Matrix was established three years ago in January 1996, as a result of the natural evolution caused by the scourge of theft and hijacking that cost the country billions of rands, in addition to causing trauma, anguish and the loss of lives. The company initiated the development of technology to bridge the gap through a combination of the GSM (cellular network) and GPS (global positioning system) satellite systems. Following on the phenomenal success of the MX1 - a system that yielded a recovery rate of well in excess of 90% - MX2, offers enhanced features and functionality. In implementing the system, Matrix pioneered the use of cellular GSM technology for vehicle tracking and recovery, an international technological breakthrough.
In further provision of bridging the technological gap, Matrix introduced the dynamic MX3, which is both GSM and GPS capable. Concluding the specific range of products is the FMC200, which is also both GSM and GPS capable, incorporating voice communications. Matrix also has a product, Eco, aimed at the private motorist who requires a simple recovery device in the event of the car being stolen or hi-jacked.
Private response team
Matrix does not rely on the police, providing a total private enterprise response to tame the crime situation. Its national vehicle recovery and tracking system is run from the company's national control centre in Midrand.
Matrix's vehicle recovery statistics point to an impressive average 91% recovery rate. For private vehicles it is 94%, heavy trucks 95%, minibuses 86% and LDVs 83%. Says Matrix's Mark Raubenheimer, "Matrix owes many of its unique abilities to the fact that our shareholders weren't only investors. Each of them added value to our fleet management, vehicle tracking and recovery programme. Each shareholder contributes such a high level of expertise and experience that Matrix is sure to be a winning combination."
Matrix shareholders include:
Radiospoor
p Over 20 years experience in the mobile communications industry.
p The largest paging network in the southern hemisphere
p Expertise in running 24 hour operations.
p Experience in unparalleled customer service.
p A national sales and customer service infrastructure.
Plessey
p A telecommunications giant.
p JSE listed.
p Vast research and development capability.
p Experience in vehicle tracking through Plestrack.
p A major contractor in the rollout of MTN's national cellular network: GSM experience.
Control Instruments
p JSE listed.
p Manufacture of alarm/immobiliser and other electronic equipment standard in BMW, Honda, Mercedes Benz, Hyundai, Opel, Volkswagen, Toyota, Ford and Jaguar both for local and export market.
p Owns Shurlok which has 15 years experience in vehicle security, and an established national dealer/installer network.
Says Raubenheimer, "Matrix has used the technical skills and financial resources of its shareholders to develop a service that effectively protects end-users' investment, offering national tracking and recovery, a proven cellular, GSM-based technology with self-testing capability, various fleet management options and a national sales and installation infrastructure."
Product range and services
The Matrix product consists of 4 components:
1. GSM network
p Uses MTN's national, cellular network.
p Vehicle location enabled through advanced digital GSM technology.
2. The in-vehicle system
p All components are completely hidden from view.
p Unit is linked to vehicle's battery. If the vehicle was not in use, the unit would be operational for up to one month, depending on the battery's condition.
p If the link to the vehicle's battery is cut, the control centre will receive this information via the network.
p If the back-up battery malfunctions, the control centre receives similar notification from the unit in the vehicle.
3. Control centre
p 24 hour operation.
p Initiates and co-ordinates vehicle recovery.
p Tests all units on the system once a week.
4. Recovery service
p Land and air based recovery on a national basis.
p Carried out by sub-contracted firms.
Says Matrix CEO Stefan Joss, "Matrix has succeeded where others have failed, finding the most appropriate system through thorough research and then rolling out as cash flow permitted. To gain corporate business from major transport companies and FMCG businesses, national coverage is essential. The result was that despite the massive capital cost of such a business, Matrix broke even within two years in operation."
Vehicle recovery and fleet/asset and resource management
Today Matrix has over 22 000 subscribers. Although being able to offer both vehicle recovery and fleet/asset and resource management to corporate clients is a competitive advantage, Matrix's real edge is that it is fast approaching the stage where it can offer both solutions for the price of a single service.
Says Joss, "The important differentiating factor of our industry, which we believe won us the PMR Golden Arrow award, is customer service. Though technology is the backbone of our industry, we understand implicitly that we are not an IT company, but a service provider."
In PMR's survey of 100 top fleet decision-makers, Matrix was awarded the Golden Arrow award.
Recovery teams
Says Joss, "Matrix maintains a few helicopters in a state of instant readiness, with designated pilots on eight hour shifts each. These pilots and additional crew are a major expense, but are critical to the company's success in recovering vehicles.
"Matrix is the only vehicle recovery operator to regularly check that all vehicles' systems are functional. We have a comprehensive basket of products including on-board-computers, closed circuit television monitoring systems, voice stress analysis and vital signs detectors.
"The latter technology is a sophisticated offshoot of Israeli fighter-jet systems, which can warn fleet owners that all is not well with a driver - for example, if he is about to fall asleep behind the wheel."
VESA approval
Matrix has also been awarded with the prestigious full approval rating by the Vehicle Security Association of South Africa (VESA). The criteria require 3000 signed-up subscribers, at least 100 recoveries, that the company has been operating for a year, a proven track record, an effective infrastructure and security clearance for all staff involved in the tracking process. Says Raubenheimer, "Not only was Matrix honoured by VESA for tracking and recovery, but also for the fleet management side.
"Vehicle tracking and fleet management has changed from being perceived as a value-added service. Matrix is looking to other business sectors for future growth, and new applications for our leading-edge technologies. For Matrix, success is ultimately measured by customers and shareholders. We have developed our own 'benchmark' system, which enables management to do evaluations and to set the company's own internal standard, in the absence of defined industry standards," he said.
For details contact Mark Raubenheimer on tel: (011) 654 8000.
© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd. | All Rights Reserved.
printer friendly version