SmartDrive Systems: Difference between revisions

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updated recent history; updated leadership, headcount and product info in infobox; added patent info; organized product section; added history
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| foundation = 2004
| foundation = 2004
| founder = James Plante
| founder = James Plante
| key_people = Steve Mitgang ([[CEO]])<br/> Jason Palmer ([[President (corporate title)|President]])
| key_people = Steve Mitgang ([[CEO]])
| location_city = [[San Diego, California|San Diego]], [[California]]
| location_city = [[San Diego, California|San Diego]], [[California]]
| location_country = [[United States|USA]]
| location_country = [[United States|USA]]
| industry = [[Telematics#Vehicle telematics|Vehicle Telematics]], Driver risk management, Fleet safety, [[Event data recorder|Fleet video recorder]], Driver safety programs, [[Fuel management systems|Fuel management]], [[Vehicle tracking systems|Vehicle tracking]]
| industry = [[Telematics#Vehicle telematics|Vehicle Telematics]], Driver risk management, Fleet safety, [[Event data recorder|Fleet video recorder]], Driver safety programs, [[Fuel management systems|Fuel management]], [[Vehicle tracking systems|Vehicle tracking]]
| products = SmartChoice and SmartDrive 360 video systems, SmartSense sensors, SmartIQ transportation intelligence
| num_employees = 725<ref>{{cite web|url=https://southernautomotivealliance.com/superior-paving-adopts-smartdrive-fleet-safety-program/ |title=Superior Paving Adopts Smartdrive Fleet Safety Program |website=southernautomotivealliance.com |date=2018-10-03 |accessdate=2018-10-19}}</ref>
| homepage =[http://www.smartdrive.net www.smartdrive.net]
| homepage =[http://www.smartdrive.net www.smartdrive.net]
}}
}}
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==History==
==History==
SmartDrive Systems was founded in 2004 in San Diego by James Plante, an automotive entrepreneur.<ref name=xconomy>{{cite web|url=http://www.xconomy.com/san-diego/2009/10/15/san-diego-based-smartdrive-systems-raises-12m-in-venture-funding/|title=San Diego-based SmartDrive Systems Raises $12M in Venture Funding |website=xconomy.com |date=2009-10-15 |accessdate=2017-03-22}}</ref> Plante served as the company's first CEO, until April 2008, when Greg Drew took over as CEO.<ref name = xconomy/>
SmartDrive Systems was founded in 2004 in San Diego by James Plante, an automotive entrepreneur.<ref name=xconomy>{{cite web|url=http://www.xconomy.com/san-diego/2009/10/15/san-diego-based-smartdrive-systems-raises-12m-in-venture-funding/|title=San Diego-based SmartDrive Systems Raises $12M in Venture Funding |website=xconomy.com |date=2009-10-15 |accessdate=2017-03-22}}</ref> Plante served as the company's first CEO until April 2008, when Greg Drew took over as CEO.<ref name = xconomy/>


In June 2012, the company announced media executive Steve Mitgang as their new CEO.<ref name=sdbj2>{{cite web|url=http://sdbj.com/news/2012/jun/20/smartdrive-gets-47m-new-ceo/|title=SmartDrive Gets $47M, New CEO |publisher =San Diego Business Journal|date=2012-06-20 |accessdate=2017-03-22}}</ref>
In June 2012, the company announced media executive Steve Mitgang as their new CEO.<ref name=sdbj2>{{cite web|url=http://sdbj.com/news/2012/jun/20/smartdrive-gets-47m-new-ceo/|title=SmartDrive Gets $47M, New CEO |publisher =San Diego Business Journal|date=2012-06-20 |accessdate=2017-03-22}}</ref>


