How a Single-Screen On-Board Computer Unifies Dispatch, Maps and Messaging
- November 3, 2025
- 4:30 pm
In many fleets, drivers still juggle multiple devices: one smartphone for navigation, another display for job dispatch, plus different tools for messages and notes. The result is a cluttered cockpit, constant app-switching, and higher distraction.
A safer and more efficient approach is to use a single-screen vehicle-mounted computer that centralises all critical information in front of the driver.
In the Digitax ecosystem, this role is covered by our on-board tablet MDTs and in-vehicle rugged tablets – such as ATOMO-10 MDT, X-One Android, X-One Plus, ForceOne Navigator and M1 MDT – integrated with modern dispatch and fleet management platforms. Together, they give drivers one unified interface for dispatch, maps and messaging on the same screen.
1 .Why a single screen makes the difference
When fleets rely on multiple consumer devices in the cabin, they often face:
- Higher distraction – drivers look at different displays and apps just to manage one trip.
- Slower workflows – accepting a job, reading notes and starting navigation means jumping between apps.
- Longer training – every app behaves differently and needs its own onboarding.
- Limited durability – phones and consumer tablets are not designed for heat, vibration and 24/7 duty.
Consequently, automotive-grade Digitax devices are designed precisely to bring dispatch, navigation and communication together on one display. They are mounted securely in the cockpit, are built for professional vehicles, and can stay connected to the control centre around the clock.
Digitax ATOMO 10 MDT — advanced Android Mobile Data Terminal for fleet and transport applications
Operator using the atomo 10 mdt inside a waste collection truck for route management and fleet coordination.
TABLE of CONTENTS
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Why a single screen makes the differenceWhy a single screen makes the difference
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Digitax all-in-one MDTs: the driver’s single-screen consoleDigitax all-in-one MDTs: the driver’s single-screen console
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Everyday workflows on a Digitax all-in-one MDTEveryday workflows on a Digitax all-in-one MDT
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How connected platforms link drivers, dispatch and mapsHow connected platforms link drivers, dispatch and maps
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Smart Box, Device Track and Driving Merit: the extended Digitax ecosystemSmart Box, Device Track and Driving Merit: the extended Digitax ecosystem
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Integration with ticketing and all-in-one driver consolesIntegration with ticketing and all-in-one driver consoles
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What the driver actually sees: a typical workflowWhat the driver actually sees: a typical workflow
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Benefits for operators and system integratorsBenefits for operators and system integrators
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Moving towards a unified in-vehicle experienceMoving towards a unified in-vehicle experience
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FAQFAQ
2. Digitax all-in-one MDTs: the driver’s single-screen console
In the Digitax architecture, our all-in-one Mobile Data Terminals are the central hub of every connected vehicle – effectively, the driver’s single-screen console. Whether it is an ATOMO-10 MDT, an X-One Android unit or another rugged in-vehicle computer, the goal is always the same: bring every key function onto one safe, automotive-grade screen.
Digitax describes devices like X-One Android and X-One Plus as industrial-grade, automotive-compliant ALL IN ONE mobile data terminals – that is, all-in-one vehicle-mounted computers in a single housing. The touch display, computing unit, connectivity and I/O are integrated in one rugged body. There is no separate ‘black box plus display’; instead, the driver interacts with one compact, all-in-one MDT computer mounted in the cabin.
3. Everyday workflows on a Digitax all-in-one MDT
Digitax describes devices like X-One Android and X-One Plus as industrial-grade, automotive-compliant ALL IN ONE mobile data terminals – that is, all-in-one vehicle-mounted computers in a single housing. The touch display, computing unit, connectivity and I/O are integrated in one rugged body. There is no separate ‘black box plus display’; instead, the driver interacts with one compact, all-in-one MDT computer mounted in the cabin.
On this all-in-one on-board computer, drivers can:
- receive and manage job assignments and status updates in real time;
- follow guided navigation from pickup to destination without switching devices;
- read and send structured messages to the control centre using simple, touch-optimised workflows.
