Organizer
Gadget news
PrognoCIS practice management software review
9:00 pm | April 6, 2020

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro Software & Services | Comments: Off

Bizmatics, Inc., the creator of the  PrognoCIS medical software suite, has its headquarters in San Jose, California- commonly known as Silicon Valley - since 2001. From this location, they offer a complete range of software solutions, including Electronic Health Records (EHR), Telemedicine, and Medical Billing, available as either local hosted or cloud-based options. Over 15,000 medical professionals use the PrognoCIS application, facilitating more than 25 million patient interactions. Furthermore, Bizmatics is an accredited business with the Better Business Bureau, demonstrating their commitment to providing high-quality services.

PrognoCIS: Features

PrognoCIS offers Practice Management Software, a module that seamlessly integrates with its EHR and billing system. The scheduling component allows for effortless appointment setup and sends text reminders to patients. However, upon closer examination, it becomes apparent that the software's primary focus is on billing, rather than scheduling.

PrognoCIS' software solution provides numerous benefits. It can identify a patient's insurance provider, verify their eligibility for services, and calculate copay amounts. It also allows for easy integration with multiple clearinghouses, enabling efficient patient account reconciliation while considering insurance billing. The software's ability to generate customized statements enhances the professional appearance of medical documentation. Additionally, cash flow optimization is achieved through online patient payments and the efficient processing of EOBs and ERAs.

With PrognoCIS's Task Assignment feature, billers and clinical staff can communicate more efficiently and keep track of tasks. Gone are the days of endless pages and callbacks for coding and billing issues. Instead, billers can send documentable communication to clinicians, who can then address the issues at their convenience, thus improving communication between the two departments.

The persistent use of fax communications in healthcare poses a challenge to medical practices. While many other industries have abandoned the use of traditional fax machines and moved forward with more digital communications, healthcare continues to rely on them due to their compliance with HIPAA regulations. Unlike email and texting, faxes are considered to be HIPAA-compliant. PrognoCIS addresses this need with its PrognoFax feature, as instead of using a separate fax machine, PrognoFax is an in-cloud e-faxing service. It allows users to send and receive faxes securely from within the PrognoCIS software without the need for additional hardware or a separate fax service

PrognoCIS: Drawbacks

PrognoCIS is a Software as a Service (SaaS) platform accessible via a web browser on any device. This compatibility allows users to utilize PrognoCIS on desktop or laptop computers with a web browser. Additionally, PrognoCIS provides mobile apps for iOS and Android platforms, but their ratings are relatively low. The iOS app, with only 20 reviews, has a score of 1.4 out of 5.

The most recent review is from 2022 suggesting that the app is not particularly developed. The user complains that they cannot read the items on their phone as they are so tiny, and have to take a screenshot and then zoom in to be able to see anything. Other reviews are not suggesting that the app performs better unfortunately.As per the latest review from 2022, the app's development seems inadequate. The user's main complaint centers around the unreadable, minuscule items on their phone screen. To view any content, they must resort to taking a screenshot and zooming in. Regrettably, other reviews do not indicate a more favorable performance of the app.

Regrettably, there is no free trial available, but a free demo is offered for users to at least see the service.

Support

(Image credit: Bizmatics, Inc.)

PrognoCIS: Support

The PrognoCIS website's ‘Contact Us’ section provides two contact options for support. One is a toll-free number which we appreciate since complex issues are easier to explain verbally. Unfortunatley, the operating hours for the phone support are not listed, though elsewhere on the site it is mentioned that it's available 24/7.

Alternatively, you can use a direct email address. Although we provide this option for general inquiries, please note that email communication is not considered HIPAA compliant. Therefore, we cannot send screenshots containing Protected Health Information (PHI) or address specific billing issues related to patient accounts through this communication channel.

We express our regret that alternative options, such as chat or an online portal, have not been made available. Additionally, some webinars are offered for training purposes. However, user reviews highlight instances where response times for trouble tickets can be lengthy, and some tickets are closed out without a satisfactory resolution.

Pricing

(Image credit: Bizmatics, Inc.)

