November 2002

Flexibility is said to be the highlight of a new vehicle, asset and personnel tracking system called PinPointers. It is offered on a pay-as-you-go Application Service Provider basis, using GPS to track the item and GSM mobile phones to relay the data back to base.

There is a standard service that simply uses a customer's existing GSM SIM card, and a Premier service that includes a SIM card and connection to the Vodafone or 02 mobile network. The Premier offering combines the line rental and PinPointers service in one cost, and also offers an optional on-site callout insurance.

Fleet managers can install the system on just one vehicle and extend it as required, or immediately equip the whole fleet. Lease options start at £1 per day.

The company offers a choice of hardware that includes GPS tracking equipment from Benefon and Maxon. Other options include street-level maps for western Europe; the ability to download vehicle information locally from an on-board "black box" to save communication costs; text messages if an on-board alarm has been triggered; and a facility to send alerts when a vehicle arrives at and departs from a location.

 

Although PinPointers is a new company, the management team has 16 years' experience in telematics and mobile communications.