UK Vehicle Tracking News Online

Potential of in-vehicle telematics untapped

2010-06-28T15:48:49.124+01:00

Ranging from satellite navigation systems to hand held computers, electronic diaries or cold store sensors, the potential of in-vehicle telematics has failed to be tapped.So says the National Transport Commission (NTC) which has risen to the challenge by releasing a draft strategy aimed at promoting the national regulation of in-vehicle telematics - or ‘smart technology’ used in the road freight sector.While some in-vehicle telematics work has been undertaken in specific areas of regulation such as vehicle access for Higher Mass Limit vehicles for example, or fatigue, speed and mass compliance, there is no overarching policy to drive consistency between these and potential new responses.“The road freight sector has traditionally relied on paper-based systems to manage truck speed, fatigue and mass compliance risks,” says NTC Senior Manager Safety Dr Jeff Potter.“As the industry invests in technology-based systems, an opportunity exists to integrate their use for regulatory and compliance management purposes.”Potter says the NTC strategy, developed in consultation with government, unions and industry, aims to create an environment where ‘real time’ information can be routinely shared between parties in the supply chain to improve efficiencies.“For example, the customer or warehouse can track deliveries in real time so they are ready to unload when the truck arrives,” Potter says.“The proposed introduction of common information technology standards and platforms will encourage this type of sharing of information along the supply chain.”“As well as improved business efficiencies, technology can improve road safety by assisting in the management of compliance with fatigue and speed regulations.“It can also play a role in reducing the environmental impact of the carbon economy by using vehicles and infrastructure more effectively.”Despite the benefits of the technology, uptake has been slow among smaller companies. However, Dr Potter says consistent policy will provide the confidence smaller players need to make the required investment.“The strategy proposes that some common information technology platforms and standards be introduced to address the current barriers which prevent smaller operators taking part,” he says.“If a national strategy is adopted, the NTC believes more businesses, including smaller operators, will be encouraged to invest because there will be clear and consistent government policy in this area.Potter admits government’s role in influencing technology uptake for regulatory purposes is potentially contentious, especially given the complexity and financial impact of implementing new or upgrading existing in-vehicle technology.“There are also concerns about the equity of enforcement, privacy and the regulatory burden that might result should new policy be introduced,” Potter says.Nevertheless, Potter maintains national regulation should facilitate in-vehicle telematics uptake for the broader benefit of the economy, society and the environment.“A national strategy will provide a clear and consistent policy and industry the confidence it needs to invest in these technologies,” he says.“The implementation of a national in-vehicle telematics strategy for the road freight sector, supported by industry and government, would help to drive the transition to the wider use of technology for the benefit of all Australians.” Source: Supply Chain Review Before you invest in a Vehicle Tracking System, please visit What are Vehicle Telematics and Vehicle Tracking? , on the UK Telematics Online website, for free and impartial advice and information. [...]

Garmin’s Out for a Run with Updated Astro GPS Dog Tracking Collar

2010-06-28T15:28:19.746+01:00

What's that Lassie? Timmy's fallen down a well? Go find him, and we'll use GPS tracking to get some helicopter rescue out there right away!  GPS maker Garmin International has announced its DC 40 tracking collar, an update to its Astro Dog Tracking Collar popular amongst hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, and dog trainers. The new DC40 is mounted on an orange polyurethane collar strap, and the GPS “puck” that used to be on top of the collar is now integrated into the collar’s housing, which means the system can be used with most e-collar receivers on the market without requiring two collars. The new DC 40 also features a PIN-based collar lock—so other people can’t easily track your dogs—and support for up to ten dogs per receiver. “The refinements that are found in the new DC 40 are the result of feedback from hunters and trainers,” said Garmin worldwide sales VP Dan Bartel, in a statement  “The new collar is more convenient and more durable than ever.” The DC40 is intended to enable owners to monitor a dog’s location and activity—even in dense growth—at distances up to seven miles. The system is simple to set up—the collar and receiver just need to acquire a GPS signal and they’re good to go—and do not require a subscription plan or any additional setup. Each receiver can track up to 10 dogs; the DC 40 collar runs on a rechargeable battery that should last for 17 to 48 hours, while they receiver runs on two AA batteries. Both the collars and the receivers are waterproof; the collars now feature a smooth design that doesn’t have nooks and recesses where mud and gunk can accumulate, and the collars also have an LED charge indicator that blinks when the collar battery is running low. Both the collar and the receiver are waterproof.   Owners can load maps into the Astro receiver using a microSD slot, enabling to see where dogs have been. Hunters will also appreciate the ability to note locations and times where dogs found game. Detailed 24K topographic maps are available, and optional road map data can provide directions to motels, gas stations, eateries…and vets. The Astro dog tracking system comes with an Astro receiver and a DC 40 wireless transmitter collar for $599.99.  Additional collars are available for $249.99. Source: Digital Trends Before you invest in a Vehicle Tracking System, please visit What are Vehicle Telematics and Vehicle Tracking? , on the UK Telematics Online website, for free and impartial advice and information. [...]

