The Ups Delivery Information Acquisition Device (Diad Iv)

UPS revolutionized the package delivery business in 1991 when it developed and deployed the first Delivery Information Acquisition Device, known as the DIAD. More than a decade later, UPS continues its pioneering development efforts with the fourth generation of the DIAD – the DIAD IV. To ensure maximum flexibility in field transmission capabilities, DIAD IV includes multiple wireless connectivity options. Each DIAD IV features a built-in GPRS or CDMA radio, an acoustical modem to facilitate dial-up access if necessary, and 802. 1b wireless local area network connectivity to enable transmission in a UPS center. The DIAD IV also features a Bluetooth wireless personal area network and an infrared (IrDA) port to communicate with peripheral devices and customer PCs/printers. DIAD IV introduces a revolutionary new feature – Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) – to the handheld terminal market. UPS plans to use this technology to provide drivers with more detailed direc tions to pick-up and delivery points in order to improve customer service. The monochrome screen on previous DIADS has been replaced with a color screen that accommodates more information which can be displayed in an easier-to-read manner. The color screen also enables UPS to color-code messages transmitted to a driver's DIAD. Urgent customer pick-up messages, for example, can be color-coded to alert the driver. In addition, the DIAD IV contains 128 megabytes of memory – 20 times the capacity of the DIAD III. UPS will use this expanded capacity to provide new and improved customer services. Like its predecessors, the DIAD IV's battery lasts an entire work day. The DIAD IV sends delivery information to the UPS data repository as soon as the delivery information is entered. Drivers simply scan the package bar code, collect the receiver's signature electronically, type in the last name of the receiver and push a single key to complete the transaction and send the data. There is no need to activate a cell phone or return to the vehicle. Part of what makes the DIAD such a powerful tool is the system – ODS (On-Demand Services) – that enables communication with the driver. Every UPS driver automatically logs into the ODS system first thing in the morning. This allows dispatchers and center management to access the driver via his/her DIAD throughout the day by sending generalized text messages. Virtually all drivers start their day with a list of predefined customer pickup locations for that day. Thanks to ODS, the addition of a one-time pickup can be added to a driver's work list on-the-fly, enabling UPS to take best advantage of the geographic location of its entire fleet for servicing pickup requests. By using the DIAD, UPS eliminates the use of 89 million sheets of paper per year, the equivalent of 7,308 trees. The DIAD IV is the most comprehensive tracking device in the delivery industry, combining data collection and transmission technologies, digital signature capture, extensive expandable memory and rugged construction to withstand extreme temperatures and hard falls. Other Features Operating System Windows CE . NET ProcessorIntel XScale, 400 MHz Weight 2. 6 lb. Size10† x 6. 4† x 1. 9† Display2. 8† x 2. 1† color Battery3. 2AH, 7. 2v, Li-on Keypad45 large, raised keys AudioSpeaker, microphone Development Designed and manufactured by Symbol Technologies, Inc.