Deployment and integration
SolTrans and Avail deployed the software and hardware suite
when the agency was in the process of moving into a refurbished and
expanded operations facility. The move added a layer of complexity
to what was already an elaborate technology implementation and
adoption process.
Much of the initial deployment was spent optimizing the
technology in that new facility. The SolTrans teams had no shortage
of tasks, between setting up a new facility and launching a computeraided
dispatch and automatic vehicle location system and it became
apparent that managing the agency’s workload was a priority.
“From a logistics perspective, we were able to map out a process
that ensured SolTrans’ success – through proper testing and
evaluation – before we deployed the system to the full fleet,” said
Milo Thomas, director of customer experience at Avail Technologies.
“Pilot testing in the facility allowed us to marry our implementation
process to the agency’s needs at that time, which is critical for a
project’s success.”
Bisi Ibrahim, program analyst for SolTrans, oversees the agency’s
planning and operations technology. She said that the Avail
deployment essentially upgraded SolTrans from paper-and-pencil
bookkeeping to shared operations oversight.
18 | BUSRIDE.COM | AUG / SEPT 2020