In October 2013, SmartDrive announced it would begin capturing data from third party safety systems, including systems from Bendix, now part of [[Knorr-Bremse]]; [[Mobileye]], now part of [[Intel]]; and Meritor WABCO, an alliance formed by automobile component manufacturer [[Meritor]] and commercial vehicle system manufacturer [[WABCO Holdings, Inc.|WABCO]].<ref name=ccj1>{{cite web|url=http://www.ccjdigital.com/smartdrive-adds-data-from-active-safety-systems-to-event-recording-platform/|title=SmartDrive adds data from active safety systems to event recording platform |publisher =ccjdigital.com|date=2013-10-20 |accessdate=2017-04-19}}</ref><ref name=fleetowner>{{cite web | url=http://fleetowner.com/safety/meritor-wabco-unveils-proview-performance-analysis-system | title= Meritor WABCO unveils ProView performance analysis system | publisher=fleetowner.com | date=2014-03-26 | accessdate=2017-03-22}}</ref>
In May 2013, Ontario, California-based beverage company [[The Icee Company]] started using SmartDrive's programs for its 680 service and distribution vehicles.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/ICEE-Co-Fleet-to-Use-SmartDrive-Programs-209174791.html |title=ICEE Co. Fleet to Use SmartDrive Programs |website=nbcsandiego.com |date=2013-05-28 |accessdate=2018-11-27}}</ref> In October, SmartDrive announced it would begin capturing data from third party safety systems, including systems from Bendix, now part of [[Knorr-Bremse]]; [[Mobileye]], now part of [[Intel]]; and Meritor WABCO, an alliance formed by automobile component manufacturer [[Meritor]] and commercial vehicle system manufacturer [[WABCO Holdings, Inc.|WABCO]].<ref name=ccj1>{{cite web|url=http://www.ccjdigital.com/smartdrive-adds-data-from-active-safety-systems-to-event-recording-platform/|title=SmartDrive adds data from active safety systems to event recording platform |publisher =ccjdigital.com|date=2013-10-20 |accessdate=2017-04-19}}</ref><ref name=fleetowner>{{cite web | url=http://fleetowner.com/safety/meritor-wabco-unveils-proview-performance-analysis-system | title= Meritor WABCO unveils ProView performance analysis system | publisher=fleetowner.com | date=2014-03-26 | accessdate=2017-03-22}}</ref>


In 2014, the company announced a partnership with Meritor WABCO to roll out a performance management system called Proview.<ref name=fleetowner/> Also in 2014, the company partnered with [[ProSight Specialty Insurance]] on a program called SecureFleet, where Prosight helped its customers pay for SmartDrive’s data and video event recording system and driver coaching program.<ref name = sdut/>
In March 2014, the company announced a partnership with Meritor WABCO to roll out a performance management system called Proview.<ref name=fleetowner/> In April 2014, the [[Utah Transit Authority]] announced they would be using SmartDrive's video systems for their buses and [[paratransit]] vehicles.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metro-magazine.com/accessibility/news/291851/utah-transit-equips-fleet-with-smartdrive |title=Utah transit equips fleet with SmartDrive |website=metro-magazine.com |date=2014-04-03 |accessdate=2018-11-27}}</ref> Also in 2014, the company partnered with [[ProSight Specialty Insurance]] on a program called SecureFleet, where Prosight helped its customers pay for SmartDrive’s data and video event recording system and driver coaching program.<ref name = sdut/>


By 2015, the company had grown to 450 employees worldwide, with 150 in the United States.<ref name=sdut>{{cite web|url=
By 2015, the company had grown to 450 employees worldwide, with 150 in the United States.<ref name=sdut>{{cite web|url=
http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/technology/sdut-SmartDrive-Lytx-DriveCam-Mobileye-video-telematics-2015mar20-story.html|title=San Diego's video telematics cluster makes truck fleets safer |website=sandiegouniontribune.com |date=2015-03-20 |accessdate=2017-03-22}}</ref> In November 2015, the company announced several single and multi-camera safety systems.<ref name=trucking>{{cite web|url=http://www.truckinginfo.com/news/story/2015/11/smartdrive-expands-product-offerings.aspx |title=SmartDrive Expands Product Offerings |website=truckinginfo.com |date=2015-11-03 |accessdate=2017-04-19}}</ref>
http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/technology/sdut-SmartDrive-Lytx-DriveCam-Mobileye-video-telematics-2015mar20-story.html|title=San Diego's video telematics cluster makes truck fleets safer |website=sandiegouniontribune.com |date=2015-03-20 |accessdate=2017-03-22}}</ref> In November 2015, the company announced several single and multi-camera safety systems.<ref name=trucking>{{cite web|url=http://www.truckinginfo.com/news/story/2015/11/smartdrive-expands-product-offerings.aspx |title=SmartDrive Expands Product Offerings |website=truckinginfo.com |date=2015-11-03 |accessdate=2017-04-19}}</ref>