In addition, some Digitax devices integrate certified functions in the same all-in-one body. For instance, M1 MDT is a driver computer with integrated taximeter and display that can be installed on the rear-view mirror, while ForceOne Navigator offers a compact vehicle-mounted terminal with optional built-in certified taximeter.
If you need a full introduction to what a Mobile Data Terminal (MDT) is and how the technology evolved, you can read our guide ‘What is a Mobile Data Terminal (MDT)?’ and then come back to this article to see how these devices enable a true single-screen experience for drivers.
To get a full introduction to what a Mobile Data Terminal (MDT) is and how it works, read our guide
4. How connected platforms link drivers, dispatch and maps
Behind the in-vehicle devices, a cloud-based dispatch and fleet management platform coordinates rides and vehicles. Typically, it:
receives and organises trip requests;
allocates jobs intelligently to vehicles;
communicates with MDTs and other vehicle-mounted computers via modern channels (GPRS, 4G, internet, VoIP);
provides real-time monitoring, queue management and advanced statistics.
Because Digitax MDTs and rugged in-vehicle computers are designed to integrate with modern dispatch and fleet management platforms, the driver can see job assignments, navigation and messaging in a single, consistent interface, instead of stitching together unrelated apps.
Digitax X-ONE Android MDT in-vehicle mounted, navigation and fare display
Driver using the digitax x-one android mdt mounted on the dashboard showing navigation map and fare information in traffic
5. Smart Box, Device Track and Driving Merit: the extended Digitax ecosystem
Moreover, if an operator prefers to use a smartphone or tablet instead of an all-in-one in-vehicle device, the Digitax Smart Box is the ideal hardware bridge: it connects the vehicle to the Digitax ecosystem and to the dispatch and fleet management platform, while the phone or tablet simply becomes the driver’s single-screen interface.
For operators who need full visibility and control over their assets, the Digitax Fleet Tracking & Management System (Device Track) adds real-time GPS monitoring, status information for Digitax devices, and detailed historical reports on trips, shifts and vehicle activity. This allows fleet managers to supervise operations centrally, optimise resource usage and improve overall service quality.
To further enhance safety and passenger comfort, the Digitax Driving Merit System analyses driving behaviour in real time, detecting events such as harsh acceleration, braking, cornering or impacts. These events can be reported to back-office systems for advanced analysis, rankings and coaching programmes, helping operators promote safer and smoother driving styles across their fleet.
6. Integration with ticketing and all-in-one driver consoles
In public transport and advanced mobility projects, Digitax extends the single-screen logic to ticketing and validation.
ATOMO-10 ETS is described as a configurable and modular ALL IN ONE system for ticketing: it includes driver console, ticket validator and printer in a single integrated Android platform. ATOMO-7 validator is a 7″ Android contactless validator that can be combined with ATOMO-10 MDT or ATOMO-10 ETS to build modular onboard configurations.
Within the Digitax Contactless Validation Technology framework, ATOMO-10 ETS is presented as an all-in-one driver console with integrated ticket validation, reinforcing the concept of a single on-board unit – or on-board computer – where screen, processing and validation are combined.
As a result, this modular ecosystem allows operators to design vehicles where dispatch, navigation, messaging and ticketing are all coordinated across a family of compatible all-in-one devices.
Digitax M1 MDT driver terminal
Digitax M1 MDT rearview mirror mounted driver terminal with integrated taximeter gps and touchscreen fleet interface
To understand the role of MDTs within fully connected fleets, take a look at our article on
How to improve fleet efficiency and reduce downtime with Digitax connected solutions
7. What the driver actually sees: a typical workflow
Imagine a driver starting their shift with a Digitax all-in-one MDT installed on the dashboard or mirror. In practice, the device acts as a single-screen vehicle-mounted computer for the entire shift.
- Login & availability
The driver logs into the MDT and sets status to ‘available’.
- Job reception on a single screen
The dispatch and fleet management platform assigns a job and the MDT displays pickup point, time, and notes. The driver confirms with a single tap, without leaving the main interface.
