Computer Software

WhereNet marries vehicle management software, wireless real-time locating system to help process vehicles

Santa Clara, CA — August 12, 2004 — Wireless tracking specialist WhereNet Corp. this week rolled out a new vehicle tracking and management system designed to automate workflow for automotive manufacturers, distributors and rental car companies.

WhereNet said its new vehicle tracking and management system (VTMS) software, based on the provider’s real-time locating system (RTLS) technology, can help companies reduce processing and labor costs, improve quality and expedite delivery of vehicles by one to three days.

“Offline processes are frequently a forgotten segment of lean manufacturing, but new technology solutions are now available to drive efficiency and optimization in this area,” said Bill McBeath, chief research officer for ChainLink Research. “Without human intervention, the WhereNet system can automatically record accurate, real-time data about the location of every vehicle as they make their way through the various stages of offline processes. This is a very useful tool: by proactively alerting managers to potential bottlenecks, they can take action to improve the flow and, in the process, reduce order-to-delivery cycle time.”

The VTMS application is intended to help automotive manufacturers, distributors and rental car companies to track and optimize the processing of every vehicle, as well as conduct flow analysis for continuous improvement and optimized throughput and quality.

Automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) can use VTMS in offline areas to manage post-assembly verification and test processes, as well as quality repair, containment and shipping zones, according to WhereNet. Vehicle processing centers and fleet and rental car operators can use VTMS to increase the velocity of their distribution hubs and improve customer service, the provider said.

The return on investment in the solution, according to WhereNet, will come in the following areas:

* Reduced on-site dwell time, enabling better yard throughput and increased responsiveness to dealer and customer demands.

* Reduced labor cost for vehicle processing, as the WhereNet system automates and directs much of the work flow.

* Higher-quality vehicles as the system ensures that no vehicles with known quality defects get shipped. The system also enhances quality by ensuring that no process steps are missed and that every vehicle departs in accordance with dealer/customer specifications. In addition, since the vehicles are processed in the most efficient manner as a result of intelligent move requests driven by the WhereNet system, they are moved less frequently and therefore are less likely to incur damages during processing procedures.

The system works as follows: When new vehicles roll off the assembly line in a factory or upon arrival at vehicle processing centers, each vehicle is assigned an active RFID WhereTag transmitter that is “married” to the vehicle identification number (VIN).

The WhereTag remains on the vehicle until it has been processed and is ready to ship to its final destination — either directly to a dealership or to a processing center. The WhereNet RTLS architecture includes an array of WhereLAN locating access points that capture and calculate the location of every tagged asset within an accuracy of 10 feet. The local-area network also leverages WherePort devices that trigger the WhereTag to emit a signal when entering or leaving a specific zone, enabling more granular data capture information.

By tracking and automatically recording the arrival, dwell and departure time for each vehicle at every step of the process, the solution generates constant location data as well as a historical record of the vehicle’s progress through the offline certification, repair and containment areas. Beyond the obvious ability to locate a unit on demand, the tracking data is also used to monitor such things as adherence to process, process cycle time and dwell time analysis for offline areas.

Typically, a VTMS solution is integrated with a manufacturer’s quality management system, introducing the ability to plan, execute and monitor processing within the dynamic offline environment, WhereNet said. The system detects quality-hold vehicles, preventing them from inadvertently slipping into the delivery chain where rework costs at dealerships average more than five times the cost of a factory repair.

WhereNet also said that its system incorporates business rules and system alerts based on customer order status and dwell time. Then a logical hierarchy of rules manages the processing of every vehicle in accordance with its assigned status so that critical orders are processed before lower-priority units. Users cannot deviate from the proper sequence without overriding the system and generating an exception report.

“Although we have delivered tremendous value for the automotive industry for several years, we consider our new VTMS solution as a green-field opportunity to directly impact the distribution chain beyond the factory,” said Tom Bacon, vice president of the automotive division for WhereNet.

Why are GPS units showing up everywhere? You might find one in your rental car, on your wristwatch or even built into your wireless phone. Anti-theft systems use one, heavy construction equipment might use one and having one on your boat now seems to be a requirement. Anytime we want to know our exact location on the face of the Earth, the GPS becomes indispensable. Like many other technologies, feature rich GPS units are now affordable for the average person. So how do you know which one to purchase? Let’s look at few things to consider prior to buying your next GPS unit, but first, what is a GPS unit?

