Enhanced User Experience and Accessibility

Our goal in 2024 was to create a seamless, intuitive experience for all users with the introduction of our NEEDME.com platform, regardless of device or location. We revamped the platform’s user interface and made substantial upgrades to improve accessibility and usability across all devices.

• New UI: We migrated our platform’s user interface to the latest Blazor and Material UI frameworks. This update supports all modern browsers and enhances compatibility with both desktop and mobile devices. The new UI also includes light and dark mode options, dynamic scaling for readability, and streamlined navigation, making it easier for users to interact with the platform.
• Single Sign-On (SSO) for Azure AD: To improve both security and ease of access, we added SSO integration with Azure Active Directory. This allows organizations using Azure AD to benefit from seamless, secure access, reducing login-related friction.

Data Integration and API Enhancements

Our commitment to open data and seamless integration has never been stronger. In 2024, we enhanced our APIs and added new integrations to support data accessibility and cross-platform functionality.

• API Overhaul: We upgraded all our APIs to the latest standards, ensuring compatibility with modern systems and providing a more reliable and robust foundation for data integration. This upgrade empowers customers to connect with other platforms, applications, and IoT ecosystems.
• Teletrac Navman and EROAD Integration: Blackhawk now supports integrations with Teletrac Navman and EROAD, two leading telematics providers. This allows customers with mixed telematics fleets to benefit from NEEDME’s consolidated mixed-fleet platform without disrupting their existing systems, and it supports 4G/5G device upgrades without breaking current contracts.

Smart Digital Solutions for Process Automation

To support digital transformation and simplify workflow management, Blackhawk introduced several new features and products in 2024 designed for process automation, ease of access, and enhanced asset interaction.

• Smart Digital Forms (NEEDME.com): This feature of the new NEEDME platform allows users to access digital forms and services without needing to download an app or log in, simplifying the adoption of digital processes. NEEDME Smart Digital Forms enable automation across a variety of use cases, including maintenance, service management, compliance, safety, aftersales support, and warranty management. They make it easy to capture and automate essential processes, ensuring consistent and accurate documentation.
• NEEDME Smart QR Tags: Our new QR tagging solution offers globally unique asset identification for effortless asset management. These dynamic QR tags, available in various sizes, materials, and custom branding options, streamline asset tracking and enable users to access asset details instantly. By simply scanning a QR tag, users can update asset information, log maintenance activities, or initiate workflows with ease.

Asset Management and Field Operations Tools

Supporting teams in the field and on the go is essential to Blackhawk’s mission. This year, we delivered several new tools and enhancements that empower field users with real-time data, enabling them to make informed decisions on asset maintenance and service.

• Asset Documents and Files: We added support for managing asset-related files and documents, ensuring that field users have access to all the information they need. This feature centralizes essential documents like maintenance records, manuals, and compliance certifications, making them easily accessible.
• Asset Service History: Field users can now view the service history of assets on their mobile devices, helping them make quick, informed decisions during maintenance tasks.
• Meter Adjustments: NEEDME.com now supports mobile hourmeter and mileage adjustments, making it easier for field users to keep accurate records for proactive maintenance planning.
• Mobile Location Updates: We enhanced support for untracked assets, allowing users to update asset locations via mobile. This can be done by using “use my location” on smartphones or specifying a pin-drop location, providing a convenient way to keep track of assets that aren’t GPS-enabled.

Operational Efficiency and Resource Management

To help businesses manage resources more efficiently, we introduced new scheduling, booking, and tracking features that streamline operations and optimize resource utilization.

• Pool Booking Enhancements: We’ve introduced upgrades to our vehicle and equipment pool booking features, enabling on-demand booking and real-time availability tracking. These enhancements make it easier for teams to reserve shared resources and maximize utilization, all while providing managers with clear visibility into resource allocation.
• Installer Application Overhaul: Our device installation app received a comprehensive update this year, making it easier to manage device installations, generate installation reports, and conduct auditing. This upgrade ensures that device installations are carried out smoothly and accurately, supporting a high level of service quality.

Vehicle Pool Booking Enhancements, Including On-Demand Booking

Managing a shared fleet just got easier with enhancements to Blackhawk’s vehicle pool booking system, now supporting on-demand booking for greater flexibility.

• Real-Time Availability and Booking: View vehicle availability in real-time, making it easy for users to book a vehicle when they need it and for fleet managers to track reservations.
• On-Demand Booking: Users can book available vehicles on-demand, allowing them to access resources immediately when needed and ensuring high vehicle utilization rates.
• Automated Usage Reports and Billing: Streamline cost allocation with automated usage reports, helping you manage expenses for each department or user based on vehicle utilization.

Compliance and Regional Updates

Blackhawk strives to remain compliant with regional regulations and align with industry best practices. In 2024, we implemented several updates to maintain compatibility with evolving standards.

• NZTA Updates: In line with the New Zealand Transport Agency’s (NZTA) pricing and billing updates, we enhanced our NZTA data synchronization services. NZTA Sync now supports custom sync schedules to optimize data usage, minimize charges, and ensure accurate, timely updates.

Looking Ahead

2024 was a year of significant progress for both Blackhawk and our NEEDME.com Platform as a Service, as we focused on creating a platform that is both powerful and easy to use. Each feature and enhancement we delivered was designed to help our customers manage their assets more effectively, streamline their processes, and make smarter, data-driven decisions.

As we look toward 2025, we are excited to continue building on this momentum with even more transformative features and enhancements. Our commitment to innovation and customer-centricity will drive us as we introduce new capabilities that empower businesses to reach new heights.

Stay tuned for more updates, and thank you for being a part of our journey!