Information

Pre-Installation Considerations and Setup & Configuration Requirements

Broadband Connection
Navigator 2 does not have a high broadband data capacity (bandwidth) requirement but it is important to have a reliable broadband connection with a bandwidth > 4Mbs.
You should request that your ISP (Internet Service Provider) provides you with a Static IP address and it is important that you specify a Static IP which should not be confused with a Fixed IP address. A Static IP address is locked by your service provider to the physical line, a Fixed IP address will change whenever your router is powered off and will cause problems with the data connection when it is turned back on.
The Router, normally supplied by your Internet Service Provider, is also an important link in the chain and should be a current model, preferably a commercial model and not a model designed for the domestic market such as a BT Home Hub – Our DataCare ADSL + 3G WAN router is a suitable option.
Broadband Fail Over
Maintaining a reliable broadband connection to the internet is essential to your business, notwithstanding the inconvenience of disruption to normal activities, the dependence upon a reliable connection is absolutely essential to your data despatch system.
The addition of a suitable 3G USB device to your router, such as our DataCare package, may provide seamless fail over in the event that your broadband cable/fibre connection is interrupted, ensuring that your dispatch operations can continue unhindered.
Office LAN
The Navigator 2 Edge Server and any Client machines will each require a hardwired Ethernet connection to the router. All Computers including the server should be connected via a 1Gb switch (better LAN performance) and then the switch connected to the router. The switches on routers aren’t that good at a lot of traffic, so best to avoid putting everything through the routers own switch, tempting as it may be (we have an 8 port 1Gb switch available).
Broadband & Data Services
When specifying a broadband data connection with your service provider there are a number of factors to consider in order to avoid complications: –
⦁ It is preferable to have just a modem installed by the service provider to which a user specified router may be connected
⦁ If the service provider installs a router it is essential that you have access to the router in order to set up port forwarding
Router
The router is the device that connects to the internet and allows any computer on your network to have access to the internet. Most routers have some firewall capabilities and will automatically block some hacking attempts.
Firewall
If any attempt is made to connect to your network from the outside world the firewall should negotiate with this attempted connection and decide if it is to be authorised. This can be done on many levels such as only permitted IP addresses may be allowed to connect or secrets such as usernames and passwords need to be negotiated.
Hardware Firewall
A hardware firewall is a dedicated piece of electronics that is usually much more reliable than a PC and consumes much less power. It is practically impossible to hack or bypass and is the best option where security is an issue.
VPN
A VPN is a private virtual network. What this means is that from anywhere in the world you can use any PC to tap into your network and work as if you were on the premises. A VPN is heavily encrypted and prevents hackers from obtaining your passwords and hacking into your network. Most good routers will automatically have a VPN feature.
Restricted Internet Access
It is always necessary on unsupervised computer systems to restrict access to the internet. The Diplomat configured router enables you to manage which internet sites can be viewed from the office computers. Management computers can be given full access whilst telephonists and despatchers will only be given access to diplomat support sites, BAA, local airports and any other sites you deem fit to assist in the operation of your business.
Data Security
Creating regular backups is essential in a modern business, even more so when you rely upon your data for live transactions.
Diplomat Navigator 2 is configured to make a local backup of your data every 4 hours, and a full system backup every 7 days. This data is stored locally on the Navigator 2 server.
Our Cloud Backup Data Security module takes a back-up of your despatch system data records each day at around 03:00 and saves it to our secure, data vault at a remote data centre. The same procedure is also in place for the weekly, full system backup.
This module is an optional £10 monthly subscription service that we encourage every customer to subscribe to. The service will be invoked as a default unless you specifically instruct us not to do so as we consider that we have a duty of care in this respect.
Back-up Power Supply
We don’t currently offer an in-house solution for this critical factor suffice to say that we would encourage all of our customers to give serious consideration to the installation of a UPS (Uninterruptable Power Supply).
Computer equipment is susceptible to unreliable mains power and can result in failure of memory and storage. Never run your computers off a generator without a UPS device in between the generator and the computer equipment.
In preference to the Line Interactive devices we strongly suggest that you specify a Dual Conversion UPS.
