Nov/Dec 2003

A vehicle and asset tracking system that puts particular emphasis on vehicle security and crime prevention has been launched by Sterling Satellite Tracking, a new subsidiary of Business Systems, a Humberside-based specialist in property guarding and crime prevention. It is said to cost around 3 pence per truck per hour.

Unusually, the system uses the Inmarsat network of geostationary satellites to provide communications and tracking facilities. This is considered to make it particularly secure and robust. The tracking facility is being provided by another UK-based group, Satamatics, which specialises in working with partner-companies to deliver worldwide navigation and tracking solutions.

The Sterling service is aimed specifically at haulage and freight distribution operations, and is being promoted as an addition to the company's existing logistics management and security systems. These include remote CCTV surveillance monitoring of distribution depots and storage yards, lone worker check-call scheduling, and specialised staff screening.

Included in the new service are such features as tracking and location (said to be accurate to within a few metres), security alert messaging, and remote monitoring of devices such as temperature sensors. The security elements are unusually comprehensive, and include the facility to monitor interference with vehicle doors or curtain sides. There is also a "panic button" feature.

 

According to Sterling managing director Bob Hill, an attraction of the Satamatics solution is the fact that it uses a tiny SAT 101 communications terminal, which can be mounted out of sight in any size of vehicle, and can be powered either from its own battery pack or the vehicle's supply.

He says the system has been developed in close consultation with police, insurance companies and professional bodies.

Satamatics uses the Inmarsat D+ communications platform, and works with a range of application service provider partners worldwide. It is part of the £25 million turnover Richtec group.