Rewrite - Product Description Summary & Analysis Draft 3 (Final)

According to Waze (2018), Waze is the world’s largest community-based traffic and navigation mobile application. Waze is an application designed to connect Wazers (drivers) to “improve the quality of everyone’s daily driving”. It is a mobile application of zero cost and is easily accessible for download via android devices with operating system “4.4 and above” (Waze, 2018) and iOS devices with iOS versions “9.0 and above” (Waze, 2018). The main feature of Waze is to provide “real-time traffic updates” (Waze, 2018) at the same time contains “cool social and geo-gaming elements that actually makes commuting fun” (Waze, 2018). These features allow Wazers to find direction and avoid traffic conveniently and allow every Wazers to share details pertaining to the routes. Essential information such as “construction, police activity, accidents and even potholes and disabled cars on the shoulder” (Scott, 2018) can easily lengthen the duration of an individual’s journey. With such kind of data at hand, “Wazers” who are contemplating on a different route to their destination can better understand the traffic situation, before determining whether they should follow through with the concerned route. Although there are many other free traffic and navigation application in the market such as Google Maps that offers similar features, Waze have their unique strengths in term of being community-based and user-friendly that allows them to stand out from their competitors.

Waze is the only traffic and navigation application that is dependent on the community via social networks to improve on traffic updates. As previously mentioned, Waze allows Wazers to share details pertaining to the routes. Waze have an inhouse team that is ready to do any updates upon receiving news of the routes, but this does not deprive from the fact that some of these notifications might be missed although minimised thus, Wazers travelling en route are able to easily update details they discover when it’s determined necessary by individuals. Furthermore, Waze is highly praised for its user-friendly interface. It is suitable for all ages to comprehend as it contains several icons with different illustrations and significance. This application is convenient for people to quickly distinguish the present road conditions and hazards.

Comparing Waze with Google Maps, the latter provides relatively different features as it aims to target a general audience. They provide multiple forms of navigation modes, like “drive, transit, walk, cycle and flights”. Waze, on the other hand, is a dedicated application that will create ease of travel from the community-based feature as it “excels at finding an alternate route around accidents and traffic jams” (Coomes, 2018), this allows convenience for commuters while on Google Maps “The alerts aren’t as informative as Waze…. Mainly because Google Maps doesn’t have social integration” (Coomes, 2018) thus if an accident were to occur on the supposed “shortest path” to the destination, Waze would have smoothly directed the driver to another location whereas Google Maps will be caught up in the jam thus Waze in comparison is a superior traffic and navigation application from the features it possessed.   

In conclusion, the biggest difference is that “Waze functions like a crowdsourced social network” while Google Maps is “a standard navigation application”. Waze is an enhanced traffic and navigation application that works via a history of information capturing depending on the community to advise the next users while Google Maps is an application designed to fit all with no dedicated solution. With enhanced features utilizing social network updates, this will update commuters to understand on the route they are going on. Waze will thus be the likely application commuters will depend on as compared to other traffic and navigation application.

                                                                                                      

References:

1. Orgera, S. (2018). What Is Waze and How Does It Work?. [online] Lifewire. Available at: https://www.lifewire.com/what-is-waze-4153570 [Accessed 28 Nov. 2018].

2. Waze.com. (2018). Free Driving Directions, Traffic Reports & GPS Navigation App by Waze. [online] Available at: https://www.waze.com/ [Accessed 28 Nov. 2018].

3. Grab SG. (2018). GrabCar Singapore – Private Hire Car Service | Grab SG. [online] Available at: https://www.grab.com/sg/car/ [Accessed 28 Nov. 2018].

4. Coomes, K. (2018). Waze vs. Google Maps: Which map app should you be using?. [online] Digital Trends. Available at: https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/waze-vs-google-maps/ [Accessed 28 Nov. 2018].           