A Dual Conversion unit will provide cover for most eventualities and keep your server running for a reasonable period of time and if you have a generator to cover power outages then this is the only device you should consider.
If you are prepared to accept that you will have to shut your system down in the event of a power failure then a Line Interactive device will provide you with sufficient power to shut the system down properly but do not expect it to support your system for any more than 20-30 minutes, depending upon the battery capacity.
You should be aware that if you intend to maintain operations during a power outage, then it will be necessary to support the Server as well as the Router and any associated Switches, the Phone System, and at least one Client Despatcher/PC.
We have provided links to a number of third party websites: –
⦁ http://www.uninterruptible-power-supply-uk.co.uk/e-store-categories/1-2-kva/sinus-premium-lcd-1-2kva
⦁ http://www.totalpowersystems.co.uk/
⦁ http://www.apc.com/
⦁ http://www.upspower.co.uk/
PBX Module
The PBX module provides “call popping” whenever a call comes in on nominated lines the booking screen will automatically open and display the callers telephone number (providing it is not a withheld number) and if the customer has previously placed bookings from the number they call on, their previous bookings history will be displayed too. This feature reduces the time for processing regular bookings.
If the PBX module is installed, it will be necessary to ensure that your telephone system is correctly connected to the same network as the Navigator Edge Server.
If you do not have a suitable phone system and have the PBX module configured, you will require a suitable interface – we can supply the CTI Meteor Serial Caller ID module. This device will only provide call popping for the one PC to which it is connected.
Compatibility:
⦁ Avaya IP office
⦁ BCM 50
⦁ BT meridian (old)
⦁ BE Inspiration (old)
⦁ LG Nexer (LDK24)
⦁ Toshiba CTX
⦁ Asterix (Call manager 1.3) Ytel system
⦁ Panasonic KXTDA15
In all cases the PBX module requires Caller ID to be enabled by your service provider.
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)
As an alternative to the conventional analogue telephone line for your voice communications, since VoIP calls run on existing computer networks, investment in broadband or leased line connections is maximised by eliminating ISDN rental charges. VoIP also provides a range of features whilst offering a lower cost option.
Many VoIP systems are compatible with the Diplomat Navigator PBX module.
We have an affiliate relationship with Yestech who can offer further advice and solutions.
Further information: –
⦁ http://www.voipfone.co.uk/ITSPA-what-is-VoIP.pdf
⦁ http://www.yestech.co.uk/
⦁ Refer also to Broadband Connection and Broadband Failover on page 1 of this document.
SMS Text Messaging Module
The SMS module provides text back and text messaging between you and your customers as well as messaging to your driver’s phones. The SMS Gateway (the small silver box) requires a SIM with a text allowance and the telephone number of this SIM will be the number that your customers (and drivers if appropriate) will use to contact you by SMS text.
Before you purchase a SIM with a text allowance, be sure to satisfy yourself that you select a service provider with a good reliable signal for your location.
The SMS Gateway utilises a small antenna with a magnetic base that is connected via a 2.5m cable and allows the antenna to be positioned in a place for optimal reception.
Zones
In order for our engineers to complete the system configuration they will require the zone information for your local area – you may have 1 zone for each Mobile Device that you purchase. The zones may be areas or specific locations and should include the location of your base.
Preferably, we would like a street map/s of the area with the zones clearly marked – the boundaries should not overlap – which you may scan and send by email or post to us. Alternatively you can give us a list of boroughs/post code areas or other similar identifiable areas with the names you wish to use for each.
If you have a local station/supermarket/airport or similar POI you may set these as zones (effectively a rank) if you so wish. Should you require additional zones these are charged at £25.00 + VAT each (currently discounted by 50% @ £12.50 + VAT each).
Installation and Set Up
Generally, the system is shipped to you as 2 separate consignments. The first consignment will include the Office Hardware and where applicable, the second consignment will include the Mobile Devices and Accessories.
The first shipment allows you to install the hardware and make the necessary connection – all very simple and logical. Once the hardware is installed and running we will arrange for one of our engineers to establish a remote connection to the Navigator 2 Server to test the settings and complete the setup of the Mobile Devices in our workshop.
