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CGU tracks 15 000 assets with FastTrack 2000

M-R Systems, a local company that offers a standalone asset tracking and management system, has announced the completion of an asset tracking exercise on behalf of CGU Holdings that saw the company scan and log an estimated 15 000 assets, including computer equipment and furniture, using the latest client-server-based FastTrack 2000 asset tracking and verification system.

The contract was concluded prior to CGU's takeover by Mutual & Federal (M&F) last October.

The contract included the capture of all items, using the latest radio frequency-based (RF) handheld scanners, as well as their verification and storage on the CGU computer system. The take-on included PCs, hubs, mainframes, terminal switches and assorted furniture.

"It was a fairly significant contract," said James Montgomery, Managing Director of M-R Systems, "but CGU had good disciplines and stats already in place - as well as a well-managed team to assist us."

James Montgomery, MD of M-R Systems

He said all PCs and notebooks owned by CGU are also making use of M-R Systems' locally developed remote management system (RMS), a solution that enables the automatic monitoring of any internal change made to any PC deployed by a company.

RMS - believed to be a South African first - can be distributed to clients over the Internet and monitored remotely. The system will automatically ascertain if any computer component, including critical software, such as RAM (random access memory), is changed on any computer registered to a company. If there is any change, RMS automatically sends a notification to the asset management system's administrator via the company's WAN or an automated e-mail system as soon as the unit is booted up.

Bruce Campbell, Managing Director of M & F, said expansion and integration of the two companies had taken place without adding to cost structures. He said market retention and new business targets had also been achieved. M & F reported a R31 million underwriting profit in the six months to 30 June, while CGU reported a R98 million underwriting loss for the same period.

M-R Systems' asset tracking clients include Rand Merchant Bank, Brait, the ANC, The State Information Technology Agency, Coca-Cola, e-TV and the Independent Broadcasting Authority.

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