoyed over the years, and the success other AAA affiliated clubs are experiencing with Ranger also played a role in the decision-making process. Throughout our business relationship, whenever issues surface, Mentor has always provided an immediate response. Everyone we deal with at Mentor is very cooperative and we don't have to wait long for a solution."

"I'VE BEEN IN THIS INDUSTRY FOR 35 YEARS, AND THE KEY IS TO KEEP UP WITH THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY WITH THE PURPOSE OF IMPROVING MEMBER SATISFACTION. BETTERING OUR MEMBERS' EXPERIENCE HAS BEEN, AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE OUR PRIMARY GOAL. RANGER HELPS US DO THIS."

- Joe Roberts, Manager, AAA NCNU

ROI

Faster Call Response Times Improved Vehicle Tracking Faster Device Programming Reduced Dispatch Staffing Requirements Better Access to Procedural Information