In September 2016, development partner [[Transdev#Operations in North_America|Transdev North America]] announced they were deploying SmartDrive Rail on the [[Cincinnati Bell Connector]] streetcar fleet, which is managed by the [[Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority]].<ref name=metro>{{cite web|url=http://www.metro-magazine.com/rail/news/715452/transdev-deploys-smartdrive-rail-at-cincinnati-bell-connector |title=SmartDrive rail safety system deployed on Cincinnati streetcar |website=metro-magazine.com |date=2016-09-14 |accessdate=2017-04-19}}</ref>
In March 2016, the company announced its video-based driver performance management system was being integrated with WABCO's OnLane lane departure warning system.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ccjdigital.com/wabco-unveils-new-lane-departure-warning-system-integration-with-smartdrive/ |title=WABCO unveils new lane departure warning system, integration with SmartDrive |website=ccjdigital.com |date=2016-03-31 |accessdate=2017-04-19}}</ref> In June, the [[LA Metro|Los Angeles Metro]] selected SmartDrive's systems for the city's bus and rail fleets.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.socaltech.com/smartdrive_wins_la_metro/s-0065864.html|title=SmartDrive Wins LA Metro |website=socaltech.com |date=2016-06-20 |accessdate=2018-11-27}}</ref> In August, truckload shipping carrier [[Knight-Swift]] announced they were installing SmartDrive's video safety systems in all of their trucks.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.truckinginfo.com/156773/knight-keeps-drivers-covered-with-smartdrives-video-safety-program |title=Knight Keeps Drivers Covered With SmartDrive’s Video-Safety Program|website=truckinginfo.com |date=2016-06-01 |accessdate=2018-11-27}}</ref> In September, development partner [[Transdev#Operations in North_America|Transdev North America]] announced they were deploying SmartDrive Rail on the [[Cincinnati Bell Connector]] streetcar fleet, which is managed by the [[Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority]].<ref name=metro>{{cite web|url=http://www.metro-magazine.com/rail/news/715452/transdev-deploys-smartdrive-rail-at-cincinnati-bell-connector |title=SmartDrive rail safety system deployed on Cincinnati streetcar |website=metro-magazine.com |date=2016-09-14 |accessdate=2017-04-19}}</ref> In October, the company introduced SmartDrive SmartIQ, a data analysis tool that allows fleet operators to study safe driving behavior.<ref name=overdrive>{{cite web|url=http://www.overdriveonline.com/smartdrive-smartiq-suite-game-changer-in-driver-and-fleet-data-company-says/|title=SmartDrive SmartIQ suite: ‘Game changer’ in driver and fleet data, company says|website=overdriveonline.com|date=2016-01-25 |accessdate=2017-04-25}}</ref>


