A turnkey asset tracking and monitoring system for off-highway construction equipment has been introduced by Qualcomm Inc. Intended for both factory installation and retrofit, the GlobalTRACS equipment management system is based on a rugged, self-contained unit that includes a GPS receiver, engine-data inputs and a dual-band cellular modem.
The system is intended to collect engine-hour information for maintenance monitoring, as well as help fleets keep track of equipment location and use. It also offers security features, notifying equipment owners when a unit is moved outside of a pre-determined area. It can be used with any type of powered equipment from any manufacturer.
Data to and from the field units is carried over digital CDMA or analog cellular telephone (AMPS) networks depending on coverage availability.
All data is routed through Qualcomm's Network Management Center, which also handles data traffic for the OmniTRACS satellite communications system for on-highway trucks.
That means fleets delivering or servicing equipment can integrate the two systems for improved customer service and productivity, according to Tim Lewis, sr. director of construction equipment operations for Qualcomm. It also makes it simple to integrate field data with back-office applications such as billing and maintenance tracking.
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