Telematics to Experience New Growth Phase

2010-06-28T14:57:03.376+01:00

The market for factory-fitted telematics systems has been growing steadily over the last decade but a recent report from IMS Research finds that this market is about to enter a new and more dynamic growth phase. The report, "The World Market for OE In-Vehicle Telematics Systems," forecasts that all major manufacturers will sell an increasing proportion of their vehicles with these systems during the next decade.  Globally, the percentage of new vehicles fitted with telematics is forecast to grow from 9% in 2009 to 46% in 2017. However, the types of telematics system offered and the applications they provide will differ greatly between manufacturers. The term "telematics" can mean slightly different things to different people and there is no consistent industry definition. IMS Research defines it as integrated, two-way data communications between the vehicle and an outside network, that is often associated with vehicle location. According to report author, Jon Cropley, "Telematics is an umbrella term that covers many different solutions from the Toyota G-Book, to Mercedes' mbrace and GM's OnStar. What they each share in common is that they employ wireless technology to connect in-vehicle entertainment and information systems to outside networks. In doing so, they enhance the driving experience or offer additional functionality." The report estimates that General Motors sold the most vehicles with factory-fitted telematics systems globally in 2009 at 2.2 million vehicles. One difference between the various telematics solutions is the applications they provide. Applications that are driving the fitment of factory-fitted telematics include emergency calling, stolen vehicle tracking, and, perhaps most excitingly, Internet access. Cropley continues "In-vehicle internet access could lead to a wide range of interesting new services. Examples include weather reports for your destination and having your emails read aloud to you while driving." Globally, IMS Research forecasts that the number of new vehicles with internet access will grow from 1.1 million in 2009 to 6.0 million in 2017. Source: IMS Research (www.imsresearch.com) is a supplier of market research and consultancy services on a wide range of global electronics markets. The company headquarters is in Wellingborough, UK with offices in Austin, Texas and Shanghai, China. IMS Research regularly publishes detailed research on Automotive markets, among others. Before you invest in a Vehicle Tracking System, please visit What are Vehicle Telematics and Vehicle Tracking? , on the UK Telematics Online website, for free and impartial advice and information. [...]

FleetMatics launches GPS Vehicle Tracking System 7.0

2010-06-18T18:41:30.829+01:00

FleetMatics has launched the latest version of its highly acclaimed GPS software – the FleetMatics GPS Vehicle Tracking System 7.0. “With new features previously unavailable in the market and improved functionality, FleetMatics 7.0 further establishes our position not only as a leader in the GPS fleet tracking market, but also as a true innovator,” said Derek Bryan, FleetMatics. “Our continuing efforts to enhance our software and invest in development prove our strong commitment to helping businesses with vehicle fleets gain control over costs and performance.” The cornerstone of the new release is Panoramic Reporting. This data mining tool gives customers the capability to analyse the idling time, mileage, speed and engine on-time for every vehicle tracked since installing FleetMatics GPS. Customers can use this data to determine the full impact of GPS on their business and quantitatively compare employee performance. “Panoramic Reporting is a feature unique to FleetMatics 7.0 and unique to the market. It gives our customers more control than ever over productivity and allows them to quickly identify cost leakage,” said Derek Bryan. “And this is just one of the many improvements we offer so customers can achieve real results for their companies.” Another enhancement in FleetMatics 7.0 is the launch of FleetMatics Mobile. Users can now track their fleet from most Internet-enabled mobile devices. Anytime, anywhere access to fleet performance allows for on-the-fly dispatch changes and immediate reaction to improper vehicle usage. Other FleetMatics 7.0 enhancements include the ability to watch the route replay of any vehicle journey from any report with one click, immediate tracking of any vehicle mentioned in a report, instant emailing of any report to multiple recipients, the ability to see every vehicle that goes to a specific location and new alerts when a power take-off (PTO) is in use. Source: Fleet News 16/06/10 Before you invest in a Vehicle Tracking System, please visit What are Vehicle Telematics and Vehicle Tracking? , on the UK Telematics Online website, for free and impartial advice and information. [...]

Chelk LLC offers the FS Strela, providing high precision capacitive fuel level sensors

2010-06-28T15:05:49.573+01:00

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UK satellite navigation competition opens

2010-06-11T19:59:25.904+01:00

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Submit your Vehicle Tracking and Telematics related articles and news content.

2010-06-11T19:02:58.951+01:00

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Trakm8 secures Jewson agreement as performance levels keep improving

2010-06-11T18:53:37.261+01:00

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Wastequip Builds Electronic Monitoring Devices into Waste Collection Units

2010-06-11T18:48:48.327+01:00

Wastequip announced that it is installing radio frequency identification devices (RFID) into its Toter residential and commercial waste collection units. The RFID technology tracks containers and integrates with comprehensive automated vehicle locator software designed to increase the efficiency and the quality of waste collection. “RFID devices attached to waste collection units open up a wide array of opportunities to enhance efficiency, improve customer service and introduce new features and benefits for customers,” says Jim Pickett, vice president of municipal sales with Toter, a division of Wastequip. The RFID technology from Wastequip has been integrated into automated vehicle locator software from DesertMicro, which includes Global Positioning System (GPS)-based vehicle tracking, computerized vehicle monitoring, as well as automated monitoring of vehicle performance sensors. The integrated system provides waste collection companies with powerful new management tools. “The Smartway III RFID system is moving waste collection automation beyond route optimization. Smartway III users are servicing more customers, in less time, with greater accuracy. This is a very attractive combination for any waste and recycling program,” says Barry Grahek, president of DesertMicro.  “A low cost RFID on each container improves efficiency by automating service verification while tracking these assets in the field.  Combining this with a route optimization system, and GPS vehicle tracking, along with the customer management database, and you have measurable improvements across many areas.” Source: Recycling Today 06/07/10 Before you invest in a Vehicle Tracking System, please visit What are Vehicle Telematics and Vehicle Tracking? , on the UK Telematics Online website, for free and impartial advice and information. [...]

