Asset Management
September / October 2017
All seeing antenna
RFID technology does not require any contact to detect objects with electronic information tags . This speeds up a range of processes in production , logistics and retail . But in cases that require high levels of object identification accuracy , a high-performance antenna is needed that is capable of capturing the information stored on the transponders at any time . The Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits ( IIS ), based in Erlangen , Germany , has developed a Multibeam Antenna for such challenging scanning . Thanks to its nine directional beams the antenna provides high levels of accuracy when capturing data from transponders within its flexible read range , the institute claims . At the same time , it optimises the reliability of RFID systems . The Multibeam Antenna can be integrated into existing systems and improve their reliability , adds Fraunhofer IIS , which began offering companies the chance to test the antenna in individual scenarios as pilot users in August . “ The antenna provides up to nine individual beams , allowing for directional reading of transponders ,” explained Dr Mario Schühler , group manager antennae for IIS . “ This way , we achieve a higher read range and accuracy without mechanical adjustments of the antenna . As a result , we can be more specific about which RFID transponders we detect and read .” Thanks to its flexibility , the Multibeam Antenna can replace several individual antennae installed at different locations . This lowers
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One of the fastest growing providers of machine-to-machine ( M2M ) and Internet of Things ( IoT ) solutions Orbcomm Inc has bought the assets of inthinc , Inc . Based in Salt Lake City , UT , inthinc provides fleet management and driver safety solutions to a broad range of industrial firms . Its vehicle telematics solutions are focused on improving driver safety , operational efficiency , regulatory compliance and workforce optimisation through the two-way integration of in-vehicle and smart mobile devices , web applications and data management services . A long-time customer of Orbcomm ’ s wireless data services , inthinc provides its fleet management solutions to more than 100 enterprises and industrial companies around the world , that operate large commercial vehicle fleets . In addition , inthinc offers solutions that support the emerging ELD Mandate regulations from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration , which will require companies to replace drivers ’ paper log books with electronic ‘ hours of service ’ applications in late 2017 . The company also has a strong market presence with energy companies , which use inthinc ’ s solutions to manage driver behaviour and vehicles serving the North American exploration and production market . Through the acquisition , Orbcomm will expand inthinc ’ s core telematics services to its existing transport and heavy equipment markets and broaden inthinc ’ s market through its distribution channels . Although the majority of inthinc ’ s customers are based in the United States , it also serves customers in Argentina , Australia , Canada , Chile , Columbia ,
Asset Management
procurement costs and reduces the time and money spent on installation and maintenance . Replacing standard antennae with the Multibeam improves the accuracy of readings from RFID identification systems . Because the Multibeam can detect directional movement , it can distinguish , for example , between incoming and outgoing goods or between moving and stationary objects . This capability helps users of RFID systems to select which transponders to read . In addition , the antenna is optimised for bulk reading , meaning it can scan multiple transponders concurrently . With metal objects or liquid containers , too , the Multibeam achieves high rates of data capture . Fraunhofer IIS says it is suitable for all ultra-high frequency applications and for both indoor and outdoor use . With its broadband frequency range of 860-960 MHz , the antenna meets international RFID standards and can be used worldwide . “ Switching to the Multibeam provides global companies with the opportunity to standardise their identification systems along the entire value chain ,” the institute states . Pilot users of the first small-scale production batch will have the opportunity to shape the last stage of product tweaks in line with their requirements prior to the antenna ’ s market launch . www . iis . fraunhofer . de
the Dominican Republic , Mexico , Papua New Guinea , Peru , Romania , South Africa , and Tanzania . Many of inthinc ’ s customers operate in remote regions supporting industrial facilities , which makes its dual mode satellite and cellular product offerings valuable by providing immediate verbal feedback and coaching for drivers as well as driver performance metrics regarding safety and speed limit compliance . Customers that use inthinc ’ s solutions are claimed to experience significant reductions in accidents as well as ROIbased savings in vehicle performance , fuel management and maintenance . “ With a superior portfolio of telematics solutions , inthinc provides a solid entry point for Orbcomm into the vehicle fleet management market . inthinc ’ s offering complements and strengthens our existing transport and heavy equipment product portfolio , allowing our customers to access a broader set of asset monitoring solutions ,” said Marc Eisenberg , Orbcomm ’ s CEO . “ We believe the increased scale in customer service , installation , engineering , sales , marketing , operations , and supply chain that Orbcomm offers to inthinc will support our immediate growth objectives ,” added Todd Follmer of inthinc . “ We look forward to leveraging Orbcomm ’ s strong brand and global distribution network to accelerate the adoption of inthinc ’ s safety mentoring which has produced dramatic safety improvements for customers over the past 10 years .” Follmer joins Orbcomm as senior vice president of Fleet Management . www . orbcomm . com
BULKDISTRIBUTOR
Thanks to its flexibility the Multibeam Antenna can replace several individual antennae installed in different locations
A view of the ocean
DHL Global Forwarding recently launched Ocean View , a new online platform that allows shippers to track their ocean freight shipments and improve end-to-end supply chain planning . Ocean View consolidates information from DHL ’ s Transportation Management System , the ocean carrier and the vessel itself for real-time visibility . It also provides a forecast on future milestones as well as a notification feature in case of route changes or delays . Also , Ocean View does not need any devices to be installed on the container , which makes it a very simple solution to implement . “ Providing customers with easy access to track their shipments is a vital necessity for all shippers ,” said Andreas Krueger , head of Ocean Freight at DHL Global Forwarding , Americas . “ We work to ensure service excellence , timeliness and quality , and with new Ocean View , customers are able to view immediately any changes or deviations in their shipments that at times may occur in transit , while proactively planning for those exceptions .”
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In-cab verbal coaching is one of the safety features of inthinc ’ s features . This sends automated verbal alerts when drivers are speeding or driving aggressively