SADA Systems and Collins Engineers have launched Atom, a cloud-based application for managing regional transportation assets. The software incorporates Google content, including the cloud-based technology and location services, to give supervisors and dispatchers the tools to make real-time decisions on scheduling, routing, and budget allocation. Atom comes with desktop, mobile, and tablet support. 

Drivers using a mobile device can be managed through GPS tracking and the phone's accelerometer — a built-in feature that many apps already use to track a vehicle's speed. Using the vehicle's trip history and Google's traffic data, the system uses predictive scheduling to generate the best possible route.

Management can view the data collected organized by worker, team, or project. Progress on a specific project can be distilled based on each team member's workload, location, and schedule. The data can also be presented in charts and graphs for clarity. 

"Our system is an open source-based system, meaning we can interact and integrate with a multitude of different types of databases, whether it's a fleet system, whether it's an ESRI linear referencing system, a SQL database, an access database, and down the line," Patrick Skoglund, geo lead, SADA:geo for SADA Systems, said. "If they're being tracked by another piece of hardware that's bought outside of our system, it's not a problem. We can pull that in and now you're working with a multitude of systems under one user interface."

Atom portals keep track of inventory, risk, analytics, scheduling, and teams. In addition, the public portal allows agencies to share custom-tailored information in real time and lets members of the public track the location of assets, such as snow plows; follow the progress of bridge construction, paving, and other projects; provide feedback on assets; and request permits. 

When building the product, SADA Systems interviewed state DOTs and local governments to map out the system. The technology company also deployed a framework for the project. The City of Chicago, for example, has used the framework of Atom’s system for project management for three years.

Atom is available as a subscription package, with annual pricing based on the amount of users, and as a perpetual license, with one-time payment. For more information, visit the app's website.