May/June 2005

Masternaut claims to have developed the world's first portable satellite-based tracking system for monitoring vehicle movements via the Internet. It's fully self-contained, and comes in what is described as a "lunch box-sized" container.

Inside, there is a GPS tracking system and a GPRS mobile phone-based wireless data module. A small magnetic GPS aerial attaches to the outside, and the whole thing plugs into the vehicle's cigarette lighter socket.

The idea is that the unit should be used in situations where drivers switch regularly between vehicles. The company has pitched it as being particularly effective in helping employers ensure that they meet the requirements of the new Road Transport Directive.

With this in mind, it can be linked to Masternaut's online HourTrak service. Movements and working status are sent to instantly via the web to provide a complete log of activities. Time sheets are then emailed to operators, providing full records of hours worked, with automatically-validated information for payroll and proof of work.

 

The location information is captured automatically, while working time is entered by the driver. There is no built-in driver interface, but the unit can be connected to a standard PDA. It also has interfaces to monitor functions such as door openings and operation of on-vehicle equipment. A "panic button" is included as standard.

The device was originally developed at the instigation of Driver & Warehouse, an agency staffing company, which is now offering it as part of its driver hire package. Customers taking up the offer gain access to the Masternaut system for monitoring driver activities remotely. "We cannot see any better way to keep records up to the level required under this new law," says director James Rawstron.

Other suppliers have offered portable or semi-portable satellite tracking systems in the past, including Microlise and Norflex, but few have come up with anything as compact as this new Masternaut product, or have linked the concept so closely with RTD monitoring.