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ABI Research: New Sensor Integration Enhances Trailer Tracking Value
(Wireless News Via Acquire Media NewsEdge)
Simple location tracking of mobile assets such as trailers and
containers was one of the original applications that launched the
commercial telematics industry soon after GPS technology became
available for non-military purposes, reports ABI Research.
This basic function is still the core of the trailer tracking business,
although as the server applications have become more powerful and
better digital mapping and faster graphics have been developed, the
data available to fleet managers is much more comprehensive than it was
in the early days.
"The integration of sensors into trailer tracking applications has
added a new dimension to the business value equation," says ABI
Research principal analyst David Alexander. "Refrigerated container
temperature and trailer door open/close sensors were the initial
offerings, with new developments in load content and tire pressure
monitoring becoming available from many of the market participants."
What these sensors are enabling is greater operational efficiency.
Temperature monitoring of refrigerated trailers is a special case of a
specific group of customers requesting a feature that is essential for
a particular business vertical. But with the recent hike in fuel
prices, there is now increasing interest in monitoring the fuel usage
of auxiliary power units as well as the truck engines. We expect to see
new applications that will optimize temperature control to stay within
specified limits while minimizing fuel usage.
"Tire pressure monitoring is one technology that can contribute to
overall fleet efficiency by making sure that trailer tires maintain
correct inflation," adds Alexander. "Underinflated trailer tires
require more fuel to overcome increased rolling resistance, and tires
are more likely to burst if excessively under- or over-inflated. So
there are cost-avoidance benefits as well as operational efficiencies
to be gained from the latest generation of trailer tracking systems."
((Comments on this story may be sent to newsdesk@closeupmedia.com))
((Distributed on behalf of 10Meters via M2 Communications Ltd -
http://www.m2.com))
((10Meters - http://www.10meters.com))
Copyright ? 2008 Wireless News
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