A small GPS box is fitted into a vehicle (or a complete fleet). If so wished, this can be expanded with an on-board camera, an LCD-display (for communication between the driver and home-base), a panic button function, or an on/off switch (for differentiating between business and personal use). The module, with adjustable intervals (due to cost management), passes the vehicle’s position through to the Locate™ server via GSM/GPRS, which converts these details and makes them available via the LocatePlaza.com website by way of a dynamic detailed and interactive map. Different pictograms can be assigned to different vehicles. There is also a version of Locate™ with SMS only, where the address location is fed-back via a text message, or – if so wished - via MMS with a map on the screen of the mobile telephone.

Versions

Locate™ ‘lite’ is the entry level version for the consumer who values the orientation of their vehicle on an interactive map. For business solutions there is Locate™ ‘basic’, which includes drive-administration and five built-in geo-fencing options. With geo-fencing, particular boundaries or locations are set within the map that lead to a pre-programmed action when these are crossed or approached. That may be a phone call with a set text, or an SMS or e-mail message. Locate™ ‘pro’ has an endless number of geo-fencing possibilities, through which - for example - mechanics or deliverers receive a message as the vehicle approaches the visit address. This is all made easier by a link to address details from -for example - Outlook. Geo-fences can also be used for marketing purposes, so that - for example - a road side restaurant can send an offer as the vehicle arrives in the area. Through the decrease of the usage costs of data-transport via GPRS and GSM, there is a perceptible growth in the application of Locate™. Increasingly so, affordable mobile machines and tools are being produced with a GPS module for easy, real-time orientation. As an extra option, a camera can be added to the GPS module in the vehicle for images from within the vehicle cabin, the cargo area or even the surrounding area.

Website

The Locate™ website is standard for users of Locate™ ‘lite’ and ‘basic.’ For clients with the ‘plus’ to ‘pro’ package, the website can be designed with an own look and feel, or integrated into the company’s own website. From the ‘plus’ version upwards, random symbols can be used to reproduce each vehicle.

Who uses Locate™?

Every company with a field organisation can profit from Locate. For example, repair-services and couriers, or companies with a fleet for which a drive-administration has to be maintained. Locate™ is also a solution for passenger transport or for the accompaniment of VIPs (special passenger transport), all the more as GIS information can be linked to area-information, such as particular destination or risk objects. In addition, affordable, mobile, versatile machines are increasingly being produced with a GPS module, and for insurance companies Locate™ is an interesting supplement to existent vehicle safety measures. Locate™ can even be used for events: recently a car rally from St. Moritz to Istanbul was able to be followed live on the internet. ATsence is a partner of Map 24 but, if so wished, the client’s own maps can be integrated.