EMS Goes Tracking

EMS GOES TRACKING EMS Technologies of Ottawa acquired a suite of tracking and messaging software from GEOCOMtms, the Quebec City developer of dispatch, communications, and routing products marketed under the A.MAZE brand. EMS provides satellite-based messaging communications. GEOCOMtms will retain the A.MAZE label for its dynamic routing and other products.

The software EMS acquired provides seamless access to different wireless data networks in the same application, simultaneously. It communicates with trucks on the road through EMS’s PDT-100 packet data terminal, with which drivers can access free-form messaging, macros, data-entry forms, and turn-by-turn driving directions. For information, visit www.ems-t.com.Intermec Technologies’ GSM/GPRS-enabled 700 Color Pocket PC mobile computer has been approved to operate on the Rogers Wireless digital wireless voice and data network.

The Intermec 700 Color combines up to three wireless communication options, with a wireless local area (802.11b) radio, a GSM/GPRS wide area network radio, and a fully integrated power-managed Bluetooth radio. This way you can use the same device to communicate status and information in real time from virtually any location, whether via wireless LANs in stores, warehouses, and distribution centres or through a wireless WAN for mobile operations like delivery vehicles.

The 700 Color uses Intel’s 400 MHz X-Scale processor and a powerful 14.4 watt-hour lithium-ion battery and industry-leading power management, so it can run for up to 14 hours before needing to be recharged. Its colour display is 20-per-cent larger than most similar devices, and the imager is suitable for reading barcodes (including 2D symbologies), taking photographs, and capturing signatures. Plus, the device is rugged enough to weather repeated five-foot falls and the abuse of shop floor, warehouse, and mobile delivery environments. See www.intermec.com.OFF-LEASE ONLINE The Fleet Services division of GE Commercial Finance has launched a web site to sell off-lease heavy trucks and other equipment. The company says customers can avoid the cost and inconvenience of having assets picked up by using onsite inspections along with comprehensive condition reports to market their assets online to the site’s growing database of screened equipment dealers. During the program’s trial period, customers experienced higher net returns for assets sold online.

GE Fleet Services is one of the largest corporate fleet management companies in the world with more than 1.4 million cars and trucks under lease and service contracts. It is based in Eden Prairie, Minn.; its Canadian headquarters are in Mississauga, Ont. Go to www.gefleet.com.