PrognoCIS: Pricing

The pricing structure for PrognoCIS is not readily available on their website, which is unfortunately a common occurrence in the medical practice software market. The company adheres to the idea that a comprehensive demonstration is necessary to grasp the full potential and advantages of PrognoCIS. We can recognize that pricing sometimes needs to be tailored to the specific requirements of each specific practice.

Conversely, we seek insights into pricing without providing contact information and engaging in sales conversations without having some idea of the cost. Therefore, with enough searching we discovered in a FAQ that PrognoCIS pricing begins around $280 on up to $450 per month per provider.

PrognoCIS: Final verdict

PrognoCIS, a cloud-based medical practice management software, provides a comprehensive suite of features that caters to the needs of busy medical practices. While it boasts several advantages, there are also some drawbacks that practices should consider before committing to the service.

On the positive side, PrognoCIS offers integrated faxing and robust internal communication for tracking tasks, making it an efficient tool for practice management. Additionally, it is a cloud-based solution, allowing for seamless access from any location.

However, there are some areas where PrognoCIS falls short. One significant downside is the lack of a free trial, which can be a deterrent for practices looking to test the software before making a purchase. The pricing structure is also not transparent, leaving practices uncertain about the actual cost of the software without investing the time in contacting the company. Furthermore, the lack of certain support options, such as chat support, can be a hindrance to practices seeking immediate assistance.

PrognoCIS offers multiple features for managing medical practices, but the lack of a free trial, the opaque pricing, and limited support options give us pause. Practices should consider these factors before finalizing their decision.

We've listed the best medical transcription service.

Zoho Mail review
12:56 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro Software & Services | Comments: Off

Lots of secure email providers come from dedicated organizations that commit to email and privacy, but Zoho’s option emerges from a much larger business.

Zoho’s exhaustive list of products includes this mail service, a comprehensive CRM platform, accounting tools, unified cloud services, helpdesk management tools, and dozens more.

In short, then, there’s lots going on with Zoho’s secure email product and its wider offering. While that may raise concerns about Zoho’s email effectiveness when compared to dedicated products, it also means this may be a great choice if you already use Zoho products in other areas of your organization.

Zoho Mail: Plans and pricing 

Zoho’s pricing gets off to a surprising start: there’s a free product available. It’s generous, too, with support for up to five users, each with 5GB of space and a 25MB attachment limit. You can use web access and Android and iOS apps with the free plan, and it includes email hosting for a single domain – but not IMAP, POP or ActiveSync support.

The most affordable paid plan, Mail Lite, costs €0.90/$0.94/£0.80 per user per month and includes Zoho’s standard business email capability alongside tools like SecurePass password-protected mail, IMAP, POP and ActiveSync support and a calendar. Mail Lite’s default option includes 5GB of storage per user and a tiny price bump boosts that to 10GB.

Zoho pricing

Zoho Mail offers great value for money. (Image credit: Zoho)

The Mail Premium option costs €3.60/$3.74/£3.20 per month per user. It takes the Mail Lite package and adds 1GB attachments, retention, email backup, white labelling for customization and S-MIME security services. Mail Premium is available with a 15-day free trial.

The Workplace package costs €2.70/$2.81/£2.40 per user per month and becomes more expensive if you add features beyond email, with this product designed specifically for larger organizations.

It includes everything from the first two tiers alongside cloud file storage, online word processing, spreadsheet and presentation apps, comms tools, meeting software and collaboration utilities, so it’s more akin to a fully-fledged working suite, like something from Google or Microsoft.

Large organizations can contact Zoho’s sales team for enterprise deals, and flexible pricing means different plans for different users in your business.

Zoho Mail: Features

Zoho is GDPR and HIPAA compliant, which is a good start for any secure email product, and Zoho Mail has ISO 22301, 9001 and 27001 certifications.

Emails within the Zoho system are encrypted at rest and in transit. SSL/TLS connections encrypt emails in transit, S/MIME is used to encrypt message contents, and PGP adds another layer of protection.

