Wireless Tracking System uses RFID/GPS to locate containers.
June 29, 2007 -
WhereNet® Marine Terminal Solution v4.0 includes Visibility Software Server middleware and container tracking application-specific software. Hardware infrastructure consists of WhereLAN(TM) locating access points and WhereTrack(TM) controller which integrates RFID transmitter, GPS receiver, and Wi-Fi modem. For sites without Wi-Fi coverage, controller utilizes narrowband modems or ISO 24730 RTLS channel for communication back to server.
(Archive News Story - Products mentioned in this Archive News Story may or may not be available from the manufacturer.)
WhereNet Expands Marine Terminal Solution; Combined Active RFID/GPS Real-Time Locating System Technology Provides Deployment Flexibility
WhereNet's Enhanced Wireless Tracking System to Increase Throughput and Reduce Costs for Marine Terminal Operators Around the World
SANTA CLARA, Calif., June 12 // -- WhereNet Corp., a Zebra Technologies company (NASDAQ:ZBRA) and the leader in wireless solutions for tracking and managing enterprise assets, announced today general availability of the WhereNet(R) Marine Terminal Solution (MTS) version 4.0. Utilizing the company's ISO 24730 standards-based, active RFID real-time locating system (RTLS) with the option to add differential global positioning system (DGPS) technology, the new marine terminal application provides the most comprehensive location tracking in the industry, enabling terminal operators of any size or sophistication to "see" every container -- even in the most challenging environments.
"For enterprises with complex operations, there is no such thing as a 'one size fits all' technology -- it takes a combination of technologies to tackle the typical yard management chaos," said Louis Bianchin, senior analyst for Venture Development Corporation. "By integrating two complementary tracking technologies that leverage robust middleware and application software, WhereNet provides a more complete hybrid solution that offers higher overall system availability."
In MTS version 4.0, WhereNet has combined the best of RTLS technology with the most advanced DGPS tracking technology. The single, integrated wireless system includes WhereNet's Visibility Software Server (VSS) middleware; container tracking application-specific software (MTS); a hardware infrastructure consisting of WhereLAN(TM) locating access points; and the new WhereTrack(TM) controller which integrates a WhereTag(TM) active RFID transmitter, a GPS receiver, and a Wi-Fi modem into a single ruggedized device for Container Handling Equipment (CHE) tracking.
The WhereNet system tracks grounded, stacked containers via an interface between the WhereTags and sensor data provided by PACECO CORP.'s Position Tracking Interface Unit (PTIU) device for rubber tire gantry (RTG) cranes (used to stack containers up to five high and six "lanes" wide). In this "virtual tagging" scenario, each container becomes "intelligent" through its association with the WhereNet solution, which conveys "where" it is and "what" it is based on real-time updates of the WhereNet database.
The WhereNet MTS algorithms leverage the RTLS or GPS data, CHE telemetry, and RFID reads to automatically follow the "handoff" as containers move from one piece of equipment to another and ultimately to their final position in the terminal.
New WhereTrack Controller Utilizes Both Wi-Fi and Narrowband
The new WhereTrack controller transfers GPS, RTLS and telemetry data over a Wi-Fi link that is part of the WhereLAN network of locating access points. For sites without Wi-Fi coverage, the controller utilizes either narrowband modems or the ISO 24730 RTLS channel for communication back to the server. In interference-heavy environments, this design offers terminal operators the flexibility of deploying the best radio frequency (RF) solution for the site.
WhereNet Meets Rigorous Requirements and Delivers Rapid ROI for High- Volume Marine Terminals
One of WhereNet's largest marine terminal customers started utilizing the WhereNet MTS solution to optimize operations at its Long Beach terminal last year. Due to the system's proven success at this facility, the operator is deploying similar systems at two more North American terminals this year.
The WhereNet system provides automated, up-to-the-minute status and location data about every container and mobile asset in a marine terminal to the terminal operating system software and personnel, enabling them to:
o Optimize yard operations
o Realize significant cost savings
o Increase throughput
o Improve security
o Offer better customer service while facing ever-increasing volumes of
imports
"Given our unique product architecture, which has been built from the ground up to support multiple location technologies, we are best-positioned to provide the optimal solution for our customers -- especially in harsh environments like marine terminals," said John Rosen, director of product marketing for WhereNet. "We have a robust, proven middleware product and application software that allows a seamless integration of DGPS and RFID/RTLS data, simplifying system deployment while enhancing the effectiveness of automated container tracking in high-volume facilities. As marine terminal operators become more sophisticated with their use of automation systems, WhereNet will continue to expand its product footprint to deliver greater value and system performance," he added.
Pricing and Availability
Pricing for the WhereNet Marine Terminal Solution version 4.0 depends on the configuration requirements of the customer's system and the size of the installation; a small WhereNet system begins at approximately $500,000. WhereNet MTS 4.0 is available immediately from WhereNet.
About PACECO CORP.
PACECO CORP. is one of the world's leading suppliers of container handling equipment for marine terminals. In 1958, PACECO CORP. delivered the world's first dockside gantry crane for container handling. This development revolutionized cargo handling at ports by vastly improving cargo-handling rates from days to hours. Today, PACECO CORP. continues to deliver high- quality container handling cranes throughout the world, including its trademark PORTAINER(R) dockside cranes and TRANSTAINER(R) RTG yard cranes. In addition, PACECO CORP. is continuing to develop new technologies and products that increase port efficiency, productivity, and security. This includes the INTERCEPTOR(R) container scanner for homeland security applications and intelligent equipment-monitoring technologies for terminal tracking systems.
About WhereNet Corp.
A Zebra Technologies company, WhereNet is the first company to deliver a single wireless location and communication infrastructure that reliably and cost-effectively manages valuable mobile resources and can deliver a complete return on investment within 6-12 months. Based on patented, standards- compliant technology resulting from a collective 100+ years of development, the WhereNet active RFID, real-time locating system solutions enable companies such as APL, BMW, Ford Motor Company, and NYK Logistics and facilities like Tobyhanna Army Depot to reduce inventory, lower operating costs, and improve operations. The company has received the Henry Ford Technology Award; was recognized for strong ROI by Computerworld; was ranked among the top 10 in the InfoWorld 100; and has been recognized as a wireless innovator by Forrester Research, Global Logistics & Supply Chain Strategies, Plant Engineering, and Supply & Demand Chain Executive magazines. Headquartered in Santa Clara, California, WhereNet has offices throughout the United States, as well as in Europe and Asia. For more information, visit the WhereNet web site at http://www.wherenet.com/, or call +1-408-845-8500 (in the U.S.), +32 3 286 84 50 (in Europe) and +86 21 51758558 (in Asia). Information about Zebra bar code, card and RFID products can be found at http://www.zebra.com/.
WhereNet is a registered trademark, and WhereLAN, WhereTag, and WhereTrack are trademarks of WhereNet Corp. All other brands, products, or service names are or may be trademarks or service marks of their respective owners.
Source: WhereNet Corp.
CONTACT: Sally Kenvin of WhereNet, skenvin@wherenet.com
Public Relations:
Trainer Communications
Ross Perich
USA
Phone: 925-556-5463 E-mail this person
General Information:
Sally Kenvin
USA E-mail this person Company Information: Name: WhereNet Corp. Address: 2858 De La Cruz Blvd. City: Santa Clara State: CA ZIP: 95050 Country: USA Phone: 800-490-2261 http://www.wherenet.com
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