Aplicom releases an advanced vehicle telematics device, which uses both GPS and GLONASS positioning systems

2010-06-11T18:39:18.846+01:00

Aplicom is one of the first manufacturers to launch a vehicle telematics unit combining GPS and GLONASS positioning systems. A product, such as the launched A5 GLX, which uses both positioning systems, always has more satellites available to it than a device only connecting to either positioning system. Four or more satellites are needed to gain 3D location information, so the more satellites there are to connect to, the quicker and more reliable the connection is. Enabling positioning immediately in mission critical operations, A5 GLX supports also A-GNSS. This allows the first fix within seconds from the start-up. The A5 GLX unit is designed for professional applications where driver information and vehicle data is utilized. The unit combines advanced GPS/GLONASS tracking with complete telematics functionality. It can be connected to FMS CAN to gain valuable vehicle data and is also compatible with Garmin navigators for fleet management. With A5 GLX driver identification tools are available as well as accurate mileage information. The provided voice call interface offers an effective and safe way of communication between the office and the driver. A5 GLX has a rugged design suitable for even the most demanding and difficult environments. It is targeted especially for public safety solutions, value transportation services and military applications. The GPRS communication can be extended with CDMA, Iridium or long range Bluetooth networks to provide a redundant communication solution. As GLONASS now have reached global coverage with their satellites, a tracking product supporting both GPS and GLONASS positioning solutions allows a remarkably higher level of reliability. This opens new markets for telematics applications and strongly influences the penetration rate of telematics, especially in those countries and segments, where relying on only one positioning solution is a security risk. The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a space-based, global navigation satellite system maintained by the United States government. GLONASS (GLObal NAvigation Satellite System) is a similar system operated by the Russian Space Forces for the Russian government.  Source: Aplicom Press Release Before you invest in a Vehicle Tracking System, please visit What are Vehicle Telematics and Vehicle Tracking? , on the UK Telematics Online website, for free and impartial advice and information. [...]

Submit your Vehicle Tracking and Telematics related articles and news content.

2010-06-06T23:44:20.978+01:00

UK Telematics Online welcomes news submissions from Vehicle Telematics and Vehicle Tracking product or service related manufacturers and providers.  If you would like to send in a press release or news item for publication, please email:  news@uktelematicsonline.co.uk   Please include a title, brief description and article text upto 350 words. Your submitted article can contain two hyperlinks.  Submitted News items and articles will appear on both the UK Telematics Online website and related blogs.  All submissions are published at the discretion of the Editor and are subject to the editorial policy of UKTelematicsOnline. The UK Telematics online News submission is a free service.  All I ask in return for publishing your news content, is for you to publish a link to UK Telematics Online (“Follow” Tagged) on your website.  Just ask your webmaster to copy and paste the HTML code below. This is mutually beneficial Search Engine Optimisation.  Thank you. 

UK Telematics Online: Free, impartial information and advice relating to Vehicle Tracking and Vehicle Telematics

Before you invest in a Vehicle Tracking System, please visit What are Vehicle Telematics and Vehicle Tracking? , on the UK Telematics Online website, for free and impartial advice and information. [...]

Global provider of vehicle tracking and fleet management solutions migrates UK SIMs to Wireless Logic