Final Reflection

I have attended the CPD showcase last Friday and I fully enjoyed myself. I was very comfortable with the fact that everyone treated this seriously and have prepared themselves well for this showcase and this was very endearing as the sportsmanship is a high praise for the cohort. I was introduced to many different styles of presentation and was able to receive good criticism which I will hold with to prevent myself from doing the same mistakes for any future presentation. Even though my group didn't managed to get into the top three, I felt like this was sufficient for me as when I compared it to the previous presentation, my group as a whole has improved in terms of our pitch and our confidence. Having to improve as a group is more important to me then getting the top three. I do believe on my personal ends there are rooms to improve but I was really glad that I was given another chance to present. Nonetheless the top three did a fantastic job and it was well deserved for them.

Through this module, I have learnt many different useful notes to take while I am writing a formal letter and email. I understand the proper salutations to go with and the proper phrasing I should be using, although I felt like this module passed by too quickly, I enjoyed myself and was really engaged with all the activities and classes. Professor Brad has provided us with tips and advice to allow us to concentrate and focus on one idea better instead of venturing vaguely into many. He taught me how I could apply this knowledge to my other modules by focusing at different points one at a time instead of trying to do everything at one go. I will continue to work hard for my future modules too and apply this skill set I have learnt.

Group Technical Report (Draft #01)

Background
According to Zonar Systems, Zonar’s Logs Comprehensive Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Solution is a telematics application is developed for safeguarding the driver’s well-being and logging data while going paperless. It has also mentioned that that the application is able to aid drivers in terms of notifying them regarding any “pending violations”, by sending notifications to their smartphones. In addition, the webpage remarked that Zonar Logs can “track drive time”, thus, enabling the employers to look at the driver records from any date. Besides that, the system is user-friendly in the terms of viewing the "available hours, updating of the duty status" and tracking the travelling time. Due to these customisation, Zonar's application can generate an "electronic logbook" which allows them to go paperless. Hence, it is evident that Zonar's Logs Comprehensive ELD focuses on tracking and logging with the users' satisfaction in mind. When comparing with other similar products in the market such as Kinesis Fleet (n.d.) and Trimble Transportation Mobility (n.d.), Zonar Logs has a competitive edge in terms of providing up-to-date logging data to be viewed on the spot by the driver and software to update the law reinforcements help to distinguish its solution from others.


However even with these features, Zonar’s Logs Comprehensive ELD lacks user friendliness due to the complex user interface. Some factors contributing to the complex user interface are...


Due to inadequate features offered by Zonar’s Logs Comprehensive ELD, customers may turn to competitor’s product instead. According to (research/study about innovation to consumers), 

Problem statement
The ideal log tracking device should be easily navigated by drivers with a press of a button which will provide them information required for the delivery like the product code, product description and the delivery address. Zonar systems requires drivers to key in delivery details including product code, address and related informations. Every delivery caused an extra delay of information entry and slowed the delivery process. This poor user interface is complicated which caused misled information thus preventing employers from receiving an accurate log too. Poor user interface led to possible miscommunications which led to employers receiving an inaccurate log. Zomatics’ aim in simplifying the overall process of getting data quickly and more efficiently.

Purpose statement
Zomatics’ aim is to create a more user-friendly interface and a detachable tablet that allows the drivers at Zonar Systems to properly make use of the software which will aid their workflow, in return helping increasing workplace productivity.

Proposed adaptation
The proposed solution that Zomatics came up with incorporates revamping and simplifying the Zonar Log ELD system. The simplified interface on the tablet will shorten the process it takes for drivers to comprehend the necessary details and to increase productivity in delivery items. 

PART 1: Implementation of one-touch button 
A significant advancement to the Zonar Log ELD system is to simplify the user interface by creating one-touch button features. This includes simplifying the way the interface is done. We can reduce the unnecessary information and increase the font size as we maximise the screen by utilizing of different icons and fonts. With these different variations, it will be easily differentiated for drivers and they do not have to worry about locating the different icons. 

