Press Release
Qualcomm's OnTRACS™ Offers Increased Productivity and Operational Efficiency
- New Software Application Ensures Optimal Route Planning and Better Security -AMSTERDAM - October 13, 2005 - Qualcomm Incorporated (Nasdaq: QCOM) the leader in mobile communications for the transportation industry, today announced the introduction of OnTRACS™, a new software application that helps transportation companies in Europe increase their productivity and efficiency by optimizing route planning, minimizing delays and preventing unplanned or unnecessary stops. In addition, the increased visibility allowed by OnTRACS provides better security for all on-the-road transport assets including driver, truck, trailer and cargo.
OnTRACS adds significant value to Qualcomm's EutelTRACS® mobile communications platform by providing fleets the means to automatically track and trace the approach, arrival and departure of its vehicles. The new software enables fleet owners and back-office staff to better control processes through near real-time monitoring of events and proactive notification of potential delays or service failures.
Through OnTRACS, the automatic tracking of trip stops enables European transport companies to accurately determine a vehicle's on-the-road situation and provide preventative notification on issues as they occur. Two types of automatic tracking can be distinguished. The first uses dynamic reference points that report if a driver is following the planned route and whether he or she will be on time. OnTRACS also uses static reference points that inform the dispatcher whether the vehicle is approaching or has passed a specific location. Examples of static reference points are fuel stations, cleaning facilities and customer locations, as well as no-entry points that should be avoided (for security reasons) or routes to be bypassed because of high toll costs, low bridge clearance or road construction. Thousands of dynamic and static reference points can be stored in the system providing real-time tracking, proactive notification and reporting capabilities to both the driver and dispatcher. These reference points are included by the customer and can be updated at any time. OnTRACS uses the information from the transport companies' planning system to track trip stops and automatically warn the dispatcher when exceptions occur.
By monitoring three different reference points - checkpoints, no-entry zones and trip stops - proximity and delay warnings can be generated to accurately report a vehicle's on-time status. This allows transport companies to proactively determine the best routes for their fleet, react if there are delays, help drivers avoid congestion or road works, and be able to inform the receiver of an accurate or revised estimated time of arrival. The estimated time of departure can also be accurately monitored for the vehicle's next assignment. The driver also has an overview of the planned route and its status with notifications automatically provided in the event of any changes or exceptions.
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Qualcomm, OmniTRACS, OmniExpress and Eudora are registered trademarks of QUALCOMM Incorporated. BREW and QChat are trademarks of QUALCOMM Incorporated. Globalstar is a trademark of Loral QUALCOMM Satellite Services, Incorporated. EutelTRACS is a trademark of Eutelsat. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
For more information, please contact:
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Qualcomm Enterprise Services Europe Marjolijn Verleg tel. +31 40 23 484 84 fax. +31 40 23 485 85 marjolijn.verleg@qualcomm.com |
Qualcomm Europe Richard Tinkler tel. +44-208-466-0874 fax. +44-208-313-1393 rtinkler@qualcomm.com |