2010-06-06T23:47:49.564+01:00

MiX Telematics chooses Wireless Logic to provide fixed IP connectivity, superior data diagnostics, SLA security and improved cost control to aid innovation in 2010  London 24th February 2010 - International telematics company, MiX Telematics, has migrated its UK base of SIMs to Wireless Logic's fully managed, fixed IP connectivity service, in a bid to improve control over the usage and cost of each connection and to allow the company, for the first time, to analyse the performance, procurement and activation of its SIM base via Wireless Logic's ‘ManageNet’ platform and ‘SIMPRO’ provisioning system. MiX Telematics provides fleet management solutions, including vehicle tracking and stolen vehicle recovery, using predominantly Orange SIM cards, embedded within the company's range of on-board computers. Procurement of SIMs for its estate via the network operator involved a cumbersome ordering and activation process. Steve Coffin, Marketing Director, MiX Telematics comments: "As our customers and the number of mobile assets we track and protect increased, we realised our SIM procurement, management and security model had to change. Each SIM had to be ordered and activated manually which meant potential delays before we could deploy a unit; we now use SIMPRO which allows us to automatically order and activate SIMs ourselves, and gives us visual access to our  SIM estate 24/7. "Our clients also required the security and reliability of a private APN and so Wireless Logic's APN complements our own Datatrak network by offering us the reliability and security of fixed IP connectivity - something our customers expect." MiX Telematics is now using Wireless Logic's ManageNet platform to extract a deeper level of performance and behaviour data, enabling them to make significant cost savings via usage reduction and streamlining, and opening the door to the development of a new generation of 'smart' products in 2010. MiX Telematics worked with Wireless Logic on a competitive data tariff which better suited the needs of the company and its customers as it continues its expansion plans into Europe. MiX Telematics can now access a competitive Orange tariff through Wireless Logic. As the country’s largest mobile aggregator within the M2M market, Wireless Logic can provide a single point of contact, singular billing, and pan-network Service Level Agreements (SLA’s) giving clients total flexibility and confidence when considering appropriate networks for their projects. Robust Service Level Agreements are not currently common with data connectivity contracts. Wireless Logic Consultant, Craig Hollingworth comments: "It's important to treat a data connectivity contract with as much reverence as any other corporate contract and to protect customers' interests with a formal agreement which guarantees excellent performance and service. As with any formal business agreement, customers demand assurance that their investment is safe and so providing a Service Level Agreement around airtime and connectivity should be no different." Wireless Logic’s investment into its own private network ‘ManageNet’ has continued throughout the year, with more clients adopting this platform to communicate securely with their SIM estates. The organisation has also evolved its dedicated provisioning and control panel – ‘SIMPRO’, which enables clients to activate/suspend and monitor data usage/performance in real time. Most recently, SIMPRO has incorporated a comprehensive SMS communication tool, giving clients added functionality and control over their SIM base. SIMPRO is internet based with no requirement for time-consuming software integration. Source: Mix Telematics - February 2010 Before you invest in a Vehic[...]

VTC 6200 PC is targeted at in-vehicle Surveillance applications.

2010-06-06T23:47:35.052+01:00

With increased concerns over security threats, organizations around the world are re-considering their security requirements and investing in additional resources to enhance operations. With this in mind, Nexcom’s popular VTC series has been extended with the launch of VTC 6200, a dedicated computing solution for in-vehicle surveillance systems. VTC 6200 utilizes the powerful video processing capability of the Intel® Pineview D processor which supports Dual Core technology. With PC1 104 and Mini PCIe Expansion VTC 6200 can be connected to a wide variety of PoE enabled devises such as IP camera and RFID reader. With the inclusion of video capture card, VTC 6200 is perfect platform for video surveillance or mobile VDR applications within vehicles such as trains, buses, boats and trams.  Constructed from only the finest Industrial Components, VTC 6200 is housed in a durable chassis which guarantees operation at temperatures between -30 to 60 degree C. Designed specifically to withstand the rigors of in-vehicle operation, the robust VTC 6200 is designed to meet IP65, MIL and e13 standards. In addition, VTC 6200 can be powered directly from a vehicles battery and is equipped with a “smart power” management feature which prevents data loss if power is disconnected. For applications that require data transfer and connectivity, VTC 6200 enables 3.5G, GSM/GPRS and WLAN connection. With PCI 104 and Mini-PCIe expansion, VCT 6200 will support additional expansion cards and connection to a wide variety of PoE enabled devices. Other features of this flexible in-vehicle PC include an onboard 1.6 Pineview D Dual Core CPU, Dual VGA output for in-vehicle infotainment applications, 2 x isolated RS-232 interfaces, Isolated GPIO and LAN connection.  VTC 6200 is just part of Nexcom’s ultra-reliable range of Mobile Computing Solutions which includes a variety of platforms designed for in-vehicle operation and the popular MRC Series of Semi-Rugged Tablet PC. Source: Nexcom -  March 2010 Before you invest in a Vehicle Tracking System, please visit What are Vehicle Telematics and Vehicle Tracking? , on the UK Telematics Online website, for free and impartial advice and information. [...]

Spirit gives JJ food for thought.