By March 2017, the company had grown to 594 people worldwide.<ref name=sdbj3>{{cite web|url=http://sdbj.com/news/2017/mar/02/smartdrives-roadwork-makes-its-system-contender/|title=SmartDrive’s Roadwork Makes Its System a Contender|website=sdbj.com|date=2017-03-02 |accessdate=2017-04-25}}</ref> In May, the company announced it was integrating its software with transportation management software from Birmingham, Alabama-based McLeod Software, to allow fleet customers of each company to share and manage driver records.<ref name=mcleod>{{cite web|url=http://www.ccjdigital.com/smartdrive-systems-adds-multi-camera-triggering-integration-with-mcleod-software/ |title=SmartDrive Systems adds multi-camera triggering, integration with McLeod Software |website=ccjdigital.com |date=2017-05-01 |accessdate=2017-08-28}}</ref> Also in May, Cookeville, Tennessee transportation company [[Averitt Express]] announced it was using SmartDrive's road facing cameras in all its trucks.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.overdriveonline.com/averitt-deploys-smartdrive-camera-system-fleetwide/ |title=Averitt deploys SmartDrive camera system fleetwide |website=overdriveonline.com |date=2017-05-22 |accessdate=2018-11-27}}</ref> In September, trucking company [[Hub Group]] selected SmartDrive's video safety systems for its fleet of 2,600 trucks.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ccjdigital.com/hub-group-to-equip-2600-tractors-with-smartdrive-video-event-recorders/ |title=Hub Group to equip 2,600 tractors with SmartDrive video event recorders |website=ccjdigital.com |date=2017-09-11 |accessdate=2018-11-27}}</ref> In October, the company launched the SmartSense suite of sensors that use a combination of regular and infrared cameras to identify signs of distracted driving.<ref name=facial>{{cite web|url= https://www.ttnews.com/articles/smartdrive-adds-facial-plane-analysis-driver-monitoring-system |title=SmartDrive Adds Facial Plane Analysis to Driver Monitoring System |website=ttnews.com |date=2017-11-03 |accessdate=2018-10-22}}</ref> Also in October, the company announced that meat processor [[Smithfield Foods]] had deployed SmartDrive's video safety technology across Smithfield's fleet of 600 refrigerated trucks, and that London-based sightseeing company [[Big Bus Tours]] was installing SmartDrive's Assurance program in each of its 68 buses.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.truckinginfo.com/142614/smithfield-foods-reduces-accidents-with-smartdrive |title=Smithfield Foods Reduces Accidents with SmartDrive |website=truckinginfo.com |date=2017-10-16 |accessdate=2018-10-25}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.route-one.net/articles/Driving/Big_Bus_Tours_invests_in_SmartDrive |title=Big Bus Tours invests in SmartDrive |website=route-one.net |date=2017-10-11 |accessdate=2018-10-25}}</ref>
In October 2016, the company introduced SmartDrive SmartIQ, a data analysis tool that allows fleet operators to study safe driving behavior.<ref name=overdrive>{{cite web|url=http://www.overdriveonline.com/smartdrive-smartiq-suite-game-changer-in-driver-and-fleet-data-company-says/|title=SmartDrive SmartIQ suite: ‘Game changer’ in driver and fleet data, company says|website=overdriveonline.com|date=2016-01-25 |accessdate=2017-04-25}}</ref>