Elsewhere, Zoho supports OAuth 2.0 authentication two-factor authentication and single sign-on, and Zoho monitors your accounts for unusual activity.

Zoho application search

Zoho Mail offers so much more than simple email management. (Image credit: Zoho)

Zoho’s data centers are distributed throughout the US, Europe, China and India at data centers with security teams, biometric access and impressive levels of physical security. Still, those locations could be a red flag for some who may prefer their data to be physically stored in single locations with more robust privacy laws.

This product supports custom domains, POP, IMAP and ActiveSync and it’s available with Windows, Mac and Linux clients – that latter option is scarce among secure email providers. On mobile, there are mail, administration, collaboration and cloud storage apps available for Android and iOS devices, further bolstering Zoho’s credentials as a fully-featured productivity and business suite.

There are loads of other features that make Zoho a useful corporate option, too. Offline inboxes and automatic sending are supported alongside templates.

Zoho calendar

(Image credit: Zoho)

Zoho has also recently rolled out Zia, an AI assistant powered by OpenAI. Your mileage may vary on its usefulness, and there are concerns around privacy and sustainability with OpenAI’s products and those from other products, but Zia has auto-completion and writing, summarizing, tone alteration, content length adjustment and more.

Beyond email, Zoho offers a calendar, to-do list and notepad app, sleek contact organization, and its office tools at higher payment tiers. And, of course, there’s the wider integration with the entire Zoho system of business tools, with hundreds of options available throughout the ecosystem.

That’s great, but be aware that integrations with third-party tools will be limited – no surprise as Zoho wants to keep users within its system. There’s little from Google, Microsoft, Adobe or Apple, for instance.

Zoho Mail: Interface and in-use

Zoho interface

(Image credit: Zoho)

Zoho Mail has an excellent interface, with a three-pane design weighted towards the contents of your emails – handy because it means your messages don’t feel uncomfortably cramped. Handy tabs at the top of the primary mail window hold messages and drafts, and a toolbar along the left edge serves up links to your calendar, contacts, to-do list and other email modules.

Zoho apps

(Image credit: Zoho)

When composing emails there are useful buttons to record audio and secure emails with passwords and expiration dates, and on the right-hand side of the window you can access other parts of the Zoho ecosystem, like your word processor, cloud storage, meeting tool and CRM. Click a button in the top-right and you can access every other Zoho tool you’ve got in your account.

Visually it’s attractive, with light and dark modes that can sync to those settings on your main computer. You can change themes and colors, customize your font and font size, and dive into hundreds of settings to tweak the client’s functionality.

Zoho Mail: Support

Zoho offers 24/7 email-based technical support and, impressively, 24/7 phone support in twenty countries. There’s an extensive knowledge base, loads of guides available on Zoho’s website, and a broad FAQ section.

This is one of the best support offerings we’ve seen from this slate of secure email tools. However, it would have been good to see a live chat option – especially as Zoho is competing at a broader level with huge corporations by offering a full suite of business and office products.

Zoho Mail: The competition

Indeed, Zoho’s status as a full-service business and office provider means that it outstrips virtually every rival in terms of features, especially at its higher pricing tiers. The nearest competitors are Proton Mail, which offers a VPN, cloud storage and password management, and Mailbox.org, which has a word processor and spreadsheet tool.

Neither offer the same breadth of service as Zoho, though, and if you want to truly see who competes with Zoho then it’s worth looking at Google Workspace, Microsoft 365 and GoDaddy.

It’s complex and does need some research and comparison before taking the plunge. Zoho does an excellent job with security, but some other business suites will go further in other areas – which might be more important for your organization.

Zoho Mail: Final verdict

There’s no doubt that Zoho is a very secure and effective email product, though, and it pairs that with great features and design – it’s packed with functionality and easy to use. The pricing is decent, too, with per-user and per-monthly costs that undercut many rivals.

This product is packed with more features than individuals will likely need, though, and Zoho Mail is at its best if you’re already locked into the Zoho ecosystem.

If not, then you need to weigh up Zoho against its other corporate rivals to see which one will work best for your organization.

