June/July 2003

A GPS-based tracking and location system called Globalpoint is now going into trials with selected operators. It has been developed and is marketed by Globalpoint Technologies, a new North East-based company, and prototypes have been built at Blyth by Welwyn Systems, a subsidiary of TT Electronics.

The basic kit consists of a "black box" incorporating GPS antenna and receiver, and cabling to link it to a standard GSM mobile phone handset (initially Nokia and Siemens units are supported). It is built round the third-party V502 GPS receiver, which is said to offer particularly fast time to first fix (TTFF) and low power consumption.

The system allows users to track mobile units either over the Internet or via the company's own Global Fleet Manager software. Numerous options are offered, including the facility to send position reports direct to GSM handsets. An unusual feature is the ability to program the unit remotely.

Emphasis is being put on its security benefits. The unit incorporates a programmable panic button for sending instant position reports in the form of SMS messages to authorised handsets and e-mail addresses.

 

An unnamed FMCG manufacturer is said to be trialling the system, and it has also been used by Van-Go, a "moving media" advertising company.

Globalpoint says it is now looking for distributors. One already on board is Navstar, a tracking service linked with a company called Wardair Communications, which sells mobile phones and services over the Internet.

Among personalities associated with Globalpoint is John Davidson, the consultant who also runs the revived Webfreight online freight exchange (now aimed at courier companies).