2010-06-06T23:47:18.954+01:00

Many companies that need to deliver items regularly have discovered that one of the key solutions to greater cost-effectiveness lies in the use of mobile computing devices.  In recent times, due to the added need to save costs, these have assumed even greater importance.  JJ Food Service is a prime example of a company that has saved time, trouble and costs by moving over to an automated data collection system – in this case, sourced by an independent consultancy, Spirit Data Capture Limited. JJ Food Service is the UK’s leading company specialising in food service delivery and collection.  Founded by its Managing Director, award-winning entrepreneur Mustafa Kiamil, the firm delivers a full range of foodstuffs from five distribution centres.  The company boasts one of the highest profit margins in the food sector. Some time ago, JJ Food Service decided to automate its methods for capturing a range of data relating to the truck-based deliveries it makes from its distribution centres.  Previously, most of this data collection had been carried out manually, using paper-based processes.  However, this proved to be a slow and cumbersome procedure. IT Manager, Rif Kiamil, explains: “We realised that our systems didn’t really show us what was happening in a key part of our company’s activities.  We wanted a better system that would provide us with real-time data relating to deliveries on the road.  We also wanted to improve the efficiency with which we picked and handled our stock  - and to boost our productivity in terms of the deliveries.” The company started looking at the options available.  One of its key criteria was to source equipment that would be really reliable.  “We’ve seen too many mobility projects fail as a result of poor and unreliable hardware and software,” says Rif.  Ultimately, their search led them to Spirit Data Capture, an independent consultancy that acts as a distributor for a range of leading brands. “Spirit were able to source some unique hardware offerings that no-one else in the UK could offer,” adds Rif.  One of these solutions was the M3 Sky from M3 Mobile – a fully-featured PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) that runs a version of Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.  The M3 Sky incorporates some impressive technology – including Bluetooth, GSM, GPS and GPRS.  Rif continues: “It offered us the reliability we were seeking, it was nice and compact and was competitively priced.” The new devices were subsequently given to all of JJ Food Services’ delivery drivers.  They are now being used for a wide variety of applications, ranging from proof of delivery and providing invoices at the point of delivery through to internal product auditing and stock checks.  They also enable the system to track the positions of each of the vehicles during deliveries and will eventually be used to help the drivers to navigate to their destination. Rif comments: ”Spirit supplied us with a complete hardware solution.  In addition to the M3 Sky devices, they provided Extech mobile printers, cases, chargers and various other accessories.  They also helped us to get the maximum benefit from the hardware and software and shared their in-depth knowledge of the Application Programming Interfaces and Software Development Kits for the devices.” The M3 Sky units have made a significant difference to the efficiency of JJ Food Service’s distribution operations.  The company has made considerable savings by increasing the effectiveness of how it loads and routes it vehicles, and through better stock control. Rif Kiamil concludes: “Thanks to the syst[...]

Spirit and Nortech set their sights on the education sector

2010-06-06T23:46:50.343+01:00

Spirit Data Capture Limited, the independent mobile computing and data capture consultancy, has joined forces with Nortech Network Services.  The two companies will support each other in providing network infrastructure and data capture services to educational establishments. Spirit and Nortech are both partners of Motorola, and both have existing clients within the educational sector.  They will now jointly target university campuses, colleges and large schools, with Nortech offering network infrastructure services and Spirit offering a range of mobile computing and barcode solutions. Nortech specialises in the design, installation and support of leading-edge network infrastructures.  It provides vendor-independent solutions throughout the UK - from small structured cabling installations to complex, unified voice and data networks. Spirit offers an extensive range of automated data capture solutions.  Those that are likely to be of most interest to the educational sector include the company’s Truancy Tracker; Asset Management; and Warehouse Stock Management systems. Kevin Thomas, Spirit’s Sales Director, comments: “We are delighted to be forging closer links with a company of Nortech’s calibre.  This will allow us to focus our activities more powerfully within the education sector, as we will be able to offer a comprehensive suite of different products and services.  This agreement between Spirit and Nortech builds upon both companies’ previous successes in this important market.” Perminder Bhara, a Director of Nortech Network Services, responds: “We are very excited to have been appointed as a Strategic Partner with Spirit, delivering wireless solutions into the education arena.  We will enjoy helping them to penetrate new market sectors in the UK.  We believe that education is a particularly exciting market and we are looking forward to exploring new business opportunities with Spirit.” Source: Spirit Data Capture - November 2009 Before you invest in a Vehicle Tracking System, please visit What are Vehicle Telematics and Vehicle Tracking? , on the UK Telematics Online website, for free and impartial advice and information. [...]

Vermillion MVT announce new pay as you go service

2010-06-06T23:45:42.203+01:00

Preston based vehicle tracking manufacturer Vermillion MVT today announced plans to implement a new flexible pricing structure for their Vehicle Tracking products as they look to increase their existing customer base. Currently Vehicle Tracking products from the firm are only available through contract but as they look to make their Vehicle Tracking products more accessible, a pay as you go facility has now been added to the list of payment options for clients. The Firm, which is part of SDS Technology Group, hope the move will appeal to smaller businesses who were deterred previously from entering into a contract especially in the current economic time. Vermillion view this flexible approach as a way to educate businesses of the benefits of vehicle tracking at an affordable price.  Similar to the pay as you go mobile structure, customers will be able to choose a payment facility that is tailored to their requirements so that they have full control over what vehicles they would like to track within their fleet and when. Vermillion who produce all the software and hardware for the product in-house, currently use Google maps which gives users a plethora of options in how they wish to follow their vehicles. Further functionality include the ability to help companies understand how to reduce their carbon emissions, fuel costs and improve duty of care for staff. The result is an essential tool for a business to become more profitable and efficient. The pay as you go system will also enable Vermillion to target companies which have smaller fleets and hence a tighter budget on technology solutions. Group director Andrew Hardman said that the move would enable businesses to access technology that will help a business run more effectively in these current economic times. Vehicle tracking and all its benefits he said, is now truly only a cost of a cup of tea a day. To find out more information on about the Pay as You Go pricing schedule, customers can go to Vermillion MVT’s website at www.vermillionmvt.co.uk or telephone 0845 467 7128.  Source Vermillion MVT - November 2009 Before you invest in a Vehicle Tracking System, please visit What are Vehicle Telematics and Vehicle Tracking? , on the UK Telematics Online website, for free and impartial advice and information. [...]