OfficeSuite review
1:48 pm | April 3, 2020

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro Software & Services | Comments: Off

OfficeSuite presents itself as a compelling Microsoft Office alternative, particularly for mobile devices. It maintains complete compatibility with Word, Excel, and Powerpoint, and furnishes its users with robust PDF creation tools. This comprehensive OfficeSuite review aims to illuminate its key features and potential limitations, providing a valuable resource for discerning individuals seeking a comprehensive understanding of the software's capabilities.

Upon initial launch of the application, users will be presented with a Home view displaying their recent files. From this central location, individuals have the ability to browse files stored on their device or within any of the seven integrated cloud systems (inclusive of Dropbox and Google Drive), conduct searches for specific files, manage their account, and create new documents. To enhance user comfort, a choice of light or dark mode is provided, facilitating optimal editing conditions in various environments. 

OfficeSuite review

A well-thought-out and familiar interface. (Image credit: OfficeSuite)

OfficeSuite: Features

We'll take a closer look at this, app by app.

Word Processor

In OfficeSuite, text may be readily customized, offering a comprehensive array of anticipated features including foreground and background coloration, indentation, alignment and justification, and vertical and horizontal spacing. A catalog of styles facilitates expeditious alteration between headers and paragraph text, although the updating or creation of styles is not possible. It is, however, feasible to replicate formatting from one text segment to another by employing the convenient Format Painter tool.

The construction of lists, including those with multiple levels (for example, 1.2.1, 1.2.2, and so on), is supported; however, there is room for improvement. Initiating a sentence with an asterisk or hyphen will not automatically generate a list. Additionally, the creation of new list styles is not possible, limiting users to the three basic options: ○●■. Indents cycle through these list styles, which is advantageous.

The application is also lacking in several significant components. The absence of a citation manager is particularly unfortunate for academic users. The Find and Replace function is limited in scope and lacks support for search styles and Replace All functionality, which is a notable omission for an otherwise robust word processor. The lack of stylus integration is a significant disappointment, especially considering that such functionality is present in the companion Slides application. Finally, it is not possible to embed dynamic charts or graphs within the document, which further limits the application's capabilities.

Spreadsheet

We were excited to find a robust spreadsheet application. The addition of formulas is facilitated through a user-friendly interface that offers a comprehensive library of functions organized in a logical manner. The process of entering functions was straightforward, and we were pleased to observe that the error-parsing mechanism directs the user to the relevant section of the equation. Furthermore, the application demonstrated the ability to automatically fill in a missing closing parenthesis, which demonstrates this software’s attention to detail and user-centric design.

Data rows and columns can be effortlessly sorted with advanced filtering. Data grouping and validation can be easily conducted. The only notable omissions are the capabilities for data consolidation and What-If analyses, which are featured in Microsoft Office. The process of inserting and customizing graphs and charts based on data is straightforward.

OfficeSuite review

Advanced formulas and data analysis.  (Image credit: OfficeSuite)

Slides

The process of creating and reorganizing slides, adding and customizing page elements, and setting transitions was straightforward, and we experienced no difficulty in crafting a concise and impactful slideshow. In contrast to the Documents component, stylus integration here is truly exceptional: responsive, intuitive, and enjoyable to utilize. Presenter mode also proved to be highly functional, extending support even to stylus-based annotations, which was a significant advantage. 

Additionally, OfficeSuite provides a PDF editor- a significant advantage among its competition, and distinguishing it in the space. It facilitates the conversion of PDFs to Word, Excel, or ePub formats, the addition of detailed annotations, and the signing of documents. The annotation options include the use of a stylus, two types of pens, and a highlighter. It is worth noting that, similar to most PDF annotators, written highlights are positioned in front of the text. However, the transparency of these highlights can be adjusted, enhancing readability.

OfficeSuite: Mobile and web

As previously mentioned, OfficeSuite is compatible with Apple and Android mobile devices. Notably, it also provides support for Apple Watch, which can be utilized for controlling slideshow presentations. Our evaluation of OfficeSuite on iPadOS revealed it to be highly responsive, intuitive, and replete with features. In addition to its compatibility with multiple cloud storage drives, OfficeSuite offers a convenient WiFi file transfer capability, enabling users to initiate file transfers with any computer on their network by specifying an IP address, which is a commendable feature. Subscription plans also encompass 50GB of cloud storage space. 

