VEHICLE security remains in the spotlight, with many equipment suppliers proposing high-tech solutions. Among some of the most recent products being considered are Wireless Panic Buttons and untethered trailer tracking from Qualcomm and container security systems for General Electric.
More OmniTRACS security
Qualcomm Inc is offering new security features for the OmniTRACS satellite mobile communications system. New features include a Vehicle Immobilization Device (VID) and a Security Integration Package.
The VID, when connected to OmniTRACS, enables the authorized operator of the truck to put the vehicle into a “restricted mobility” condition. When used with the Wireless Panic Button — a wireless transmitter for use outside the vehicle — the VID increases the security of a truck's load and its driver. The Wireless Panic Button also allows drivers to send emergency notifications with their current locations. Panic message alerts are simultaneously sent to the customer's dispatch and Qualcomm's Network Operations Center.
OmniTRACS now provides Qualcomm's high-value or high-risk load monitoring, allowing companies to customize the frequency of vehicle position reports based on commodity codes, high-risk areas, or out-of-route violations. Firms can receive an exception alert if a vehicle has made an unauthorized stop or trailer drop, turns off the truck ignition before delivery, or fails to report to dispatch in keeping with the customer's set parameters. Customized route alerts can be dispatched via pager or e-mail to specified users according to the severity of the exception.
T2 trailer tracking
Qualcomm Inc has announced the commercial release of its T2 Untethered TrailerTRACS asset management system for private fleets and for-hire carriers. T2 is an advanced, stand-alone satellite/cellular system that offers rapid-status visibility into trailer locations and operational events and provides vehicle position reporting.
This system allows carriers to track their assets continuously and accurately regardless of whether the tractor is attached to the cargo trailer. Furthermore, additional ancillary sensor capabilities provide the exact position, time, and date of trailer-related activities, such as whether the trailer is loaded or empty or when a door is opened or closed.
T2 is installed on the nose of the trailer in a cavity-sealed enclosure, making it virtually invisible. Qualcomm can improve system functionality remotely by upgrading the unit's over-the-air application management capabilities, without downtime or added labor. In addition, T2 has an added auxiliary port for future sensor upgrades.
Device detects intrusions
GE's Security business has developed and begun field-testing a container security system for maritime shipping. The GE system helps detect unauthorized access to a container and monitors the container in transit for signs of intrusion, which helps manufacturers, customs officials, and importers protect container integrity throughout the supply chain.
This palm-size container security device (CSD) easily fastens without special tools to the door jamb inside any standard maritime container. The cargo's manufacturer uses a wireless handheld device to arm the device with a unique identifier code.
The CSD automatically communicates its status to fixed wireless readers at ports, indicating when and where the container has been opened since it was initially sealed. Customs officials can also inspect the cargo at any time using a special handheld wireless device to arm and disarm the CSD. When the container is delivered, the importer verifies the access record and disarms the CSD prior to opening.
All data is stored and managed through a secure information backbone. Communication between wireless readers and container security devices is encrypted, as are all transaction records.