In March 2018, SmartDrive announced that North American transportation company [[Daseke Inc.]]'s subsidiary Schilli Corporation was going to use SmartDrive safety technology for its 300 vehicle fleet.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.truckinginfo.com/279403/schilli-corp-adopts-video-based-fleet-safety-program |title=Schilli Corp. Adopts Video-Based Fleet Safety Program |website=truckinginfo.com |date=2018-03-30 |accessdate=2018-10-25}}</ref> In April, the company launched SmartDrive SmartIQ Driver Scorecard, software for companies to manage safety-driven driver incentive programs.<ref name=scorecard>{{cite web|url=https://www.ccjdigital.com/smartdrive-designs-driver-scorecard-with-video-based-performance-metrics/# |title=SmartDrive designs Driver Scorecard with video-based performance metrics |website=ccjdigital.com |date=2018-04-24 |accessdate=2017-08-28}}</ref> Also in April, the company announced that the [[Penske Truck Leasing#Penske Logistics|Penske Logistics]] subsidiary of [[Penske Truck Leasing]] was adding SmartDrive video technology to 2,800 of its trucks.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.truckinginfo.com/279457/penske-logistics-adds-video-based-safety-program |title=Penske Logistics Adds Video-Based Safety Program |website=truckinginfo.com |date=2018-04-04 |accessdate=2018-10-25}}</ref> In June, the company announced that specialty chemical company [[Clariant]] was adapting SmartDrive's video safety program for subsidiary Clariant Oil's 400 truck fleet.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.socaltech.com/smartdrive_wins_4__vehicle_fleet/s-0075220.html |title=SmartDrive Wins 400 Vehicle Fleet |website=socaltech.com |date=2018-06-26 |accessdate=2018-10-25}}</ref> In September, [[RATP Group]]'s RATP Dev USA subsidiary announced they would start installing SmartDrive's programs in its transportation systems in the United States.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.masstransitmag.com/article/12431656/ratp-dev-usa-managing-safety-through-deployment-of-smartdrive-systems |title=RATP Dev USA: Managing Safety Through Deployment of SmartDrive Systems |website=masstransitmag.com |date=2018-09-27 |accessdate=2018-10-22}}</ref> In October, the company partnered with Canadian telematics company [[Geotab]] to develop integrated systems using SmartDrive's sensors and Geotab's tracking application, to be accessed using third party devices such as phones and tablets.<ref name=ccjdigital1>{{cite web|url=https://www.ccjdigital.com/smartdrive-and-geotab-drive-convergence-in-video-telematics/ |title=SmartDrive and Geotab drive convergence in video, telematics |website=ccjdigital.com |date=2018-10-30 |accessdate=2018-10-31}}</ref>
By March 2017, the company had grown to 594 people worldwide.<ref name=sdbj3>{{cite web|url=http://sdbj.com/news/2017/mar/02/smartdrives-roadwork-makes-its-system-contender/|title=SmartDrive’s Roadwork Makes Its System a Contender|website=sdbj.com|date=2017-03-02 |accessdate=2017-04-25}}</ref> In May, the company announced it was integrating its software with transportation management software from Birmingham, Alabama-based McLeod Software. The integration was intended to allow fleet customers of each company to share and manage driver records.<ref name=mcleod>{{cite web|url=http://www.ccjdigital.com/smartdrive-systems-adds-multi-camera-triggering-integration-with-mcleod-software/ |title=SmartDrive Systems adds multi-camera triggering, integration with McLeod Software |website=ccjdigital.com |date=2017-05-01 |accessdate=2017-08-28}}</ref>


==Products==
==Products==
SmartDrive provides video analysis, predictive analytics and performance programs to help drivers in commercial fleets improve their driving skills and lower operating costs.<ref name=times>{{cite web | url=http://timesofsandiego.com/business/2015/03/30/san-diegos-smartdrive-raises-50-million-in-funding/ | title= San Diego’s SmartDrive Raises $50 Million in New Funding | publisher=timesofsandiego.com | date=2015-03-30 | accessdate=2017-03-22}}</ref> The company also collects and stores data from almost 200 million risky-driving events, which is used to improve fleet driving patterns.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://sdbj.com/news/2017/mar/22/3-things-spurring-fast-growing-tech-sector/ | title= 3 Things Spurring Fast-Growing Tech Sector| publisher=sdbj.com | date=2017-03-22 | accessdate=2017-04-25}}</ref>
SmartDrive provides video analysis, predictive analytics and performance programs to help drivers in commercial fleets improve their driving skills and lower operating costs.<ref name=times>{{cite web | url=http://timesofsandiego.com/business/2015/03/30/san-diegos-smartdrive-raises-50-million-in-funding/ | title= San Diego’s SmartDrive Raises $50 Million in New Funding | publisher=timesofsandiego.com | date=2015-03-30 | accessdate=2017-03-22}}</ref> The company also collects and stores data from almost 200 million risky-driving events, which is used to improve fleet driving patterns.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://sdbj.com/news/2017/mar/22/3-things-spurring-fast-growing-tech-sector/ | title= 3 Things Spurring Fast-Growing Tech Sector| publisher=sdbj.com | date=2017-03-22 | accessdate=2017-04-25}}</ref>


Its products include the following:
The company's SmartChoice video systems have external and internal facing cameras, with video offload and review capabilities, with options for synchronizing a driver's performance with events outside the cab.<ref name=trucking2>{{cite web|url=http://www.truckinginfo.com/channel/fleet-management/news/story/2016/10/smartdrive-expands-transportation-intelligence-suite.aspx|title=SmartDrive Expands Transportation Intelligence Suite|website=truckinginfo.com|date=2016-10-06 |accessdate=2017-04-19}}</ref> System options include a single road-facing camera, with video offload and review capabilities; a two-camera system, one facing the road and one facing the driver; and a system of up to four cameras, for a 360-degree view of the vehicle, and rear facing options to allow monitoring of unloading.