A GPS (Global Positioning System) unit has the primary function of calculating its own location on land or water by using satellite signals. Once the GPS unit knows its own location, it can help the user determine direction and distance to other known locations. For instance, a GPS on a boat can tell the captain how far it is to the shoreline or how far it is to a favorite fishing spot. For the outdoor sportsman a GPS can help with finding your campsite, your vehicle or your next geocache. Popular outdoor activities such as hiking, hunting, fishing, trail running, backpacking, rock climbing, canyoneering and canoeing are all made more enjoyable and safer when you take along your GPS.

When buying a GPS system the first thing to consider is how you intend to use it. If you plan on using it while on foot, you’ll want a GPS that is lightweight, compact, weather resistant and that is equipped with features important to foot travel. WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) is one such feature. WAAS greatly increases the accuracy of your GPS, in most cases to within 10 feet. Accuracy within a few meters is important for the outdoor enthusiast but not nearly as important for navigating through town in your rental car. Next, be sure your GPS has at least 12 channels of reception too. Since your GPS will only work when it receives signals from satellites orbiting the Earth, less than 12 receiving channels will not get the job done in wooded areas or in steep terrain. If you plan on using your GPS to navigate while driving in your car, its weight is not nearly as important as its ability to display street maps. The GPS mounted to the dash of your truck probably doesn’t need to be weatherproof, but the one on your boat better be.

Here are the features and products I recommend. For the outdoor athlete or sportsman, be sure your GPS has these features: topographical mapping, back tracking, a computer interface, weatherproofing, 12 receiver channels and WAAS. I recommend portable GPS units in the Garmin eTrex Series and the Magellan Meridian Series. For driving applications, be sure your GPS has these features: street mapping, large display, a computer interface and external antenna compatibility. I recommend automotive GPS units in the Garmin StreetPilot Series and the Magellan RoadMate Series. For boating and other marine applications, be sure your GPS has these features: marine mapping, color screen, active sonar, back tracking, a computer interface and weatherproofing. I recommend marine GPS Units in the Garmin GPSMAP Series.

Prices for GPS units vary a great deal and in general, you get what you pay for. While some units cost around $100 and offer relatively few features, others may cost as much as $1000 or even more and are loaded with dozens of features. Here is a good rule of thumb for determining how much money to spend on your next GPS. You should expect to pay between $200 and $300 to get a decent GPS Unit. I own a Garmin eTrex Vista. I believe it is the best GPS available for under $300.

If you don’t have a GPS or yours is more than five years old, now’s the time to get one. Adding a new GPS to your inventory of backcountry toys will take your outdoor adventures to a new level of enjoyment. Use this information and you’ll Get It Right The First Time. Get Outdoors!

Global Positioning System (GPS) is a navigational aid originally developed for the military. The system simply receives signals. It is the applied technology that gives the GPS its versatility.

If you have ever used map and compass, you will understand a little about how the GPS works. In order to find your position on a map, you need to have three points of reference. The intersecting line from the reference points is where you are. Map and compass work uses triangulation (bearings), GPS uses trilateration (distances) to calculate location. Satellites orbiting the earth emit unique signals that can be received by a GPS. The GPS software interprets the signal, identifying the satellite that it came from, where it was located, and the time that it took for the signal to reach the system. Once the receiver has both time and distance it begins to determine position.

Three satellites provide the intersection point and the fourth is used to check that the positioning is accurate. Accuracy depends upon the synchronization of atomic clocks in the satellites with the clock in the GPS system. Although the clock in the GPS is not atomic, utilizing the fourth satellite gives it that functionality as the internal clock adjusts itself to correct any discrepancy discovered.

GPS has gone far beyond its initial military application. Drivers can find their way through city streets, long distance trekkers use the technology to cross unfamiliar terrain, mariners and pilots use GPS enhanced data to cross the seas and skies.

In–vehicle GPS can be integrated into the car entertainment system or can be installed as a removable device. These systems need to tell the driver where he/she is and how to reach their destination. The information includes road directions plus relevant features along the way such as rest stops, gas stations, points of interest, etc. Auto GPS uses voice commands so that the driver can concentrate on the road.

Hikers and trekkers use similar technology, but normally without the inclusion of road systems on their devices. Mapping software defines the territory that the hiker will encounter. The user can enter waypoints (points of reference) so they can return using the same route. They can add points of interest such as water sources, possible campsites, and other items of interest on their trail. However, the portability demanded by hikers will also limit the functionality of the system as small screens mean that some detail will be lost.

