Dossier Systems, a provider of fleet maintenance management software and solutions, announced the release of Dossier v6.4, the latest, feature-rich version of its flagship software. Dossier 6.4 is shipping now and is also available on the company’s Dossier On-Demand hosted environment.
Dossier 6.4 is a significant release in functionality and infrastructure, delivering new features and options, including a new communications platform called Dossier Cloud Services, or DCloud. Among the key new
features are Dossier Lite mobile tools for non-maintenance personnel (available on the web, and on iOS and Android), new Work Pending requests and workflow, integration with Zonar Systems, enhancements to Audit Trail and Reporting, and several features which make Dossier more enterprise and finance friendly.
“This release has something for all Dossier users, regardless of their industry,” said Bob Hausler, Dossier Systems VP of Marketing and Technology. “Dossier 6.4 contains some major features that all current Dossier and Dossier On-Demand customers can begin using immediately.”
The new Work Pending workflow allows work to be requested by drivers, technicians, managers - really anyone – and depending on their role and associated security/authority, the Work Pending request can be automatically approved, or require review and approval. The beauty of the “Dossier Lite” user function is that it’s effectively free to all Dossier users.
Dossier 6.4 also brings a new way to send Work Pending requests – via any web browser, and with Dossier Mobile Lite for iOS and Android. These native apps make it quick and easy to send a Work Pending item, or update a unit’s meter reading(s) from anywhere. It’s ideal for drivers who wouldn’t normally have or need a Dossier user license.
“We don’t normally talk about the technology under the hood,” continued Hausler, “but in this case it makes sense because it helps describe the value. In concert with Dossier 6.4, we’re introducing Dossier Cloud Services, or DCloud for short. DCloud manages all communications in and out of Dossier, with a new cloud-based set of services. This makes it easier for us to manage data flow from our partners, for example, telematics and parts providers, to our customers. If any one of them updates their product or communication, we need only adapt the communication path between the partner and DCloud; our customers don’t need to deal with it on their end. We know that communications and integrations are here to stay because they bring value, but we want to take the management of this potentially complex function off of the backs of our customers; we’ll do it for them in DCloud. DCloud is also the enabling platform for Dossier Lite and Mobile Lite access.
“One more thing on this topic,” added Hausler, “DCloud is included free for all in-support and Dossier On-Demand customers, and the apps are free downloads on the Apple App Store and Google play. We may add optional premium services in the future, but the base platform is included for all editions at no cost.”
A new Dossier option which leverages DCloud is full integration with Zonar Systems, a leading fleet telematics provider. The new option will allow Dossier maintenance management software to work seamlessly with Zonar’s Electronic Vehicle Inspection Report (EVIR) system and telematics data. The integration will provide bi-directional information transfer and seamless workflows, eliminating paper forms and associated errors and delays. Detailed information will be provided in a separate release.
Existing optional Dossier integrations have been upgraded to use the DCloud platform, including Verizon Networkfleet, NAPA, and McLeod Loadmaster. “Moving the communications structure to DCloud will enable us to complete additional partner integrations much more quickly moving forward,” concluded Hausler.
The release contains many additional customer-driven changes and enhancements. A few highlights:
• Data in key Dossier transactions can now be locked for editing after it has been exported; this is very valuable if Dossier is integrated with a business/ERP system.
• Dossier can now support Windows Security Integration, eliminating a second login.
• The Audit Trail option provides enhanced granularity in transaction capture
• There are many enhancements in reporting in all areas, from PM Compliance to enhanced relative date management
“Dossier 6.4 is not only a mammoth release in terms of features and benefits, it also gives our user community a stepping stone to the future with DCloud,” said Hausler. “We are excited about this new platform and feature set, and can’t wait to see how Dossier users take advantage of these benefits to help improve their fleets.”