'''SmartChoice and SmartDrive 360 video systems''' - The company's SmartChoice video systems have external and internal facing cameras, with video offload and review capabilities, with options for synchronizing a driver's performance with events outside the cab.<ref name=trucking2>{{cite web|url=http://www.truckinginfo.com/channel/fleet-management/news/story/2016/10/smartdrive-expands-transportation-intelligence-suite.aspx|title=SmartDrive Expands Transportation Intelligence Suite|website=truckinginfo.com|date=2016-10-06 |accessdate=2017-04-19}}</ref> System options include a single road-facing camera, with video offload and review capabilities; a two-camera system, one facing the road and one facing the driver; and the SmartDrive 360 system with up to four cameras, for a 360-degree view of the vehicle, and rear facing options to allow monitoring of unloading.
SmartDrive's systems also allow fleet owners to track vehicles and any potential erratic movement that might indicate anything out of the ordinary, such as sudden stops.<ref name=sdbj3/> By combining video and sensors, fleet managers can identify, assess and correct risky driving behaviors before they lead to a collision.<ref name = sdut/>


'''SmartSense sensors''' - The company also produces SmartSense sensors that work with regular and infrared cameras to monitor and notify drivers when signs of distracted driving are detected. The cameras track head and eye movements, including drivers' facial planes.<ref name=facial/> SmartDrive's sensors also allow fleet owners to track vehicles and any potential erratic movement that might indicate anything out of the ordinary, such as sudden stops.<ref name=sdbj3/> By combining video and sensors, fleet managers can identify, assess and correct risky driving behaviors before they lead to a collision.<ref name = sdut/>
The company's Transportation Intelligence services team develops data analysis tools including SmartDrive SmartIQ, which allows fleet operators to analyze driver performance by type.<ref name=overdrive/> The software also integrates with other fleet management software to allow sharing of records.<ref name=mcleod/><ref name=ccj1/>


'''SmartIQ transportation intelligence''' - The company's SmartIQ transportation intelligence data analysis tools allow fleet operators to analyze driver performance by type, and to also manage safe driver programs.<ref name=overdrive/><ref name=scorecard/> The software also integrates with other fleet management software to allow sharing of records.<ref name=mcleod/><ref name=ccj1/>
The company also offers a fuel management solution that measures speeding to help to improve fleet performance and fuel efficiency. Its Fuel Economy mobile app shows drivers key metrics and mileage trends, and allows them to see what events might have affected their mileage.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.ccjdigital.com/smartdrive-systems-fuel-economy-mobile-app/ | title= SmartDrive Systems: Fuel Economy mobile app | publisher=ccjdigital.com | date=2013-11-13 | accessdate=2017-03-22}}</ref>


'''Fuel management''' - The company also develops a fuel management product that measures speeding to help to improve fleet performance and fuel efficiency. Its Fuel Economy mobile app shows drivers key metrics and mileage trends, and allows them to see what events might have affected their mileage.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.ccjdigital.com/smartdrive-systems-fuel-economy-mobile-app/ | title= SmartDrive Systems: Fuel Economy mobile app | publisher=ccjdigital.com | date=2013-11-13 | accessdate=2017-03-22}}</ref>
SmartDrive Rail is a version of the company's safety system designed for trains. The system captures collisions and other unexpected events on video and by measuring system parameters, allows investigators to identify safety issues that could lead to future accidents. The video and risk parameters can be accessed for training purposes.<ref name = metro/>

'''SmartDrive Rail''' - SmartDrive Rail is a version of the company's safety system designed for trains. The system captures collisions and other unexpected events on video and by measuring system parameters, allows investigators to identify safety issues that could lead to future accidents. The video and risk parameters can be accessed for training purposes.<ref name = metro/>

