According to new research by Berg on asset tracking, teh number of tracking systems with GPRS network or Satellite network is expected to grow from 77K units in 2011 to 1 million units in 2016, representing a 66.9% CAGR over a 5 year period. That growth represents a increase in penetration rate of 0.4% in 2011 to 3.6% in 2016. Here is the link to the Berg Insight’s Container tracking report.
MiX Telematics has launched MiX Fleet iPhone that enables fleet management customers to track and protect vheicles, any where and anytime. Through the iPhone App, MiX Telematics’s customers can track xDrive and FM-Protector vehicles through their iPhone. The Blackberry version of the application is also avaialble. Here is the link the Mix Fleet iPhone app.
CalAmp has been selected to provide data telemetry radios for oil field operations across the Anadarko Basin. The radios will operate in 150-174 MHz and 421-512 MHz bands. The telemetry units will enable monitoring of well operations remotely.
ABI Research is projecting that global insurance telematics users will increase from 1.85 miliion in 2010 to 89 million in 2017, growing at 90% CAGR. Usage based insurance (UBI) model is based on continous monitoring of driver behaviour through a cellular device that is plugged in diagnostics port of the vehicle. Insurance telematics covers different models such as pay as you drive (PAYD) or pay how you drive (PHYD).
Zonar has introduced ZTrak, a battery operated asset tracking unit. The battery life is dependent on asset tracking and it is over 5 years on a 1 location-per-day cycle. Ztrak has GSM modem and GPS communication support. Some of the applications that it can be use dare construction equipment, rental equipment, shipping containers, high security items etc. Here is the ZTrak specification.
HID Global has introduced IronTag, a RFID solution for tracking applications in rough conditions such as tracking metallic parts, tools, equipment and vehicles.
According to HID Global’s press release, IronTag is waterproof; resistant to shock, vibration and chemical exposure; and is able to withstand temperatures from -40° F to +356° F (-40° C to +180° C). It also delivers an exceptional size-to-performance ratio. The compact unit measures just 2.1 x 0.9 x 0.27 in (53 x 23 x 7 mm), and mounted on metal, it delivers a read range up to 13 ft (4 m). The contactless chip provides a 512-bit user memory, in addition to 96-bit EPC and 64-bit TID. Here is the link to IronTag spec.
Kore Telmatics has partnered with The DPL group to enable wireless connectivity for ATM machines. By operating on the cellular data networks, ATMs can be deployed in remote locations such as concerts or carnivals. The DPL group’s Hercules Plus product converts dial up and IP ATMs to wireless cellular. They operate on the GSM network. Here is the link to spec for Herculus ATM wireless connectivity.
Trakm8 has launched T8, a new compact and rugged telematics unit which is ideal for trailer and asset tracking. This unit has integrated GPS and GSM antennas and has CE, FCC and PTCRB approvals. Some of the benefits includes monitoring driver behavious, drive feedback modules and fast installation. Here is the T8 spec.
SkyBitz(R) announced the availability of Galaxy series GTP1000 and GTP1100, satellite modems for remote asset tracking solution. Some of the M2M vertical markets that benefit from this solution are oil and gas, chemical, heavy equipment, government, transportation and othe rmarkets.The SkyBitz GLS9602 modem combines SkyBitz patented Global Locating System (GLS) technology with the Iridium(R) 9602 short burst data (SBD) transceiver and can be integrated into a wide variety of asset tracking solutions.
AT&T has received Frost & Sullivan 2011 North American Product LIne Strategy Award in Mobile Asset Tracking.
“AT&T’s product line strategy has focused on providing top-tier solutions, a wide choice of alternatives, attractive pricing, and synergy with the worker and fleet tracking needs that their customers may also be wrestling with,” wrote Jeanine Sterling, Senior Industry Analyst, Mobile and Wireless Communications, Frost & Sullivan.