Wireless asset tracking

October 2006 Asset Management

Only transport fleet owners know the true cost of a truck hijacking.

Reported figures only tend to take the value of the vehicle into account, but fail to account for the load, the emotional impact on the drivers, the subsequent staff costs, the knock-on effects of failure to deliver the product to the client and so on.

Combating truck hijackings is not a simple matter, especially when the thieves are targeting only the trailer or cargo. Conventional fleet management and wired tracking devices in the truck simply do not work if the trailer is dragged away, or if they are disabled.

Transport operators with tracking units fitted to their trucks or trailers have the problem that these devices require power from the truck, making them easy to find and therefore susceptible to disablement if they are separated from their power supply.

A solution that has achieved a great deal of success around the world and especially in South Africa is a wireless unit called Mtrack, which is supplied by Electronic Tracking Systems (ETS).

The battery life of self-powered devices is usually measured in days or weeks, but this solution's patented power management algorithm enables the device to last for up to three years on factory-set reporting intervals.

Deon Bayly, managing director of ETS says: "The majority of our transport clients who run their devices on a 40 minute sleep cycle get between eight and 12 months from the battery. This means that it is now practical to imbed the Mtrack into a vehicle, trailer, cargo or any other moveable asset. Obviously the more times you have to access a device to recharge it or replace the battery, the more you compromise your security."

Mtrack uses the GSM network to get an initial macro location, and then radio frequency to track the device to within one metre.

"GSM units are not as easy to shield as GPS-based systems," says Bayly. "Because Mtrack does not have to 'see the sky' we are able to track inside warehouses, buildings and even underground locations such as parking lots."

The system has a user-friendly web-based interface, making it possible for clients to access the system and view their devices from anywhere. Each user is given a unique user ID with custom user rights. This enables the user to do what he is allowed to do, and protects the system from unauthorised use. Depending on user rights, a user can query for position on units, usage reports and communicate with the units. All communication, configuring, daily health checks, etc, are performed remotely through the GSM network.

Because it is wireless, it is also totally mobile. It can be moved from one vehicle to another or one load to another without expensive installations or interference with any wiring harnesses.

For more information contact Electronic Tracking Systems, +27 (0) 616 5055, [email protected], www.mtrack.co.za





Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page



Further reading:

AI making South African roads safer
Asset Management Transport (Industry) AI & Data Analytics
Driver fatigue is a significant contributor to road accidents globally. While reliable statistics for South Africa are hard to come by, it has been estimated that fatigue is a factor in 25% - 30% of fatal crashes.

Read more...
Simplified fire and facilities management from one screen
Fire & Instrument Services Facilities & Building Management Fire & Safety Asset Management
Fire & Instrument Services (F&IS) and Scansoft are simplifying the complexities of facilities management, including fire safety, with iBMS Adrenaline, an integrated building and facilities management system enabling companies to monitor, control, and manage system hardware through a single interface.

Read more...
Three-quarters of cars sold in 2023 had embedded telematics
IoT & Automation Asset Management
A new research report from the IoT analyst firm, Berg Insight, shows the number of telematics service subscribers using embedded systems will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14,6% 2023 to 2028.

Read more...
Vivotek unveils new AI RealSight Engine
AI & Data Analytics Asset Management
Vivotek has announced an upgrade to its AI security solution that transforms images captured by network cameras into clear, visible facial images under any lighting conditions. Even in backlit environments, facial expressions are rendered clearly.

Read more...
Natural catastrophes and fire risks top concerns
Security Services & Risk Management Asset Management Residential Estate (Industry)
Natural disasters are the highest risk in the real estate industry, followed by fire and explosions, and then business interruption. Estates must prioritise risk management and take proactive measures to safeguard their assets, employees, and reputation.

Read more...
Building a solid foundation
Alwinco Security Services & Risk Management Asset Management Residential Estate (Industry)
Understanding the roles of a Risk Assessor and a Risk Manager is like building a solid and secure foundation in the security world. Andre Mundell makes it easy to understand.

Read more...
Simplify AARTO compliance for fleets
Guardian Eye IoT & Automation Asset Management Transport (Industry) Logistics (Industry)
While there are challenges around the management and implementation of the AARTO Amendment Act, there are also benefits that need to be understood today to ensure compliance and value tomorrow.

Read more...
Logistics operators stand up to safety challenges
Logistics (Industry) Asset Management Transport (Industry)
The second annual Webfleet Road Safety Report for 2023 outlines common safety factors, challenges and solutions that South African transport operators face; deteriorating roads, poor vehicle maintenance, congestion and driver fatigue are common challenges.

Read more...
People screening goes mobile
Xscann Technologies News & Events Asset Management
Xscann Technologies has delivered a new mobile solution with added value for people screening. This turnkey solution requires no civil works as it is an all-in-one complete body scanning solution built in a shipping container.

Read more...
Securing road transport across Africa
Technews Publishing Editor's Choice Asset Management Security Services & Risk Management Transport (Industry) Logistics (Industry)
SMART Security Solutions spoke to Filipe de Almeida, the Portugal & Spain Regional TAPA EMEA Lead, and Massimo Carelle, the TAPA EMEA Africa Region Lead, about securing transport and logistics in hostile environments.

Read more...