By Jeff Hawk in Atlanta HIGH TECH GPS changes will boost system installation. S atellite-based asset tracking and monitoring is getting a boost as technology evolves and government barriers disappear. The boom is partly due to better access to less costly, low-orbit satellite technology. Most systems use satellite, cellular or a combination of the technologies to transmit global positioning satellite data and remote operating information to the vendor who then makes it available to the dealer or client through Web-enabled or software solutions.
Systems now focus on two remote services, location and engine hours.
Mass. But satellite-based technology to monitor fuel consumption and gauge maintenance is years away, vendors say. A recent Clinton administration order requiring the military to stop intentionally scrambling commercially used gps signals will allow vendors to locate vehicles to within 10 ft of their actual position. Colo. The technology lends itself to contract service agreements, says Whelen, where the dealer remotely monitors assets for the contractor. If the equipment fails, it's the dealer's problem. For the past year, Trumbull Corp., Pittsburgh, has been using a system from Quake Wireless Inc., San Diego.