PART 2: Implementation of automated routes 
Another huge improvement would be an automated routing. Drivers usually get a fixed amount of parcel delivery per day. With the back-end information being all the parcels to be delivered, we can utilised mapping application to figure out which parcel should be delivered first and the estimated time per parcel delivery. 

PART 3: Implementation of fingerprint sensor
An improvement we can consider on is the implementation of fingerprint sensor. With time, technology has become more advanced and thus fingerprint sensor is an encrypted pin logger we can consider on to save time for drivers to have the hassle of keying in their pin. 
Benefits of proposed adaptation
The software is hosting via a very simple update format for the tablet. The end user can choose to upgrade as when we release a new version of the application. The application will be dated from it’s version series. This can be done so by using wireless connection. This is simple and no hassle as compared to the previous versions. 


Evaluation
The benefits that this revised solution will let drivers focus on their deliveries and only have to ensure the correct amount of packages are under their care.The revamped software will allow drivers to access the packages by accessing their account and showing the most ideal travelling route to take to effectively deliver the parcels to the customer.


Comparing current product with proposed adaptation
Currently the interface being shown is complex and the drivers require some time to analyse the electronic log device even before using it. They will require to fully go through and understand what all the icons signify. It is a huge hassle especially for drivers which are not very well versed in reading. This potentially created many misunderstanding between the drivers and the company in terms of two aspect. The first is the clash with the Human Resource team in terms of the hours of service on duty. The second will be the clash with the situation if the parcel was delivered but was not dated as delivered in the application. 

We have created a very simple layout that can be easily understood with a glance on how many products are required to be delivered and how many hours the driver has been working. There’s a customisation layer where you can choose to view it in different format. Day, Week and Month format. This interface is to boost productivity and for the drivers to focus on their main goal - which is to get their parcels successfully delivered to the end location. 


Drawback of proposed adaptation
Our proposed solutions are more targeted towards drivers who are less proficient in working with electronic device, especially with something complicated like the current Zonar ELD. By simplifying the user interface and making the device easier to use, it slightly reduces the functionality of the program by omitting some of the extra information needed to complete the action. With regards to implementing fingerprint scanner as one of our proposed solution, this idea helps to increase productivity to a small degree. However, integrating fingerprint scanner will require the development of the external unit, leading to a higher cost which will outweigh the benefits that can be obtained

Cost 
Software interface design (use couple of designs, survey which one user prefers) 
Auto route algorithm 

Methodology
For this project, we are adopting DMAIC as a framework to improve processes. DMAIC is an acronym which stands for Define, Measure, Analysis, Improvement, and Control. It is a common tool often used by companies to seek out improvement opportunities by first identifying the issues in the current procedure. The first step ‘Define’, aims to present the problem and the purpose of this project, which were already discussed in the earlier stage of our report. The second step (Measure) and third step (Analysis), is the collection of data that can validate the issues faced in the current process. Lastly for the ‘Improvement’ step, it requires the brainstorming of ideas that can be proposed as a solution to the problem. This has already been established in the proposed adaptation section of our report.

Measure
As we begin brainstorming and forming our solution to help improve Zonar Logs, we have came up with a short survey (as shown in Figure 1.7), that we conducted over 50 people, we gathered the data to see the public’s choice on whether we should implement a new interface software upgrade or should our team come up with a brand new product that will succeed the current product that they have. The data and breakdown will be shown below.

Analysis
From the data collected from the survey that was conducted by a total of 50 people, Zomatics have came up with the following findings.


Figure 1.1 Customer Satisfaction on Zonar Log ELD


Figure 1.2 Cost of a new product


Figure 1.3 Cost of product customers are willing to pay



Figure 1.4 Comparing New Product vs Upgrade in Software & Interface



Figure 1.5 Simple vs Complex Interface


Figure 1.6 Consumer’s thoughts of purchasing the new product

There are a large majority of people (approximately 60%) in Figure 1.1, are dissatisfied with the current product that Zonar Logs offers and a large majority (90%) in Figure 1.2 finds that cost plays a huge deciding factor into whether a consumer were to make an upgrade in the current product.

