September 2002

A new people and asset tracking network called QuikTrak is being rolled out in the UK this autumn. Unlike the vast majority of rival tracking systems, it avoids use of GPS satellite-based location and GSM mobile phone networks. The company behind it, QuikTrak Telecommunications, claims its approach makes it more versatile and cost-effective than conventional GPS-based systems.

The backbone of the system is a network of radio beacons now being set up by the company. These use low-power spread-spectrum transmission technology, which is said to offer excellent reach while avoiding the need for expensive on-board equipment. Unlike GPS, for instance, it allows tracking within buildings.

A low-power transponder costing under £100 is mounted on each vehicle or asset being tracked, and transmits a signal to the network when polled by the user, or in response to an on-board event. Three or four different beacons pick up the signal and all pass it to a central control point, allowing the system to work out the point of origin by hyperbolic navigation (a kind of electronic triangulation).

Two-way messaging is handled by the same wireless network, avoiding the need for third-party GSM or mobile data networks.

 

The closest parallel in the UK is the Siemens Datatrak system, which also uses its own location and transmission network. But QuikTrak claims that its system is unique in that it works out unit locations within the network rather than at the point of origin. The company says messaging costs will be "extremely competitive" with SMS rates, and there is also expected to be a flat-rate charge for users who only require messaging in emergencies.

QuikTrak plans to work with partners in different market sectors, and it is currently interested in talking to such companies. The first deal to be announced is with Blick, which specialises in lone worker protection.

QuikTrak sees early attractions for London-based courier companies and security operators, and later for nationwide carriers and logistics companies, as well as in remote-control applications such as vending-machine monitoring or water-control valve operation.

In the Netherlands, where it aims to be live next year, it is already working with telecoms specialist Getronics Infrastructure Solutions.

QuikTrak's parent company is listed on the Australian stock exchange, and it claims to have 14,000 users there, including various security services. UK business development director Andy Parritt told m.logistics the company had been negotiating for spread-spectrum transmission approval with the UK Government for several years. Now it has appointed broadcast giant NTL to find and commission sites for its dedicated beacons on existing transmission masts.

In the first phase, which is Australian-funded, it is offering coverage throughout the area enclosed by the M25 motorway, using up to 20 beacons. The service will be extended by next summer to major cities such as Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds and Southampton. Coverage of 65 per cent of the UK land mass and 92 per cent of the population is planned by 2004, by which time there could be around 350 beacons in all.