Once the Mobile Devices have been configured and set up they will be shipped to you as the second consignment.
Miscellaneous
There should be adequate power points for each computer and as a general rule you should ensure there are 2 x power sockets available for each Client PC and 4 x power sockets for an Edge Server.
You will require an Ethernet cable for each Client PC and the Edge Server and each should be of adequate length to connect to either the Router/Switch directly or to the network wall sockets.
We generally supply each Client PC and Edge Server with power leads, a mouse and a keyboard but we do not supply monitors. The Despatcher Client PCs are configured with outputs for dual monitors so you will require 2 monitors for each of these PCs and 1 monitor for the Edge Server.
Dual monitors allows you to view 2 different screens simultaneously, for example, if you have both the Bookings and Despatch screens to view it will make it easier to look at vehicle availability whilst taking a booking, thus reducing the time for the despatcher to process a booking.
If you are running Navigator 2 or Navlite with just the EdgeServer and DataModule software suite for 1-5 cars you will only require a single monitor.
Training & Support
We use teamviewer to provide remote connections to your system for training and support.
Most support and training can be undertaken with this application and generally one or 2 short sessions is all that is required to get you up and running.
Pre-Launch Things To Do in Navigator 2
⦁ Set up Drivers & Vehicles
⦁ Set up Pricing
⦁ Set up Accounts – where appropriate
⦁ Allow some time to run a few test bookings and familiarise yourself with the process
Warranties & Repairs
Datax-5.3G
Our standard 12 month return to base warranty applies. The warranty does not to cover faults and breakages resulting from liquid damage, dropping, crushing, undue/neglectful care or heavy use. Cracked and broken screens are not covered under warranty.
For repairs, we have a flat rate charge of £59 per device which covers broken screens and assumes the device is repairable and hasn’t suffered water damage or been run over by a vehicle for example.
A frequent cause of unnecessary returns of the Datax-5.3G is due to incorrect charging; we supply a bespoke 12 volt to 5 volt/15 watt USB charging harness for the Datax-5.3G which should be connected to the vehicle wiring loom or main battery as per our instructions.
Problems occur when a shop bought cigarette lighter charger is used instead of the intended harness as using a standard cigarette lighter charger will not provide the required current for the Datax-5.3G. Most chargers available from mobile phone retail stores do not provide sufficient current for the Datax-5.3G as is also the case for most tablets.
It is possible to buy a suitable charger that will supply greater than the required 3 amps but they are not that common and you will need to look for a specific device.
The Datax-5.3G internal battery is intended as a backup only and will not power the device for extended periods of time. It will provide sufficient power for short periods, say when a driver removes the device from the vehicle during a break, and it will also protect against sudden voltage drops such as when the vehicle engine is cranked from cold during winter.
In summary, the preferred power supply for the Datax-5.3G is the wired charger originally supplied with each new Datax-5.3G which should be permanently connected (and fused) to a suitable point in the vehicle wiring loom or, directly to the main vehicle battery.
Office Hardware – Purchased
Our warranties on purchased hardware apply only to equipment that has been supplied directly by us. We do not provide any maintenance or support for third party equipment and in the event that a problem that we are called upon to deal with is deemed to be as the result of such third party hardware, we reserve the right to invoice for time and resources, at our published rates prevailing at the time of the event.
For equipment supplied by ourselves, the following warranties apply: –
⦁ New equipment – 12 months return to base.
⦁ Refurbished equipment – 90 days return to base.
Office Hardware – Rental
All hardware supplied by ourselves will be fully supported and maintained for the duration of the rental.
Office Software – Purchased
Our software is fully supported and maintained for the first 12 months under our Silver Support, thereafter it will be necessary to renew the Silver Support agreement in order to benefit from our maintenance and support resources.
Office Software – Rental
Our software is fully supported and maintained for the duration of the rental with upgrades being applied as appropriate.
Mobile Software – Apps
All Apps are subject to a perpetual programme of updates to maintain compatibility with the respective mobile operating systems.