In figure 1.3 above, we understand how much consumer are willing to pay for an upgrade on their current Zonar products, ranges from $30 to $70. Most of the people surveyed have voted that they find paying $50 to $70 for a new product is acceptable.

Through Figure 1.4, it is shown that a majority of 96% of our surveyors find that upgrading the software would suffice their consumer needs and there is not a need to buy a completely new product which will only incur more costs on them. They would also like the upgraded interface and software to be a simple one in contrast to the current model which is more complex, having multiple menus hidden within the software interface. From Figure 1.6, we can see that a huge majority feel that if the product were to be launched in the market, the consumers will purchase it if we price it competitively within the range that they think is good and affordable.

Through the survey, we understand how the average consumer feel on the current product that Zonar Log ELD provides and how Zomatics bringing a new interface with updated software will get more consumers on board to purchase the Zonar Log ELD.

Conclusion
In conclusion, we think that Zonar should implement (proposed final solution) into the existing ELD to boost the user's satisfaction and productivity. 

References

1. Features of the Kinesis Vehicle Tracking System and Telematics product. (n.d.). Retrieved November 01, 2018, from https://www.kinesisfleet.com/features/ 
2. Fleet Performance Monitoring | Trimble. (n.d.). Retrieved November 01, 2018, from https://mobility.trimble.com/fleet-solutions/analytics/ 
3. Must Read: Using tech to boost workplace productivity. (2018, June 19). Retrieved November 01, 2018, from https://www.scc.com/workplace-productivity/must-read-using-tech-to-boost-workplace-productivity/ 
4. Niri, A. A. (2017). The Impact of Technology Factors on the Workers’ Productivity an Empirical Study on Al Borg Cement Factory in Libya. International Journal of Economics & Management Sciences,06(04). doi:10.4172/2162-6359.1000435 (https://www.omicsonline.org/open-access/the-impact-of-technology-factors-on-the-workers-productivity-an-empirical-study-on-al-borg-cement-factory-in-libya-2162-6359-1000435.pdf)
5. November 22, 2017 • by HDT Staff. (n.d.). 70 Answers to Top ELD Questions. Retrieved November 01, 2018, from https://www.truckinginfo.com/157837/70-answers-to-top-eld-questions
6. Sanghani, R. (2013, October 22). 'Technology leads to 84pc increase in office productivity'. Retrieved November 01, 2018, from https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/news/10396263/Technology-leads-to-84pc-increase-in-office-productivity.html
7. T. (2017, December 13). Zonar completes ELD data transfer test with FMCSA. Retrieved November 01, 2018, from https://www.ccjdigital.com/zonar-completes-eld-data-transfer-test-with-fmcsa/
8. Using Technology to Increase Your Business Productivity. (n.d.). Retrieved November 01, 2018, from https://www.successfactors.com/en_us/lp/articles/using-technology-to-increase-your-business-productivity.html
9. What are the differences between AOBRD and ELD? (n.d.). Retrieved November 01, 2018, from https://www.zonarsystems.com/eld/differences-between-aobrd-and-eld/
10. Zonar Logs Hours of Service ELD. (n.d.). Retrieved November 01, 2018, from https://www.zonarsystems.com/solutions/zlogs-hours-of-service/
11. Zonar 2020 - ELD ratings (n.d.). Retrieved November 05, 2018, from http://eldratings.com/zonar/

Last edited: 6 November 2018

Product Description Summary & Analysis Draft 3 (Final)