UK Telematics Online Welcomes News and Article submissions from Vehicle Tracking & Telematics Providers

2010-06-04T22:07:24.338+01:00

Submit your Vehicle Tracking & Telematics related articles and news content. UK Telematics Online welcomes news submissions from Vehicle Telematics and Vehicle Tracking product or service related manufacturers and providers.  If you would like to send in a press release or news item for publication, please email:  news@uktelematicsonline.co.uk   Please include a title, brief description and article text upto 350 words. Your submitted article can contain two hyperlinks.  Submitted News items and articles will appear on both the UK Telematics Online website and related blogs.  All submissions are published at the discretion of the Editor and are subject to the editorial policy of UKTelematicsOnline. The UK Telematics online News submission is a free service.  All I ask in return for publishing your news content, is for you to publish a link to UK Telematics Online (“Follow” Tagged) on your website.  Just ask your webmaster to copy and paste the HTML code below. This is mutually beneficial Search Engine Optimisation.  Thank you. 

UK Telematics Online: Free, impartial information and advice relating to Vehicle Tracking and Vehicle Telematics

  Before you invest in a Vehicle Tracking System, please visit What are Vehicle Telematics and Vehicle Tracking? , on the UK Telematics Online website, for free and impartial advice and information. [...]

Trafficmaster sold to US private equity for £73m

2010-06-04T17:41:18.956+01:00

Trafficmaster, the former dotcom darling vehicle tracking company, has been bought by a San Francisco-based private equity group for £73.2m.Vector Capital has agreed to pay Trafficmaster shareholders 47p a share, a 40pc premium to the average price over the three months before the announcement of the first approach on April 27. Shares in Trafficmaster, which also provides sat-nav systems with live traffic information, jumped 13.5pc to 46½p immediately after the announcement of the deal on Wednesday.The shares have almost doubled since the start of the year, but are still far short of the £11 they hit at the height of the dotcom bubble. The company had a paper value of more than £1bn in the summer of 1999.Tony Eales, chief executive of Trafficmaster, said: "This transaction will increase our financial and operational flexibility and will enable us to accelerate our development."Having a significant, long-term investor of Vector Capital's stature will allow us to further increase our capabilities and enhance the services we provide our customers. We believe this is a good deal for our shareholders, customers and employees and we look forward to working with the team at Vector to deliver our potential."Alan McWalter, Trafficmaster's chairman who will collect £47,000 from the deal, said; "This transaction secures significant value now for Trafficmaster shareholders, and outweighs the alternative that could be derived should the company continue to remain publicly quoted and to pursue its own growth and acquisition strategy."David Fishman, a partner at Vector Capital, said: "We believe Trafficmaster and Teletrac [its US fleet tracking subsidiary] will significantly benefit from the company being a private company."Trafficmaster claims that it can cut its clients operating costs by up to 30pc and has won large fleet contracts, including Ryder, the logistics business, and the US Department of Homeland Security. Article Source: Daily Telegraph 02/06/2010 Before you invest in a Vehicle Tracking System, please visit What are Vehicle Telematics and Vehicle Tracking? , on the UK Telematics Online website, for free and impartial advice and information. [...]

New requirements of Lone Worker Devices

2010-06-04T19:42:41.312+01:00

Guardian Lone Worker meets industry standards. The Preston-based technology firm, the SDS Technology Group, today announced that their lone worker solution Guardian has been redesigned to meet new lone worker device requirements published by the British Standards Institution with the aim of making Guardian much more effective.At the end of 2009, the British Standards Institution published the BS8484 code of practice for the provision of lone workers. This is a standard that covers the operation and requirements of a lone worker service provider in the UK. The BS8484 code of practice pertains to suppliers of lone worker device services, either for their own operations or to their customers. It provides the principles and operational procedures to be implemented by an alarm receiving centre so that controllers can validate activation messages received from lone worker devices and assist response services when reacting to requests for assistance from lone workers. BS8484 will also help to minimize the number of false alarms received by response services. The code of practice covers three main parts: a) requirements of a lone worker device, b) requirements of a lone worker alarm receiving centre, and c) requirements of a lone worker emergency response service.The BSI announced that the lone worker devices must fulfil 11 different requirements, including having the capability to initiate an audio connection to an alarm receiving centre, be remotely accessed by the controller, and have the means to minimise chances of accidental alarm activation.“Our Blackberry application currently conforms to all the 11 requirements published by the BSI and I believe we are the first and only UK lone worker provider to do so. We plan to make the Windows Mobile application to conform to the new requirements in the very near future”, says David Donnachie.The Guardian lone worker solution allows users to keep existing hardware and integrate the software to a designated device so that users only need to carry one device. This coupled with the Guardian Web Platform offers a highly detailed management of lone working deployments.Company director, Andrew Hardman, explains: “The new guidelines published by the BSI will have a significant impact on the current lone worker industry and we believe that it is essential that Guardian meets and complies with these standards”.  Press Release: SDS Technology Group Preston, Lancashire 2nd March 2010 Before you invest in Vehicle Tracking and Telematics , please visit What are Vehicle Telematics and Vehicle Tracking? on the UK Telematics Online Website for free and impartial advice and information. [...]