==Patents==
The company holds 60 patents for its driving technology, including patents for performance tracking, readiness awareness and sensor calibration.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://patents.justia.com/assignee/smartdrive-systems-inc | title= Justia patents | publisher=justia.com | date= | accessdate=2018-10-25}}</ref>


==Funding history==
==Funding history==

Revision as of 04:54, 29 November 2018

SmartDrive Systems, Inc.
Company typePrivate
IndustryVehicle Telematics, Driver risk management, Fleet safety, Fleet video recorder, Driver safety programs, Fuel management, Vehicle tracking
Founded2004
FounderJames Plante
Headquarters,
Key people
Steve Mitgang (CEO)
ProductsSmartChoice and SmartDrive 360 video systems, SmartSense sensors, SmartIQ transportation intelligence
Number of employees
725[1]
Websitewww.smartdrive.net

SmartDrive Systems, Inc. is a driver safety and transportation intelligence company located in San Diego, California. The company uses video and driver data to monitor driver behavior in commercial vehicles including trucks, buses and trains.[2]

History

SmartDrive Systems was founded in 2004 in San Diego by James Plante, an automotive entrepreneur.[3] Plante served as the company's first CEO until April 2008, when Greg Drew took over as CEO.[3]

In June 2012, the company announced media executive Steve Mitgang as their new CEO.[4]

In May 2013, Ontario, California-based beverage company The Icee Company started using SmartDrive's programs for its 680 service and distribution vehicles.[5] In October, SmartDrive announced it would begin capturing data from third party safety systems, including systems from Bendix, now part of Knorr-Bremse; Mobileye, now part of Intel; and Meritor WABCO, an alliance formed by automobile component manufacturer Meritor and commercial vehicle system manufacturer WABCO.[6][7]

In March 2014, the company announced a partnership with Meritor WABCO to roll out a performance management system called Proview.[7] In April 2014, the Utah Transit Authority announced they would be using SmartDrive's video systems for their buses and paratransit vehicles.[8] Also in 2014, the company partnered with ProSight Specialty Insurance on a program called SecureFleet, where Prosight helped its customers pay for SmartDrive’s data and video event recording system and driver coaching program.[9]

By 2015, the company had grown to 450 employees worldwide, with 150 in the United States.[9] In November 2015, the company announced several single and multi-camera safety systems.[10]

In March 2016, the company announced its video-based driver performance management system was being integrated with WABCO's OnLane lane departure warning system.[11] In June, the Los Angeles Metro selected SmartDrive's systems for the city's bus and rail fleets.[12] In August, truckload shipping carrier Knight-Swift announced they were installing SmartDrive's video safety systems in all of their trucks.[13] In September, development partner Transdev North America announced they were deploying SmartDrive Rail on the Cincinnati Bell Connector streetcar fleet, which is managed by the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority.[14] In October, the company introduced SmartDrive SmartIQ, a data analysis tool that allows fleet operators to study safe driving behavior.[15]

By March 2017, the company had grown to 594 people worldwide.[16] In May, the company announced it was integrating its software with transportation management software from Birmingham, Alabama-based McLeod Software, to allow fleet customers of each company to share and manage driver records.[17] Also in May, Cookeville, Tennessee transportation company Averitt Express announced it was using SmartDrive's road facing cameras in all its trucks.[18] In September, trucking company Hub Group selected SmartDrive's video safety systems for its fleet of 2,600 trucks.[19] In October, the company launched the SmartSense suite of sensors that use a combination of regular and infrared cameras to identify signs of distracted driving.[20] Also in October, the company announced that meat processor Smithfield Foods had deployed SmartDrive's video safety technology across Smithfield's fleet of 600 refrigerated trucks, and that London-based sightseeing company Big Bus Tours was installing SmartDrive's Assurance program in each of its 68 buses.[21][22]