According to Waze (2018), Waze is the world’s largest community-based traffic and navigation application. With its tagline “Outsmarting traffic, together”, this application is one that you can conveniently use on your mobile phone, which will ensure ease of travel for you at no cost. Furthermore, the article “What is Waze and how does it work?” states that this application allows you to “find directions and avoid traffic jams”. Waze is configured by tracking real-time data derived from “fellow drivers”, wherein every individual has to play his or her part by sharing details pertaining to road accidents and/or traffic hazards. Moreover, the said article asserts that essential information such as “construction, police activity, accidents and even potholes and disabled cars on the shoulder” can easily lengthen the duration of an individual’s journey. With such kind of data at hand, “Wazers” who are contemplating a different route to their destination can better understand the traffic situation, before determining whether they should follow through with the concerned route. In addition, this application includes a carpooling system as well. Waze has its unique strength that allows it to be the best in the market in terms of a traffic and navigation application.

Furthermore, Waze is highly praised for its user-friendly interface. It is suitable for all ages to comprehend as it contains several icons with different illustrations. This application is convenient for people to quickly distinguish the present road conditions and hazards. Comparing Waze with Google Maps, the latter provides a color code for its users to see. Red signifies a heavy traffic flow; orange represents a medium one, whereas blue signifies a smooth traffic flow. In this regard, Waze is superior in comparison to Google Maps as delays can vary based on the nature of the accidents and/or hazards. Understanding the situation of a road allows Wazers to better estimate their travelling time. Hence, Waze is on the superior end as compared to Google Maps.

Waze has a carpooling feature too. According to Waze (2018), "You choose the people you want to carpool with based on their detailed profiles, star rating". "Wazers" are only required to share the sum of the gas with no extra commission.  “Saving time & money every day” This is cost-efficient as compared to taking a ride-hailing service. As compared, Google Maps only includes pricing of other ride-hailing services.

In conclusion, The biggest difference is that “Waze functions like a crowdsourced social network” while Google Maps is “a standard navigation application”. Waze is an enhanced traffic and navigation application with carpooling and many unique icons representations. It does not cost when used too. Waze is thus distinguished from other applications in the market.

                                                                                                      

References:
Scott, O. (2018)  “What is Waze and How does it work?”. Retrieved from https://www.lifewire.com/what-is-waze-4153570 on [1 October 2018] 
Kailla, C. (2018) “Waze vs. Google Maps”. Retrieved from https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/waze-vs-google-maps/ on [1st October 2018]
Waze, (2018). Retrieved from "https://www.waze.com/" on [7th October 2018]

Product Summary & Analysis Draft #2

The article entitled “What is Waze and how does it work?” by Scott Orgera (2018) states that “Waze is a navigation application” you can conveniently use on your mobile phone. The article also stated that Waze is an application that allows you to “find directions and avoid traffic jams”. Waze is configured by tracking real-life data from “fellow drivers”  which everyone will have to play his or her part by keying vital details in the application. Vital details like “construction, police activity, accidents and even minor things to look out for like potholes and disabled cars on the shoulder” can easily lengthen the travel time for an individual. With these, Drivers that are considering on the particular route to take can see the traffic situation before determining if they should follow through with the route or otherwise. There are many different navigation applications out in the market and a very often used one will also be Google Maps.

The biggest difference is that “Waze functions like a crowdsourced social network” while “Google Maps is leaning towards “more of a standard navigation application”. In a community where we live in and that everyone is always so willingly able to extend a helping hand, by inputting these data, it has definitely benefited the society as a whole. I would personally prefer going with Waze. It functions exactly like a normal navigation application moreover it gives information on the route to which allows me to decide if the route I chose was a good one.
 

References:
Scott, O., (2018) “What is Waze and How does it work?” https://www.lifewire.com/what-is-waze-4153570 
Kailla, C., (2018) “Waze vs. Google Maps” https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/waze-vs-google-maps/

Product Description Summary & Analysis

The article entitled "Driving to safety: How many miles of driving would it take to demonstrate autonomous vehicle reliability?" by Nidhi, K and Susan P (2016) acknowledge the fact that in this fast-changing society, Autonomous vehicle are an emerging trend. 