A precursor to a modern GPS Satellite Navigation Device - The Plus Fours Routefinder

2010-06-02T04:18:50.250+01:00

The latest satellite navigation systems, using global positioning via modules miles high in the sky may be considered cutting edge today but the concept is certainly not new. Their forerunner was devised almost a century ago in the guise of the Plus Fours Routefinder, which was designed to be worn on the wrist. It relied on little paper maps wound around wooden rollers, which the driver turned en route.  The tiny scrolls also showed the mileage and gave a stop instruction at the journey's end.  The device was intended to allow drivers to navigate around the UK but with so few cars on the roads it never really took off. Now consigned to the scrapyard of history, the Routefinder is one of many gadgets patented by inventors who were hoping to strike it rich with their bizarre contraptions. It is part of a collection of weird and wonderful inventions, all conceived between 1851 and 1951, which are on display at the British Library in London. Other gadgets include a clockwork burglar alarm, a candle blower-outer, a mechanical page turner and a skirt lifter, which used tongs fitted to women's waistbands to lift their trailing skirts clear of puddles. Before you invest in a  Vehicle Tracking and Telematics  system from a here today gone tomorrow supplier, do your research; please visit What are Vehicle Telematics and Vehicle Tracking? on the UK Telematics Online Website for free and impartial advice and information. [...]

Why should I use Vehicle Tracking ?

2010-06-02T04:17:52.289+01:00

Vehicle Tracking has potentially many uses throughout a business. For Fleet Management: If you are a fleet manager, Vehicle Tracking systems are invaluable in assisting you with planning your routes, working out dispatch and delivery timings. However it’s not all about fleet management and there are may other uses for Vehicle Tracking . For sales teams: If you run a team of field salespeople you may receive a call from a new prospect requesting a visit. You can check who is on the road and near to the prospect. If the salesperson is not familiar with the area you can provide them with directions. This improves productivity, reducing the amount of time spent driving and increasing the time spent with customers. For secure deliveries: If you transport valuable items it can be important to closely monitor the progress of the journey so you’re sure they’re not being diverted or subjected to unauthorized stops. This is important from a safety point of view and for insurance purposes as you can show all relevant precautions have been taken. For haulage companies: You may run haulage or logistics company that has a large number of trailers. Using Vehicle Tracking will allow you to know when vehicles reach their relevant destination and at what time. Where you receive a late request for delivery or pick-up, knowing vehicle location would allow you to divert a driver to get the job done. Field Service Engineers: If you run a field service management company, perhaps a fleet of repair or maintenance engineers, you could use the Vehicle Tracking service to plan schedules and customer visits. Where your company receives a late request from a customer who requires assistance you can check the system to see which or your engineers is the closest. Monitoring and protecting your driver Vehicle Tracking can study driver behaviour showing how efficiently the vehicle is being driven and this information can then be used in driver training to improve driver activity. Before you invest in Vehicle Tracking and Telematics , please visit What are Vehicle Telematics and Vehicle Tracking? on the UK Telematics Online Website for free and impartial advice and information. [...]

What is Vehicle Tracking ?

2010-06-02T04:16:59.933+01:00

Basically, a Vehicle Tracking system is a small electronic device installed in you car, commercial vehicle, HGV or plant equipment, which gives you or a tracking company, the ability to track the vehicle's location. Vehicle Tracking systems generally use Global Positioning System (GPS) to locate the vehicle. GPS Tracking products can track multiple vehicles at the same time and transmit the information directly to your computer in real time. It can tell you where the vehicle is, how fast it is travelling as well as whether the driver is revving the engine too much or how hard they are breaking etc; giving you the ability to work with the drivers to help modify driving techniques, to save on fuel consumption and wear and tear. With a GPS system it is important to remember that the vehicles are monitored by satellites circling the earth and they rely on line of sight, which means they have to be able to see the vehicle in order to track it. If the vehicle goes into a garage, tunnel or building the Vehicle Tracking system will not be able to let you know what the vehicle is doing. This is can also apply when vehicles are in a major built up area where the signal may be intermittent. To resolve these issues some Vehicle Tracking systems have both an active and passive tracking.. For companies where you are simply concerned about the vehicles being stolen, an RF Vehicle Tracking system could be an alternative to a GPS based system.  In an RF Vehicle Tracking systems, often referred to as a Vehicle Locator Unit (VLU), a small radio transceiver is installed in the vehicle. This remains inactive until it is reported that the vehicle is stolen or until the vehicle needs to be located. When this happens a signal is sent out to activate the VLU, this in turn sends out signals to local receivers which, depending on the type of VLU, will estimate from a few miles to a few hundred feet, the location of the vehicle. Vehicle location is shown on a computerised map which means relevant people (the police etc) can be directed to the position. With the aid of a mobile tracking device the exact location can be pinpoint even if the vehicles hidden in a garage. There are several types of Vehicle Tracking systems but they are usually categorised as either active or passive. Active Tracking Active tracking collects GPS location, vehicle speed, and direction as well as monitor events such as the turning on and off of the engine, the opening and closing of doors etc. This information is transmitted, in real-time, via cellular or satellite networks to a computer or data centre for evaluation. Passive Tracking Passive tracking devices will store the same information as the active tracking system. When the vehicle returns to base the device can either be taken out of the vehicle where you can transfer the data to your computer or some passive tracking systems can wirelessly transfer this data for evaluation. There are Vehicle Tracking devices which will combine both active and passive tracking capabilities. This is useful because if the cellular network is not available the active tracking system will switch to passive mode and the system will store the relevant data, then automatically download the information when the network is available again. Before you invest in Vehicle Tracking and Telematics , please visit What are Vehicle Telematics and Vehicle Tracking? on the UK Telematics Online Webs[...]