In March 2018, SmartDrive announced that North American transportation company Daseke Inc.'s subsidiary Schilli Corporation was going to use SmartDrive safety technology for its 300 vehicle fleet.[23] In April, the company launched SmartDrive SmartIQ Driver Scorecard, software for companies to manage safety-driven driver incentive programs.[24] Also in April, the company announced that the Penske Logistics subsidiary of Penske Truck Leasing was adding SmartDrive video technology to 2,800 of its trucks.[25] In June, the company announced that specialty chemical company Clariant was adapting SmartDrive's video safety program for subsidiary Clariant Oil's 400 truck fleet.[26] In September, RATP Group's RATP Dev USA subsidiary announced they would start installing SmartDrive's programs in its transportation systems in the United States.[27] In October, the company partnered with Canadian telematics company Geotab to develop integrated systems using SmartDrive's sensors and Geotab's tracking application, to be accessed using third party devices such as phones and tablets.[28]

Products

SmartDrive provides video analysis, predictive analytics and performance programs to help drivers in commercial fleets improve their driving skills and lower operating costs.[29] The company also collects and stores data from almost 200 million risky-driving events, which is used to improve fleet driving patterns.[30]

Its products include the following:

SmartChoice and SmartDrive 360 video systems - The company's SmartChoice video systems have external and internal facing cameras, with video offload and review capabilities, with options for synchronizing a driver's performance with events outside the cab.[31] System options include a single road-facing camera, with video offload and review capabilities; a two-camera system, one facing the road and one facing the driver; and the SmartDrive 360 system with up to four cameras, for a 360-degree view of the vehicle, and rear facing options to allow monitoring of unloading.

SmartSense sensors - The company also produces SmartSense sensors that work with regular and infrared cameras to monitor and notify drivers when signs of distracted driving are detected. The cameras track head and eye movements, including drivers' facial planes.[20] SmartDrive's sensors also allow fleet owners to track vehicles and any potential erratic movement that might indicate anything out of the ordinary, such as sudden stops.[16] By combining video and sensors, fleet managers can identify, assess and correct risky driving behaviors before they lead to a collision.[9]

SmartIQ transportation intelligence - The company's SmartIQ transportation intelligence data analysis tools allow fleet operators to analyze driver performance by type, and to also manage safe driver programs.[15][24] The software also integrates with other fleet management software to allow sharing of records.[17][6]

Fuel management - The company also develops a fuel management product that measures speeding to help to improve fleet performance and fuel efficiency. Its Fuel Economy mobile app shows drivers key metrics and mileage trends, and allows them to see what events might have affected their mileage.[32]

SmartDrive Rail - SmartDrive Rail is a version of the company's safety system designed for trains. The system captures collisions and other unexpected events on video and by measuring system parameters, allows investigators to identify safety issues that could lead to future accidents. The video and risk parameters can be accessed for training purposes.[14]

Patents

The company holds 60 patents for its driving technology, including patents for performance tracking, readiness awareness and sensor calibration.[33]

Funding history

In November 2007, SmartDrive disclosed that it received USD$46 million in venture funding, led by Oak Investment Partners and New Enterprises Associates.[34][4]

In December 2009, the company announced a fifth round funding of $25 million.[35]

In June 2012, the company announced $47 million in new venture funding led by existing investors Oak Investment Partners and New Enterprises Associates, as well as new investor Stanford University.[4]

In March 2015, the company announced its largest funding round to date, a $50 million round led by earlier investors as well as product partner WABCO.[29] Two other earlier funding rounds totaling $12.2 million brought total company funding to $180.2 million.[36]

In October 2017, the company announced an additional funding round led by the North American arm of French tire manufacturer Michelin.[37]

See also

References

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  2. ^ "SmartDrive Wins LA Metro". socaltech.com. 2016-06-20. Retrieved 2017-12-07.
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  30. ^ "3 Things Spurring Fast-Growing Tech Sector". sdbj.com. 2017-03-22. Retrieved 2017-04-25.
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  32. ^ "SmartDrive Systems: Fuel Economy mobile app". ccjdigital.com. 2013-11-13. Retrieved 2017-03-22.
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  35. ^ "SmartDrive Systems Raises $25 Million". pehub.com. 2009-12-16. Retrieved 2017-03-22.
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