It is GPS technology that is used to track individuals on home arrest, to trace missing pets, stolen vehicles, and missing people. Small systems can be incorporated into pet collars and wristwatches. As long as the receiver is active, it can be found.

Marine and aviation GPS units are sophisticated and specialized. The principles involved are the same as any standard system; the software is much more highly developed.

Any fisherman, who is using a fish finder on his boat, is using a GPS that is enhanced by sonar and tracking devices. Units have been developed for use on float tubes also -– as GPS technology advances, the systems become more and more compact and their uses more and more extensive.

If you are considering purchasing a GPS, make sure that it can be updated easily. This is especially true if you buy a multi–function GPS or one that is used where conditions change regularly. An in–vehicle GPS soon loses its usefulness if it is not updated as road systems change.

Updates vary according to the device being used. They can come in CD/DVD packages or as computer downloads. The user can purchase maps specific to the area in which the GPS will be used or a range of maps and routes. These are available from GPS software companies who will charge proportionally to the sophistication of the software.

GPS units vary in price according to their usefulness. It is possible to buy units for less than one hundred dollars to units costing more than one thousand dollars. What your needs are will be a factor in the cost of your unit. If you are a backpacker then portability is a major consideration. If you are a trucker, you need to be able to find a delivery point as quickly and conveniently as possible. Whatever device you go for, cost is generally related to quality. Buy the best you can afford.

Current vehicle tracking systems have their roots in the shipping industry. Corporations with large fleets of vehicles required some sort of system to determine where each vehicle was at any given time. Vehicle tracking systems can now also be found in consumers vehicles as a theft prevention and retrieval device. Police can simply follow the signal emitted by the tracking system and locate the stolen vehicle.

Many vehicle tracking systems are now using GPS or LoJack units to allow for easy location of the vehicle. Many GPS systems do not require the antenna to be in direct line of sight with the sky. LoJack tracking units use radio frequency (RF) transmitters which will transmit through walls, garages, or buildings. Many police cruisers around the world have LoJack tracking receivers as standard equipment in their vehicles.

Some vehicle tracking systems incur a cost to the user in the form of monthly fees. LoJack units are paid for upon installation and will continue to work for the life of the vehicle. Police activate these units directly by using radio towers.

Vehicle Tracking Systems are electronic devices installed in vehicles to enable vehicle owners or third parties to track the location of a vehicle. Most modern vehicle tracking systems now use GPS modules to allow for easy and accurate location of the vehicle. Many systems also combine a communications component such as cellular or satellite transmitters to communicate the vehicle’s location to a remote user. Vehicle information can be viewed on electronic maps via the Internet or specialized software.

Vehicle Tracking Systems are commonly used by fleet operators for fleet management functions such as routing, dispatch, onboard information and security. Other applications include monitoring driving behavior, such as an employer of an employee, or a parent with a teen driver.

Vehicle tracking systems are also popular in consumer vehicles as a theft prevention and retrieval device. Police can simply follow the signal emitted by the tracking system and locate the stolen vehicle. When used as a security system, a Vehicle Tracking System may serve as either an addition to or replacement for a traditional Car alarm. The existence of vehicle tracking device then can used to reduce the insurance cost, because the lost risk of the vehicle drop significantly.

Vehicle Tracking Systems are an integrated part of the “layered approach” to vehicle protection, recommended by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) to prevent motor vehicle theft. This approach recommends four layers of security based on the risk factors pertaining to a specific vehicle. Vehicle Tracking Systems are one such layer, and are described by the NICB as “very effective” in helping police recover stolen vehicles.

Some Vehicle Tracking Systems integrate several security systems, for example by sending an automatic alert to a phone or email if an alarm is triggered or the vehicle is moved without authorization.

Several types of Vehicle Tracking devices exist. Typically they are classified as Passive and Active. Passive devices simply store GPS location, speed, heading and perhaps key on/off, door open/closed. Once the vehicle returns to a pre-determined point, the device is removed and the data downloaded to a computer for evaluation. Active devices also collect the same information but usually transmit the data in real-time via cellular or satellite networks to a computer or data center for evaluation. Examples of companies that offer Passive Devices are TrackStick and TravelEyes. Examples of companies that offer Active Devices are TrackYourTruck and Verizon Wireless. Online systems can provide information on demand or on a scheduled basis. Scheduled updates can be as frequent as once per minute. Some taxi services using vehicle tracking system for better served to their customer. By using Vehicle tracking system, then their operator can see all the empty taxi, so they can choose the closer one to pickup the order from their customer.