Vehicle Tracking Guide Summary.

2010-06-02T04:15:00.680+01:00

A Vehicle Tracking system gives your business the ability to track your vehicles location in real time predominately using GPS Tracking . You can use Vehicle Tracking to help with deliveries, the planning of your sales team, the schedules of your engineers. Vehicle Tracking will make your vehicles and their users more efficient, reducing cost and increasing productivity. Why would my business benefit from using Vehicle Tracking ? Vehicle Tracking can help reduce vehicle running costs by helping reduce fuel costs and making journeys more efficient  You can keep track of and manage your vehicle servicing requirements  Insurance companies will often offer reduced fleet insurance when you use Vehicle Tracking  With Vehicle Tracking you can start to manage driver productivity, keeping an eye on unscheduled stops and long breaks  You can keep your customers informed with regards to delivery times because you know where your vehicles are if they have vehicle tracking  You no longer have to call your drivers to find out where they are - you know their location from the system. You can train new drivers and maximise productivity by using information from your best performing drivers. With Vehicle Tracking all your driver information is available in one place so you are always aware of what's happening to your fleet. Before you invest in Vehicle Tracking and Telematics , please visit What are Vehicle Telematics and Vehicle Tracking? on the UK Telematics Online Website for free and impartial advice and information. [...]

Is the UK Vehicle Tracking industry in a state of flux?

2010-06-02T04:12:50.632+01:00

Some years ago, on my website UK Telematics Online, I warned potential buyers of Vehicle Tracking systems to be wary of buying vehicle tracking via fixed contract leasing agreements. I said at the time; Be aware that the Telematics Service Provider is often only the supplier of the goods; the actual rental agreement is often done through a third party. If you have problems with the product or service, you will not get a sympathetic hearing from the finance company if you decide to stop payments. For further advice on buying vehicle tracking systems, please visit the UK Telematics Online website. Many of the major players in the UK Vehicle Tracking sector have found the going difficult over recent months. Issues of increased competition, the economic downturn, and the lack of available credit for both SME's and the vehicle tracking industry in general, has contributed to the financial difficulties of all but a few of the so called "leading" vehicle tracking suppliers. Customers of a recent industry casualty, Globallive, were reportedly shocked to receive demands for an increase in payments from the new owners or risk having the service terminated, despite having originally signed what they thought were fixed period and fixed cost agreements. The new owners, Causeway, were likely caught between a rock and a hard place and felt they had little option but to increase the charges. Even so, these customers can hardly have been overjoyed at the new arrangement. Innovations such as Pay As You Go while welcomed by many, have been derided by some suppliers, perhaps keen to bolster a sales model, which while vital to their cash flow model, provides little or no security to the customer should the provider cease being able to deliver the service agreed. Once again, potential buyers of vehicle tracking need to pay special attention to the ability of the telematics service provider to continue delivering the vehicle tracking service throughout the term of any fixed period agreement. Before you invest in Vehicle Tracking and Telematics , please visit What are Vehicle Telematics and Vehicle Tracking? on the UK Telematics Online Website for free and impartial advice and information. [...]

What information do I need from a Vehicle Tracking company to make a decision?

2010-06-02T04:12:00.568+01:00

Before buying a Vehicle Tracking system you should consider exactly what you want it for and whether or not you need real time information. Once you understand your needs you need to find a supplier who provides a relevant solution. Some questions to ask your prospective Vehicle Tracking company: What is the coverage of their Vehicle Tracking system? Does it cover the whole country? Are there any particular black spots and if so where? If there are black spots will the tracking system retain any data and if so for how long? If your vehicles are likely to go abroad, would the system still track and if so what would be there be additional costs?  Who would be responsible for the technical support? What type of service level agreement do they offer, should something happen to the company you obtain the service from? These questions are important because most providers rent or lease their products and may be resellers.  What are the terms of the contract? They can range from one to five years and as technology moves on at a rapid rate check to see if the product you are interested in has some kind of “future proof”. Can be updated with any new changes during the term?  Are there any additional costs that may not be apparent in the monthly fees, such as installation costs, software licence renewal or update fees? Are there additional fees for GPRS data transfer? Are there any potential callout fees for repairs or when you want to switch the hardware from one vehicle to another?  What customer testimonials can they provide? Can you talk to any of their customers? Make sure that the Vehicle Tracking representative covers all eventualities and to provides answers in writing when they give you your quotation. Once you have all the relevant information and costs, you should be in a position to make an informed decision based on all the facts. Before you invest in Vehicle Tracking and Telematics , please visit What are Vehicle Telematics and Vehicle Tracking? on the UK Telematics Online Website for free and impartial advice and information. [...]

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