Fleetmapping

Fleetmapping is the process of analysing the operational requirements of the users and converting them into new operational procedures and a configuration for the TETRA infrastructure and terminal equipment.

To perform this the organisational structure and operational procedures of the users have to be analysed to identify the communication modes and shared resources which will enable them to best carry out their operations. The functional capabilities and features of the TETRA system should be considered but an emphasis on minimising operational changes in the early adoption of the new system should be maintained. Radical (future) changes may be considered but the new Fleetmap should be able to accomodate the existing needs and practices with a view of being able to switch over to new procedures incrementally as and when the users become confident in their use of the system.

Once the organisational and operational analysis is complete the TETRA capabilities can be mapped onto the requirements and a draft high level configuration drafted. This draft configuration should be exercised in simulated (table top) scenarios to ensure that it performs in an acceptable manner and has sufficient flexibility to accomodate a range of operational incidents, problems and equipment failure.

Factors including radio asset management, change control and managementr procedures, radio infrastructure channel availability, coverage areas, data and voice traffic levels and call types should be considered. Talkgroup usage should be carefully consided to ensure that the system does not become overloaded at peak times. User priorities and access to Talkgroups, DMO channels, Individual and PABX/PSTN call types can impact on the grade of service delivered to the users. The allocation of dispatcher resources can be complex.

Once this procedure has been completed then the detailed configuration can be designed and tested for correctness prior to a formal review and scenario exercising. Once these have been completed then programming of the infrastructure and terminal equipments can commence. It is important that multiple changes to the terminal configurations are avoided as programming can be an extremely lengthy and manpower intensive process when hundreds or thousands of terminals have to be recalled for reprogramming.

Verification and acceptance testing can then commence.

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