What benefit will you get from GPS?

Global Positioning System is a navigational aid, funded and controlled by the U.S. Department of Defense. Since GPS systems utilize 24 satellites that orbit the earth in a grid pattern, there are always six to eight satellites that are able to communicate with any given position on earth at any given time. What this does is give the average consumer the power to find any place on earth at any time day or night. Just think of the benefits this provides for a wide variety of the public.

Some of the benefits we might receive from GPS are:

Fuel economy: If you want to maximize your fuel economy you’ll need a good GPS system. Saving money at the pump as well as wear and tear on your vehicle should be one of the main reasons why you would want a good GPS system in your vehicle. Accurate driving directions not only will save you time in your daily travels, but also will save you substantial gas money when travelling from place to place. This is especially important for delivery and courier services.

Travel directions: Utilizing a GPS system will give you accurate directions for travel. Weather you are travelling locally, across country, or globally, you will get accurate direction and constant monitoring of your current position. I wouldn’t think of taking another family vacation without a GPS system in my vehicle.

Recreation: Weather you are camping, or hiking, a hand held GPS unit will benefit you. I can’t imagine going camping in the middle of the woods and not being able to find my way out. The news is filled with daily reports of people (or kids) that go hiking in the woods or the desert, and can’t find their way back home or to their campsite. A GPS unit is the answer for these people.

Maritime: If you have ever watched one of the popular fishing shows on T.V., or are a fisherman or sailor yourself, then you know how a GPS unit will benefit you. Getting lost at sea or on a large lake would not be fun. The other side of the coin is the fisherman, say there is a great hotspot on any given lake in the world, that specific spot can be saved in your GPS system and found again at any time. This could be beneficial to the recreational or professional fisherman.

Tracking: If you run a courier business, rental business, or just plain delivery service, and need to keep track of several vehicles, then GPS is what you need. Keeping track of your vehicles will keep your overhead down. The other end of tracking is keeping track of a family member or child, a GPS tracking system will aid in your efforts.

In addition to offering optimized routing and vehicle logging, WayPoint(TM) relays real-time traffic and weather reports, turn-by-turn spoken directions, complete area and national maps. It provides real-time proximity alerts as pop up messages that notify driver of nearby points of interest. Fully compatible with CompactFlash based bar code, magnetic stripe, and RFID scanners, Waypoint also acts as personal organizer with built-in PDA capabilities and Bluetooth GPS. WayPoint(TM) GPS Helps Drivers Get From Point A-B Safely and Efficiently

ORLANDO, Fla., March 15 /– In the fleet industry, time is money. Using a GPS navigation system for optimized routing can shave time off every stop, leading to huge savings.

That’s one of the reasons FleetBoss Global Positioning Solutions, Inc., based in Fern Park, FL., is now offering the fleet industry Mobile Crossing’s WayPoint GPS for both in-vehicle and hand-held navigation. The WayPoint is a complete navigation system that features optimized routing, vehicle logging, real-time traffic and weather reports, turn-by-turn spoken directions, complete area and national maps, and the ability to hold entire regions of the United States on-board without any additional memory cards.

“According to Newport Communications Group (2004), 22 percent of fleets in the United States consist of over 500 vehicles per fleet. If using a WayPoint navigation system saves 10 minutes per day per vehicle, the return-on- investment savings in billable hours is substantial,” said Brian Carroll, President of FleetBoss. “The addition of an advanced GPS system like the WayPoint will give fleet drivers a technology edge that will help them be more productive and efficient.”

“The WayPoint gives drivers tremendous flexibility. The GPS can be unplugged and data collection modules can be easily used with the WayPoint,” said Calvin Chu, Product Manager for Mobile Crossing, based in Sunnyvale, CA. “For some fleets, it’s helpful to have a fully Windows Mobile-compatible handheld device like the WayPoint for running field applications.”

Among the features of the WayPoint is real-time proximity alerts, which are pop up messages that notify the driver of nearby points of interest, such as gas stations, and a text-to-speech module that reads street names aloud. The WayPoint is fully compatible with CompactFlash based bar code, magnetic stripe and RFID scanners.

The WayPoint is also a personal organizer since it has PDA capabilities built-in. It also includes Mobile Crossing’s award winning Bluetooth GPS.

The WayPoint comes with a vehicle kit with integrated charger, amplified speakers and a desktop charger USB cradle. It also has a full-color moving navigation maps on a bright touch screen display that is intuitive and readable in day light as well as low glare night conditions.

