A South African company is poised to enter the local market with its telematic software solutions, following successful deployments in the US and Europe.
BetaTrac Telematic Solutions (BTS), a Randburg-based group, has over the last two years developed the personal tracking and positioning system for individuals and vehicles. The firm says the system runs off a user`s own computer or call centre, ensuring full and immediate control, as well as confidentiality.
Keith Lawrence, BTS CEO and developer of the BetaTrac solution, says the company is partnering with Finnish device manufacturer Benefon, which produces the TrackPro (for personnel use) and TrackBox (for vehicles) on which the software platform runs.
TrackPro and TrackBox devices use GPS/GSM technology and have their own communications protocol, MPTP, allowing BetaTrac software to interface with them, Lawrence explains.
"In addition to vehicle tracking, the solution also provides 'man down`, 'call assist` and 'shunt sensor` for vehicle accident detection functions, as well as automatic detection and location, with map display. Also, it facilitates physical asset management and rapid medical response, and provides two-way data and voice communications," he says.
"Status messages, including details of the sender, will be displayed on the map, while emergency messages will trigger an automated emergency procedure at the control centre."
Discreet option
"A user might find himself in an emergency situation, having to notify the control centre in an easy and discreet way. The TrackPro and TrackBox can be configured in order to send an emergency message to one or more numbers. They can also be configured to open a voice conversation with one or more numbers. This voice conversation can be mono- or bi-directional," Lawrence states.
The BetaTrac software platform is available in three derivatives based on user requirements: TracLite, TracPro and Client/Server configurations based on Windows XP and Win 2000 OS. TracLite is designed for small to medium businesses (100 users and less), and TracPro is for medium to large businesses (1 000 users and less), while the Client/Server is for unlimited users.
Lawrence explains that the TrackPro handset is also equipped with a BetaGuard button, which enables the user to send status messages, emergency messages or a response to a conditional check. Emergency messages, he says, will trigger an automated emergency procedure at the control centre.
The BetaTrac product is aimed at a wide range of markets, Lawrence says, including security, police, military, utilities, medical transportation, construction and forestry.
BTS has concluded a deal with Coach USA, which operates more than 16 000 vehicles. The company implemented the emergency response solution to ensure passenger safety and improve fleet management.
Lawrence is in talks with several potential South African customers, as part of BTS`s proposed local and African roll-out.
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