The City of Ann Arbor, Mich., has adopted a geographic information system (GIS) to keep better track of its fleet. It will use GovOutlook, an automatic vehicle location (AVL) system, and Cityworks, a GIS-centric asset management solution, to improve communication, process work orders more efficiently, and enhance customer service.

For improved service, the in-vehicle display allows service employees to send a request from a preset list, such as a pothole or trash pickup, to the Cityworks system, which will generate a work order based on the vehicle's tracked location. Using vehicle tracking, the city can find the closest service vehicle to dispatch for fulfilling work orders.

GovOutlook also collects vehicle information and provides engine dignostics to fleet maintenance. A public portal will help enhance customer service during winter, allowing customers to view snow plow activity during storms.