Comprised of Viper[R], Clifford[R], Python[R], and Automate[R], Directed 210-series allows users to locate and track their vehicle at any time on Web-based computer map or by telephone using Interactive Voice Response (IVR). Users can also send commands to their vehicles, such as to unlock doors, as well as receive notifications back from vehicle, as with SpeedMinder. Systems employ end-to-end GPS and cellular-based solution.

Viper[R], Clifford[R], Python[R] and Automate[R] GPS Tracking Systems are all shipping to Authorized Retailers

Vista, California (September 19, 2005) — Directed Electronics, the largest designer and marketer of consumer branded vehicle security and convenience systems in the United States and a leading supplier of car and home audio, mobile video, and satellite radio products, is pleased to announce that the new Directed 210-series GPS Vehicle Tracking Systems in four consumer branded configurations are now available at authorized retailers throughout North America.

These GPS Tracking Systems allow users to locate and track their vehicle at any time on a web-based computer map or by telephone using Interactive Voice Response (IVR). In addition, users may send commands to their vehicles (i.e. unlock the doors) and also receive notifications back from the vehicle, such as SpeedMinder, a key feature for parents of teenage drivers. These systems employ an end-to-end GPS and cellular-based solution developed by AirIQ Inc. (TSX: IQ), a leader in Global Wireless Security.
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According to Jim Minarik, President and CEO of Directed Electronics, “Directed is proud to continuously enhance our existing products, while also developing innovative new products, and AirIQ has helped us reach this next stage in GPS development with the 210-series quickly and successfully.”

“Directed conducted extensive engineering tests leading to the market-ready certification of their four branded GPS products,” stated Donald Simmonds, President and CEO of AirIQ. “We look forward to advancing our relationship by developing the next generation of these cutting edge products.”

The new Directed 210-series GPS Tracking Systems are now available at authorized Viper, Python, Clifford and Automate retailers as well as new car dealers. Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price for the system is $599, with three convenient annual service plans starting at $99.

GPS vehicle tracking isn’t only for protective fathers wanting to ensure the safety of their daughters whenever they’d go out on dates. It’s not only for spouses wanting to catch a cheating partner. It’s not only for police operatives monitoring the movement of suspected criminals. GPS vehicle tracking can also become an important tool in improving the productivity, and eventually the profitability, of your business enterprise.

If your business entails the dispatching of field personnel for a variety of purposes like deliveries, distribution, sales and the likes, then GPS vehicle tracking may be the ultimate on-the-road supervision tool for your venture. With GPS vehicle tracking, you would be able to survey the movement of your people, wherever in the world they maybe, whenever you want to know their current location.

Do consider the exact benefits you would receive by employing GPS vehicle tracking in your operations:

* With vehicle tracking, you could improve customer satisfaction by conveying a more or less precise ETA. They won’t have to spend precious time waiting for their deliveries as you could always verify how far or how close your agents are on their way to your patrons.

* With GPS vehicle tracking, you would be able to cut down on unnecessary expenses. You’d be able to determine which routes are causing massive delays, and which routes improve the conduct of your business. This is excellent knowledge that can be used in formulating new plans for your operations.

* With GPS vehicle tracking, you’d be able to properly supervise the conduct of your field personnel. Are they making inappropriate stops? Are they deviating from the prescribed routes? Are they wasting gas for unofficial functions?

* With GPS vehicle tracking, you’d be able to make, and implement, decisions on the fly. You’d know which agent is closest to the area that needs attention. You’d know which adjustments should be made to ensure a productive day for your business.

* With GPS vehicle tracking, you’d be able to eliminate wasted time spent on finding correct directions. Your agents won’t have to get lost on their way to their destination. You could guide them properly.

More and more enterprises these days are resorting to GPS vehicle tracking. On the average, business owners benefit from an increase of 10-25% of their productivity rate. Thse are excellent numbers, considering that they can be attributed to but one amazing service.

GPS or Global Positioning Systems is a term that most commonly conjures up images of vehicle navigation systems, space-age satellite technology, and interactive maps for outdoors-types and sportsmen. But the reality is that there are far more applications of Global Positioning Systems beyond GPS vehicle tracking or map navigation that everyday people like us can benefit from. All it takes is a bit of creativity, and some trial and error. Here are a few of the many possibilities that can benefit you right now in your busy and hectic life.