OfficeSuite review

Available on iOS and Android devices. (Image credit: OfficeSuite)

Collaborative editing features, a significant aspect of many comparable applications, are noticeably absent from the software, which is unfortunate. Nonetheless, tracking changes and adding comments are both supported, and documents can be shared with other users through standard iOS, Android, and Windows channels (for example, email, messaging, and cloud storage). Another miss it that there is no functionality that allows multiple users to work on the same file simultaneously. 

OfficeSuite: Pricing

OfficeSuite can be obtained as free software, designated as the Free Office Pack, although its capabilities are definitely constrained. Documents cannot be printed without watermarks, and fundamental functionalities such as spellcheck and columns are not supported. The Sheets component lacks pivot tables and data validation, albeit the PDF module is included. While it may warrant consideration if seeking a free word processor or office suite, individuals requiring more than basic functionality may find it excessively limited.  

OfficeSuite review

Pay a monthly subscription or a one-time payment for lifetime access. (Image credit: OfficeSuite)

The Personal plan offers a competitive rate of $39.99 per year for a single user license, while the Family plan encompasses six user licenses for $59.99 per annum. Both plans include a comprehensive array of applications for Windows, iOS, and Android operating systems accompanied by extensive PDF functionalities and 50 gigabytes of cloud storage capacity. Additionally, there is a complimentary seven-day trial period. The Home & Business plan offers lifetime access through a one-time payment of $99.99 and encompasses the complete Windows or Apple software suite and five gigabytes of cloud storage. 

OfficeSuite: The competition

Within the realm of office productivity software, OfficeSuite distinguishes itself for its user-friendly interface and competitive pricing. For entities seeking enhanced data control or the seamless integration of a comprehensive office suite into their proprietary software, OnlyOffice emerges as a compelling server-based solution. With a starting price of $1200, OnlyOffice accommodates up to 50 simultaneous connections. For organizations utilizing Mac-based systems, iWork stands out as a prime choice, offering both cost-effectiveness and advanced collaborative capabilities. 

OfficeSuite: Final verdict

While there is no shortage of free alternatives available, individuals who are willing to pay for the reasonably priced subscription will be able to generate visually appealing text documents and engaging slideshow presentations, as well as perform relatively advanced data analyses. If one can do without live collaboration tools and advanced word processing features such as citation management, handwritten notes, and embedded charts, this is an otherwise comprehensive office suite that is also compatible with Microsoft Office. 

We feature the best free office software.

Geotab Review: Pros & Cons, Features, Ratings, Pricing and more
10:50 am |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets | Comments: Off

Geotab offers hardware and software services for fleet management. It was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in Oakville, Canada. It is one of the largest telematics outfits in the world and was also the first company to surpass two million connected vehicles built on a single, open platform. It currently has over 3.5 million vehicles connected from over 47k companies.

Geotab offers a range of fleet tracking solutions, including Go devices for real-time tracking that can be easily installed with a plug-and-play connection, and MyGeotab software. These solutions provide businesses with the intelligence they need to improve efficiency, stay compliant with regional regulations, and enhance driver safety.

Geotab pricing

(Image credit: Geotab)

Geotab: Plans and pricing

While most other companies involved in fleet management services or tracking equipment, sell its solutions directly to the end customers, Geotab takes a different approach. Rather, it operates through a network of resellers. 

A shortcoming of Geotab is that it does not list any plans, pricing or contact information online. This provides resellers the option to offer additional features by including software based on the fleet manager’s requirement. Therefore, the pricing and the contract may vary for each customer. 

Geotab’s solution, on the other hand, can support all compliance requirements, and the company offers a standard one-year warranty with Go devices. Additionally, with the ProPlus plan, this warranty can be extended for an additional year. The Geotab Go device requires an upfront payment followed by a recurring monthly payment for the service.