- Navigation without changing device
Once accepted, the vehicle-mounted computer shows the navigation view, guiding the driver to pickup and destination. The same screen still shows key job data and status.
- Messaging layered on top of maps
Dispatch can send instructions (‘Use entrance B’, ‘Change destination’) as text messages. These appear as non-intrusive banners or panels, so the driver can read them without leaving the map.
- Job completion and data sync
At the end of the trip, the driver updates the job status. Data is synchronised with the dispatch and fleet management platform and, when integrated, with taximeter or ticketing systems for reporting, billing and analytics.
Throughout this workflow, the driver is always interacting with a single all-in-one device – not a pile of loosely connected screens.
8. Benefits for operators and system integrators
By consolidating dispatch, maps and messaging onto a single Digitax all-in-one MDT – or rugged in-vehicle computer – operators gain:
- Improved safety – fewer devices and fewer distractions in the driver’s field of view.
- Higher productivity – faster reaction to jobs and changes, with less time lost switching between screens or apps.
- Better data quality – jobs, routes, messages and ticketing events are recorded in one ecosystem.
- Smarter fleet monitoring & driver coaching – with the Digitax Fleet Tracking & Management System (Device Track) and the Digitax Driving Merit System, operators can analyse trips, events and driving behaviour to support safety, incentive and training programmes.
- Simpler installation & maintenance – all-in-one units reduce wiring, mounting points and compatibility issues compared to separate black boxes and displays.
- Easier integration – the Digitax SDK and Smart Box enable custom applications and links to third-party systems, keeping a single driver interface whether you use an MDT computer or a smartphone-based setup.
- Scalability over time – fleets can start with dispatch + navigation and later add ticketing, payment and advanced analytics without changing the basic in-vehicle terminal.
9. Moving towards a unified in-vehicle experience
By equipping vehicles with Digitax all-in-one Mobile Data Terminals and in-vehicle rugged tablets – essentially, a family of vehicle-mounted computers – integrated with your dispatch and fleet management platforms and, when needed, with ticketing and validation systems like ATOMO-10 ETS and ATOMO-7, fleets can turn the MDT into the central control hub of the vehicle. This reduces complexity for drivers and gives operators full visibility over their operations, from real-time monitoring and ticketing to driving behaviour analytics.
Digitax mobile data terminals installed on fleet vehicles, showcasing the full range of multi-peripheral on-board solutions
Digitax offers a complete range of professional Mobile Data Terminals — from ATOMO to X-One — delivering smart connectivity, reliability, and real-time control for every fleet application.
If you’re still deciding between rugged hardware and consumer tablets, don’t miss our guide on
10. FAQ
The most effective solution is to use an all-in-one vehicle-mounted computer, such as a Digitax Mobile Data Terminal, integrated with your dispatch and fleet management platform. The MDT becomes the central driver console where job assignments, navigation and messages are displayed together on one automotive-grade screen.
“All-in-one” means that the touch display, processor, connectivity modules and I/O interfaces are integrated in a single rugged housing. Devices like X-One Android and X-One Plus are industrial-grade all-in-one MDT computers and vehicle-mounted terminals: there is no separate black box plus external display, which simplifies installation and improves reliability.
Yes. In public transport, all-in-one systems such as ATOMO-10 ETS integrate driver console, ticket validator and printer into a single Android platform. Combined with ATOMO-7 validators, they allow operators to centralise dispatch, navigation and contactless ticketing within the same Digitax ecosystem.
An all-in-one MDT reduces cabling, mounting points and compatibility issues, while offering a clean, single-screen interface for the driver. It is automotive-compliant, rugged and designed for continuous operation, unlike consumer tablets that may fail under heat, vibration or power surges.
Yes. Using the Digitax SDK, system integrators can develop or adapt applications for dispatch, navigation and messaging, integrate third-party platforms, and still keep a single coherent interface on an all-in-one MDT or vehicle-mounted computer. If an operator prefers to use a smartphone or tablet instead of an all-in-one in-vehicle device, they can connect it via the Digitax Smart Box hardware bridge so the phone or tablet becomes the driver’s single-screen interface.