1. Know where your children are using services from companies like uLocate Communications.

2. Keep track of elderly members of your family, so that they don’t wander off alone.

3. Plan a road trip around interesting points of interests, landmarks, campsites, diners, etc, and hear fewer Are we there yets?- and of course get the most out of that expensive gas.

4. Get emergency road side assistance at a touch of a button from your vehicle, so you can get help exactly where and when you need it.

5. Keep a visual journal and bookmark collection of your favorite hot spots, sceneries, and points of interests, that may not be listed in any travel guide (You can create your own mini travel guides and memories).

6. Find lost pets easily using collars with built-in GPS, better than running around in your pajamas hollering like a maniac.

7. Feel safer with cellular phone 911 calls, so emergency personnel can pinpoint your location once you make an emergency call. Please double check your carrier service to see that it has GPS features and get a primer on how it works if possible.

8. Get to your interview, or any important time sensitive destination or engagement, faster by finding shortcuts and correct directions.

9. Find a good Italian restaurant near your movie theatre on the fly.

10. Track your luggage, laptops, and anything of importance while traveling.

11. Track and find family, friends in a crowded concert, graduation, or any social gathering.

12. When going on a vacation, feel free to separate from group for a while to venture on your own based on your own interests and find them later on with your GPS enabled device- even in an unfamiliar place.

Our ability to use GPS so far is limited by the relatively poor connection to the satellite feeds when we are indoors in buildings, homes, or behind anything that could obstruct the GPS connection. However with the investment and development in a new satellite network called Galileo which should be completed in the near future, these problems should be eliminated drastically. Despite these problems, GPS still offers a world of benefits as mentioned earlier, and with any technology, it will only get better.

In addition to more practical usage applications, GPS will make a great educational and fun gift for your loved one’s and friends as well. Consider just two of the many creative and educational uses of GPS:

1. Stay physically active and fit by playing RayGun! A locational based cell phone game based on GPS technology.

2. Become more cultured, make global friends, and learn about the world playing GeoCache, a global GPS based treasure hunt.

With many affordable feature-rich models to satisfy anyone’s preferences and budgets, now is as good a time as any to learn more about GPS technologies, which are surely to become more assimilated into the mainstream within the decade. One day we will take these things for granted just like we do now for the internet and cell phones. The key is to dive in, without paralyzing yourself with the overwhelming array of choices in the GPS market, and enjoying some truly amazing technology.

NavPax Sensor Units integrate 3-axis MEMS gyros, accelerometers, compass, signal processing, and GPS information to provide complete package for real-time, land-based vehicle tracking solutions. They are used as part of RFID-aided warehouse tracking system that tracks position of each forklift, unique cargo identification, and pick-up and put-down locations of inventory with accuracy to 99%

Utica NY -September 06 2005 – Integrated Sensors new NavPax Navigation Sensor Units are playing a critical role in a tracking system designed to monitor inventory and increase efficiency in dynamic warehouse environments. Real-time location monitoring of forklifts operating in a one million square-foot facility requires a rugged, automatic and precise navigation and tracking system. To that end, Integrated Sensors, Inc., has co-developed a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)-aided warehouse tracking system for forklifts and other vehicles. The system, already in use by a Fortune 50 company, tracks the position of each forklift, its unique cargo identification, and the pick-up and put-down locations of the inventory. Within this system, the NavPax Navigation unit help ensure that the forklifts transport and locate inventory throughout the facility safely, quickly, and correctly.

The warehouse tracking system was developed as an automatic procedure to track the stocking and storage of inventory. The system uses RFID technology, which allows the automated forklift to scan the RFID tag on a product, identify the product and pinpoints its exact location in the facility. Additionally, unique RFID tags are buried in the warehouse floor, allowing them to be read by the RFID reader as position updates, when the forklift passes over each tag. The system is able to track products that leave the warehouse and are placed on semi-trailers and rail cars. The NavPax Navigation Sensor has enabled tracking system to achieve cargo pick up and put down location accuracy to 99% compared to 85% for the previous manual system. “The result has been an annual savings of $1 million on product shrinkage” said Ed McDermott, President of Integrated Sensors, Inc.

Navigation Sensors help automate inventory tracking

NavPax fully integrates 3-axis MEMS gyros, accelerometers, compass, signal processing and GPS information to provide a complete sensor package for real time land based vehicle-tracking solutions. Integrated Sensors selected MEMS technology as a component in the new NavPax Navigation Sensor because of their size, affordable combination of bias stability, precise output, and dependable performance through a range of temperatures.