Since pricing can vary from case to case, it is best to contact the company or reach out to the nearest reseller directly to get a direct quote for your particular business requirements. A contact portal is on the website under sales to help initiate contact.

Geotab: Features

The company offers multiple plans with different features, but live GPS tracking is only available with the top-tier ProPlus plan. The other plans are Base, Regulatory (HoS), and Pro.

The software, MyGeotab, is a cloud-based solution that can be accessed through any web browser. This makes it platform-independent, so it can be used on any operating system or device that can run a browser.

The MyGeotab dashboard provides administrators with all the data they need at a glance, including real-time vehicle location, speed, fuel consumption, and other key metrics. It also offers a variety of reports, such as driver scorecards, Hours of Service (HoS), driver productivity, and more, with an easy drag-and-drop customization option.

Additionally, MyGeotab claims an SDK that provides a collection of tools for working with car data, allowing integration with hardware or systems from other companies. If you already own a tracking device, pairing it with the dashboard is a simple task. This can prevent businesses from having trouble with replacing outdated equipment, with a benefit of a significant upfront cost reduction.

There are plenty of add-on solutions available on the Geotabs website under the marketplace section. These ready to use solutions allow fleet management companies to add specific features to meet their requirements.

(Image credit: Geotab)

Going beyond the MyGeotab dashboard, there is a Geotab Drive app that can be used by drivers to complete vehicle inspections, engage in messaging, and much more. It abides by FMSCA compliance standards as a part of the Geotab ELD cloud system. It is available for both iOS and Android, but both have a lower rating, with the iOS version only getting 2.5 out of 5 stars with multiple complaints such as the negative impact to battery life.

With the help of this easy-to-use mobile app, drivers may automatically enter their work hours, easing the burden of paperwork. They can also stay in touch with their administrator while they're on the move. Also, administrators can provide real-time feedback and coaching to drivers using the in-vehicle driver feedback feature.

(Image credit: Geotab)

Numerous user testimonials posted online indicate that MyGeotab is quite user-friendly with a straightforward interface. Multiple businesses even state in those reports that they were able to more effectively optimize their spending by monitoring drivers, achieving cost reductions in real-time.

Additionally, a few businesses have claimed that they were able to teach errant drivers through the aid of driver scorecards after using Geotab to identify those who were not following efficient routes.

All that said, some reviews have reported random inconsistencies in driver’s duty functions. This can result in unnecessary delays, wait periods, and even disciplinary action against drivers.

Image 1 of 2

(Image credit: Geotab)
Image 2 of 2

(Image credit: Geotab)

As for the hardware products offered by Geotab, the website highlights:

Geotab Go: This is a plug-and-play device that connects to the vehicle's OBDII port. Once connected, it can record data such as vehicle status, engine idle times, route distance and time, vehicle speed, and even collisions. It is compatible with add-ons available in the market that can provide additional features.

(Image credit: Geotab)

Geotab: Support

Geotab, which sells its products through resellers, does not offer direct customer support. There is no direct contact number on the website for customers to call. Instead, the website directs customers to the nearest authorized reseller, who can handle basic inquiries and even driver training, if necessary. There is also a Support Center, which links to documents and guides to help users, as well as a community forum to connect users with product experts.

The hardware products come with extensive DIY guides to set them up and the company expects customers to install the devices on their own. We did not find any ebooks, video content or webinars to help users.

Geotab: Final verdict

Geotab is a one-of-a-kind provider with a unique business model. This has both advantages and disadvantages. Customization and flexibility are two of the advantages, but customer support and lack of transparent pricing are major drawbacks. Because direct support is entirely dependent on resellers, your experience may vary, as may the pricing and contract.

The dashboard is simple to use, and the openness of the platform is another positive feature. Geotab is a trusted brand with a good reputation among its users which explains its popularity.

More on fleet management:

I tested Samsara – read what I thought of this fleet tracking solution
5:14 pm | April 1, 2020

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro Software & Services | Comments: Off

Founded in 2015, Samsara is a market leader in complete fleet tracking solutions. Samsara offers a combination of IoT devices and AI to provide real-time visibility and accurate analytics to a wide range of customers, including transportation and logistics companies, field services, food production, energy, construction, local governments, and manufacturing.