An Autonomous vehicle; this is definitely a controversial topic to talk about especially when this is pondered between an individual like an engineer and a driving instructor. Is this the future we are looking ahead to? An approximation of 32,000 people was killed with an average of two million injured yearly due to the fatality of car trash (Bureau of Transportation Statistics, 2015). Does it scare one enough? To top up with that factor, 90 percent of such problems are caused by human errors. 

By having an automated vehicle, will this end up solving the issues of the number of car crashes? The article states that "autonomous vehicles have the potential to significantly mitigate this public health crisis by eliminating many of the mistakes that human driver routinely makes" (Anderson et at., 2016). This can reassure us that we can look forward to a society where we can be as shown in the picture. Be at ease from taking the wheel, as we take our time and spend it as our personal preference because this is the society we are looking ahead to. 

The most important thing about an autonomous vehicle is that you can easily and confidently leave your life at the will of technology. This is as when you correlate to letting the car bring you to the destination. This is definitely doable with the help of applying telematics into automotive vehicles.  

References: 

Nidhi, K and Susan P (2016) Driving to safety: How many miles of driving would it take to demonstrate autonomous vehicle reliability? Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0965856416302129?via%3Dihub#b0035 [Accessed at 23 Sept 2018]

Anderson et at (2016) Autonomous Vehicle Technology. Available at: https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RR443-2.html [Accessed at 23 Sept 2018]

Word Count: 274 words

Formal Introduction

Dear Professor Brad Blackstone, 

My name is Wong Shu Ting, Josephine and I would like to take this chance to formally introduce myself. I am in my second year of studies towards a bachelor of engineering with honours in telematics at Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT). I do understand that it comes as a surprise that I'm currently taking a year one module. I entered school approximately two months later in my first year and I was not able to take up this module. 

I was participating in a competition called WorldSkills International under the trait, mobile robotics representing Singapore. I was a developing technologist in Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) and I was receiving coaching from my lecturers alongside with industry experts. The competition took place during October and I was immersed in a very different cultural experience from competitors all over the world including China, Canada, India and many others. The mobile robotics field was explored into differently and I gained many insights from this competition. This competition might not have come off with winning a medal but the experience and lesson I been through was a lifetime worth of memories I can reminisce and advance myself on. Knowing about the internet of things and robotics have always been a passion of mine since young too, that's how I ended up in telematics. 

My strength in communication is that I am comfortable with public speaking. It was never a concern to me to be speaking to a crowd. Back when I was in my polytechnic, I often have to speak to a crowd as I was participating in a student's union club. There was an event when I was speaking to a crowd of 500 people, I was holding a "president position" for a school camp and I was facilitating the activities. It was an enjoyable experience and I always continue to look for future opportunities to partake in.

My weakness in communication comes as a correlation with my strength. As much as I do enjoy public speaking, at times, I feel uncomfortable asking for help. I want to be efficient in my work by myself but I have learnt throughout group projects and team discussion that I should not be afraid to ask for help when needed. It's always better to ask for help and get it done right instead of not asking and suffering the after consequences too.

I'm always excited to be learning new things. Upon hearing that I will be entering your class, I went to ask my peers about it, like what you expected "most people said your class is tough". I personally don't have a strong foundation of English command being brought up from a Chinese-speaking family but I'm always up to be evaluated and tutored upon to improve myself. I do understand that it's not a one time spark and it's a lifelong lesson I must continue by myself in order to improve too. With the start of this module, I would like to kick-start my life to get a better foundation in my spoken and written language. 

Thank you, Mr Brad, for taking your time to read this letter. I look forward to attending your upcoming lessons.



Yours sincerely, 
Josephine Wong

Commented: Sean, Rycca, Atiqah, Luna
Last Edited: 11 October 2018