Continental Commercial Specialty Tires (CST) unveiled a new telematics solution at TOC: the ContiFlexBox. It complements the successful ContiPressureCheck™ tire pressure monitoring system, by collecting and deploying tire- and vehicle-referenced data, and forwarding it on to a central server. This new addition expands Continentals comprehensive product portfolio to include a telematics solution for the efficient management of vehicle fleets. The ContiFlexBox will be suitable for use in vehicles operating in a huge range of different industrial sectors. In particular port operations, where fast loading times and short downtimes times are vital, the new telematics system provides many advantages including minimizing costly tire and vehicle damage. The combined system, comprising of the ContiFlexBox and ContiPressureCheck™, will be available from 2016.

“Telematics rank among the growth drivers in port logistics. Efficient analysis and utilization of data enable fleet managers to optimize their processes and reduce their operating costs”, explains Julian Alexander, Business Line Manager Material Handling at Continental CST. “With our new combined package, the ContiFlexBox and ContiPressureCheck™, we will offer our customers a tailored system that synergizes the measurement of tire data with telematic capabilities to optimum effect, and ideally supplements our unique port tire portfolio.”

ContiFlexBox: the intelligent solution for all vehicle fleets

The ContiFlexBox is mounted in the driver’s cab of a vehicle, and powered via the engine’s ignition. The ContiPressureCheck™ tire pressure monitoring system provides automatic collection of data on tire pressure and temperature using sensors placed inside the tire. A GPS signal in the ContiFlexBox will enable additional vehicle-referenced data to be measured, like deployment duration and current location. Via WLAN, Bluetooth or GSM, all information can be transmitted to a central server for analysis and editing.
Fleet managers can then use the vehicle data collected to increase the efficiency of their fleet management operations. Data stored in the system is protected with individual access rights.

Efficient fleet management

From an individual vehicle to an entire fleet: with the new telematics solution, fleet managers, drivers and the maintenance team are kept continuously informed of relevant tire- and vehicle-referenced data. Provisions will also be made for forwarding the data to mobile terminals like tablets or mobile phones. This will allow drivers, technicians and fleet managers to be alerted by SMS or email when the air pressure has to be corrected. This reduces downtime since the risk of tire damage is minimized, and the workload involved in regular, time-intensive maintenance is lessened. As a result fleet operators are able to increase the efficiency of their fleets and significantly downsize their operating costs. At the same time, the environmental impact is reduced, thanks to lower CO2 emissions and a lengthier useful lifetime of the tires. Another advantage of the new telematics system, comprising of the ContiFlexBlox and ContiPressureCheck™, is the simple installation procedure, which will be handled by a team of experienced technicians, ensuring fast deployment and minimized downtime in daily operations. The tire pressure monitoring system is, moreover, compatible with tubeless tires from all manufacturers’ brands, and for vehicles of every size, rendering it exceptionally versatile – the latter also applies for the ContiFlexBox.

Coniglio was hired in 2000 by the Port District after a 13-year private sector career in real estate development and real estate portfolio management. During her tenure at the Port, she has been promoted six times, having started in the Real Estate Department as a Senior Asset Manager.

“Randa is a focused, diligent and highly creative leader who consistently delivers strong outcomes,” explained Port Chairman Dan Malcolm. “This, combined with her track record in gaining the trust of stakeholders, achieving consensus and maintaining long-term, mutually beneficial relationships truly set her apart as the best candidate for this position.”

Port staff’s accomplishments under Coniglio’s leadership are extensive with highlights that include entitling the 500-acre Chula Vista Bayfront Master Plan in 2012; successfully obtaining a unanimous approval vote from the California Coastal Commission for a $700 million San Diego Convention Center expansion; facilitating the opening of The Headquarters shopping facility, which transformed the old San Diego Police Headquarters into a bustling retail center; and securing a 25-year lease renewal to Dole Fresh Fruit. She has been a driving force on the executive team that turned around a budget deficit in FY 2011-2012 and delivered a $12 million surplus in FY 2013-2014.

Coniglio is expected to assume her duties as President and CEO on June 12. The move would make her the first woman CEO in the Port’s 52-year history. “I am so honored to have been selected as the Port of San Diego’s next President and CEO,” said Coniglio. “We have such great momentum right now on a ariety of fronts. I am very fortunate to have this opportunity at a time when here is so much positive energy around the Port’s projects and nitiatives.”

Some of the ort’s more predominate projects include starting construction on the Chula Vista Bayfront project, examining the redevelopment viability of Harbor Island once the rental car agencies relocate to the consolidated facility on Pacific Highway, exploring opportunities for the Pond 20 site, and continuing the world-class improvements along San Diego’s North Embarcadero with the opening of two new hotels in the coming years.

The Port is also moving forward with modernizing Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal to improve operations and capacity, and is studying the optimization of the National City Marine Terminal to determine ideal maritime and commercial compatibilities. Work will also continue on expanding cruise business at the Port.

Also in the works is the Port’s Integrated Planning initiative, the agency’s 50-year long-range visioning plan that examines how the Port, San Diego Bay and the tidelands affect the entire region, including land and water uses and critical upland links. “The Port of San Diego’s opportunities are vast,” continued Coniglio. “In order to seize on these, we must focus clearly, be nimble and continue to work collaboratively with our stakeholders. I’m excited to lead that charge.”

John Bolduc, who has been the Port’s acting CEO since July 2014, will continue to serve on the executive leadership team.

“Chief Bolduc has done a truly remarkable job guiding this organization over the past year,” continued Chairman Malcolm. “He sharpened the agency’s focus during a time of great transition and continued moving key projects forward. We could not be more grateful for his work and his continued dedication to the executive leadership group and the Port of San Diego.”

“I fully support the Board of Port Commissioner’s decision to promote Randa Coniglio to the position of President and CEO,” said Bolduc. “Having worked with Randa for the last five years, I know her to be a leader with impeccable integrity, personal skill, and intelligence. She will be a great choice for this important position.”