Below is a guideline that consolidates good practices for effectively using the Situm MRM (Mobile Resource Management). This document aims to provide a comprehensive set of recommendations that will assist in maintaining optimal performance and adherence to best practices when using Situm MRM for asset and workforce tracking.
1. Device Handling #
- Prevent Tampering: Equip devices with an MDM (Mobile Device Management) solution to ensure configuration consistency. The MDM should support:
- Remote monitoring and configuration.
- The capability to remotely restart the Situm MRM app if the operating system closes it unexpectedly.
- Ideally, enable kiosk mode so that Situm MRM is the only app running and always in the foreground.
- Secure Storage (for Vehicle Tracking):
- Smartphones mounted on vehicles should be stored in enclosures or supports that prevent unauthorized access.
- These enclosures should not be metallic or made of materials that block WiFi, BLE, or 4G signals.
- Ensure proper ventilation to avoid device overheating.
2. Power Management #
- Power Supply Connection: Connect devices directly to the vehicle’s power source using appropriate voltage/current converters to minimize the risk of battery drain during operation.
- Battery Maintenance: For devices not connected to a power source:
- Charge them every 8-24 hours, depending on battery consumption and configuration (e.g., how frequently user locations are uploaded to the Situm Cloud).
- High-capacity devices are recommended, such as the Blackview 6600, which has a battery capacity of approximately 9,000 mAh.
3. Connectivity Assurance #
- Stable Connectivity: Ensure each device maintains a reliable 4G/5G connection, with a minimum recommended data plan of 4GB per month.
- Restrict App Usage: Use the MDM to limit data consumption by other apps. Disable automatic updates to conserve data.
- Network Considerations: If a 4G/5G signal is not available, consider using WiFi. However, using WiFi for both communication and positioning can reduce accuracy. In such cases, you may want to install BLE beacons to maintain precise positioning.
4. Monitoring and Maintenance #
- Regular Device Checks: Assign a responsible individual to:
- Monitor device power levels and connectivity daily.
- Confirm that the Situm MRM app is active and restart it if necessary, as the operating system may occasionally close the app without warning.
- Data Plan Management: Regularly monitor data usage to ensure it remains within limits. Adjust the plan if needed to avoid connectivity interruptions.
5. Personnel Information & Consent #
- Awareness: Before using Situm MRM, ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations related to privacy and data protection. For example, it may be necessary to obtain explicit consent from employees/users before installing the application and clearly inform them how their data will be used.
6. Vehicle Movement Considerations #
- High-Speed Vehicles (for Vehicle Tracking): If tracking fast-moving machines (e.g. forklifts), inform the Situm team. Configuration parameters in Situm MRM can be adjusted to handle high speeds accurately.