Headquartered in San Francisco, with additional offices in San Jose, Atlanta, and London, Samsara emerges as a prominent player in the realm of fleet management. By leveraging the power of cloud computing, Samsara offers a comprehensive solution that empowers businesses to streamline and optimize the management of their vehicles and assets.

Through its advanced platform, Samsara enables real-time tracking, monitoring, and analysis of fleet operations, providing valuable insights that drive efficiency, safety, and cost savings. With its intuitive interface and robust features, Samsara caters to a wide range of industries, including transportation, logistics, construction, and field services.

Samsara's global presence and impact are underscored by its extensive workforce of over 2,200 employees and a vast customer base spanning tens of thousands of businesses worldwide. The company's platform processes a staggering volume of data, exceeding 6 trillion data points annually, highlighting its significant role in the digital transformation of fleet management.

Samsara offers a free trial before purchase and even has a dedicated team to help you build a custom solution that meets your specific needs. Additionally, Samsara is compliant with ELD regulations and is FMCSA approved.

Samsara: Pricing

Samsara's pricing model includes an upfront hardware cost and a monthly subscription fee that covers the software license.

Although specific pricing is not available on the Samsara website, it does state that there are costs such as an initial hardware investment and an annual license fee. There is a contact portal that asks for basic information on fleet size and needs. The "Get a quote" button requires a business email address to proceed (and annoyingly when I entered my work email address, it still did not proceed asking for a valid work email). Samsara could simplify this process by providing a direct email contact for pricing inquiries, rather than requiring potential customers to navigate the portal, providing the requested info, and not getting a price.

Samsara's upfront hardware cost can range from $129 to $399 per device, depending on the specific product. Although unconfirmed, customer reports on online forums indicate that monthly software license fees range from $13 to $30.

The company's pricing structure is based on several factors, including fleet size, business type, service levels, and specific requirements. Unlike some competitors who do not charge upfront fees, Samsara's upfront fee covers the hardware cost over time.

Samsara, a company that specializes in fleet management solutions, offers potential clients online demonstrations showcasing the cost-saving benefits of their platform. These demos specifically highlight how Samsara's technology can lead to improved fleet efficiency. One key area of focus is reducing vehicle idling time, which can result in significant fuel savings and decreased operational costs for businesses that manage fleets of vehicles.

Samsara 2

(Image credit: Samsara)

Samsara: Features

Samsara, a leading fleet management solution, stands out in the industry due to its advanced features and capabilities. One of its key features is the provision of real-time traffic updates and optimal route suggestions. By utilizing this information, fleet managers can ensure that their drivers reach their destinations on time, thereby enhancing customer satisfaction and overall operational efficiency.

Moreover, Samsara's software offers comprehensive monitoring capabilities that go beyond simple vehicle tracking. It allows fleet managers to monitor unnecessary stops, driver behavior, and overall fleet performance. Additionally, the software can generate reports on vehicle breakdowns and fuel waste, enabling fleet managers to identify areas for improvement and optimize fuel consumption.

Unlike many standard fleet management apps, Samsara boasts a wide range of hardware integrations. These include dashcams, which can be used to monitor driver behavior and improve safety, as well as wireless sensors, which can be used to track various vehicle parameters. Furthermore, Samsara's paper digitization feature allows for the seamless integration of paper-based documents into the digital workflow.

In addition to its hardware integrations, Samsara also offers extensive third-party software integrations. This allows for seamless compatibility with a wide range of existing software solutions, including payroll systems, CRM platforms, TMS software, route planning tools, inventory management systems, and fuel card providers. By integrating with these systems, Samsara can provide a comprehensive and holistic fleet management solution that maximizes the benefits for businesses.

Image 1 of 2

Samsara 1

Samsara 1 (Image credit: Samsara)

Samsara's vehicle diagnostics provide businesses with comprehensive vehicle data, enabling them to quickly evaluate the condition of their vehicles and stay informed about upcoming preventive maintenance, vehicle fitness inspections, and necessary services.

The sensors can detect unsafe driving behaviors such as abrupt acceleration, hard braking, speeding, and sharp cornering, as well as accidents and collisions. This data can help business owners determine if drivers require additional training to enhance their focus on safety.

Dashcams connected to the sensors can automatically record and upload video footage of both the vehicle's exterior and interior if an incident occurs. This footage, along with detailed information, is sent to support staff, who can then contact the driver immediately or debrief them later, depending on the circumstances.

Samsara's route optimization feature utilizes real-time aerial imaging, providing accurate and up-to-date data on traffic congestion, road closures, and other potential obstacles. By pinpointing the precise location of each vehicle in real-time, the system can dynamically generate efficient route maps that take into account current conditions and avoid delays. Furthermore, the system allows for customization of stop times for each delivery, ensuring that drivers can adhere to schedules and meet customer expectations. This streamlined approach to delivery management not only enhances overall operational efficiency but also results in significant cost savings by reducing fuel consumption and minimizing unnecessary mileage.

The platform's robust reporting and analytics capabilities leverage numerous vehicle sensors to provide in-depth driving, vehicle performance, maintenance, and fuel reports. Over time, administrators can access detailed information on each vehicle and driver, including fuel levels, consumption patterns, engine run time, and idle time. This data facilitates performance evaluations and targeted coaching for drivers.

Image 2 of 2

Samsara 2

Samsara 2 (Image credit: Samsara)

Samsara 3

(Image credit: Future)

Samsara: Support

Samsara, a company that provides a connected operations cloud, offers multiple channels for customer support. Primarily, they have a 24/7 support center that can be reached through a contact portal, accessible after logging in. This online support portal is unfortunately the only option for direct customer support, as phone support has been discontinued, which may be inconvenient for some customers. Additionally, there are no other direct support options available, such as fax or chat. The lack of alternative contact methods and the absence of information regarding response times might leave customers feeling uncertain about the efficiency and effectiveness of Samsara's customer support.

While the direct support options could be enhanced, Samsara excels in providing self-help resources. They offer a comprehensive FAQ section, instructional videos, and webinars that can assist users in resolving common issues and questions independently. Moreover, Samsara maintains an active presence on social media platforms. Their Facebook page is regularly updated with relevant information, and their YouTube channel consistently publishes new content, demonstrating their commitment to engaging with and supporting their customers through various channels.

Samsara: Final verdict

Samsara emerges as a frontrunner in the fleet management domain, offering an extensive suite of solutions that cater to diverse operational needs. Its core offering encompasses GPS tracking, enabling real-time location monitoring and geofencing capabilities. Vehicle telematics provide in-depth insights into vehicle health, performance, and utilization, facilitating predictive maintenance and reducing downtime.

Driver safety is another focal point, with features like AI-powered dashcams, driver behavior monitoring, and real-time coaching to mitigate risks and enhance driver performance. Compliance management is streamlined through automated workflows, ELD compliance, and HOS tracking, ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements and minimizing violations.

Fuel management tools optimize fuel consumption through route optimization, idle time reduction, and fuel theft prevention, leading to significant cost savings. Maintenance management is also simplified, with proactive maintenance scheduling, automated service reminders, and real-time visibility into maintenance history.

To experience the platform's capabilities firsthand, Samsara offers a free demo, allowing potential customers to explore its features and evaluate its suitability for their specific requirements. The company also places a strong emphasis on compliance and adheres to stringent industry regulations, ensuring data security and privacy.

Samsara's commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction is further validated by its A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau since 2019, a testament to its ethical business practices and reliable service.

In essence, Samsara presents a holistic fleet management solution that harnesses cutting-edge technology and data-driven intelligence to optimize fleet operations, elevate safety standards, and drive greater efficiency. By providing actionable insights and automating key processes, Samsara empowers fleet managers to make informed decisions, reduce operational costs, and achieve sustainable business growth.

More on fleet management and tracking:

« Previous Page