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QUALCOMM Introduces its New End-to-End Telematics Solution to the European Construction Industry
MUNICH (BAUMA) — April 23, 2007
— QUALCOMM Incorporated (Nasdaq: QCOM), a leading provider of
business-to-business wireless enterprise applications and
services, today announced the introduction of its GlobalTRACS®
equipment management solution in Europe. The telematics solution
has been specifically designed for the European construction
industry. Commercial deployment of the GlobalTRACS solution is
scheduled for autumn 2007, and testing has already begun with
leading OEMs and rental companies in both Western and Eastern
European countries.
Designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions, the
GlobalTRACS solution features a self-contained device that
tracks, monitors and manages equipment by providing operational
and location information, as well as critical system alerts such
as engine overheat. Data collected from detailed engine hours
and critical systems monitoring, and alerts via sensors, help
companies to better schedule preventive and emergency
maintenance, which decreases equipment downtime and reduces
maintenance costs. The data can be accessed via an easy-to-use,
Web-based application or integrated into existing back-end
business software systems.
Up to the minute engine-hour data shows when equipment is
running, which help companies to identify underutilized
equipment that can be redeployed to increase productivity and
profits. GPS-based information helps service technicians find
equipment faster and enables pick-up and delivery drivers to
quickly locate equipment. The GlobalTRACS solution also monitors
equipment usage and helps reduce loss due to theft by providing
security features such as a virtual fence application and
after-hour engine start alerts.
The GlobalTRACS solution has been available for four years in
North America on construction equipment, civil engineering
equipment and power generators. QUALCOMM already has several
strategic alliances in place in North America with leading
construction equipment manufacturers, such as the Bobcat
Company, the U.S.-based business unit of Ingersoll Rand, Compact
Vehicle Technologies Sector.
Bobcat Europe, the Europe-based business unit of Ingersoll Rand,
Compact Vehicle Technologies Sector, has been working with
QUALCOMM to validate the use of the technology and services for
Bobcat equipment in Europe. “After years of working with
QUALCOMM, we are very excited that they are extending this
highly successful solution to the European market with
modifications that help address our specific market needs,” said
Chris Ringlstetter, vice president, aftermarket for Bobcat
Europe. “Tests are currently underway with several of our Bobcat
dealers in Europe. We anticipate they will experience the same
significant benefits as our North American dealers, such as
productivity improvements, cost savings and increased revenue
opportunity.”
QUALCOMM is introducing the European version of the GlobalTRACS
solution after two years of intensive market research and
technical development working with top-tier rental companies,
OEMs and contractors. The GlobalTRACS solution has been modified
to meet the needs of the European market and supports features
required by the European construction industry for both security
and fleet management applications, including an optional back-up
battery and a remote anti-start feature (available in 2008).
Also, it has a physical CAN Bus interface available that is
capable of supporting remote diagnostics applications upon
QUALCOMM’s further development with individual OEMs.
The GlobalTRACS solution is designed for factory or after-market
installation on all equipment makes and models and is designed
to meet the demanding requirements of equipment manufacturers,
OEMs and buyers. The solution is available through a fully
modular subscription scheme allowing customers to upgrade or
downgrade their service level requirements through a Web
application.
The GlobalTRACS solution will also benefit industry players
outside of the OEM, dealer, rental company and contractor
networks. De Lage Landen International B.V., a global
asset-based finance company based in the Netherlands, is
currently testing the system. “DeLage Landen is interested in
offering our customers the GlobalTRACS solution as our preferred
telematics services system for construction equipment,” said [TO
BE INSERTED] of De Lage Landen International B.V. With
installation of the GlobalTRACS solution, leasing companies are
able to serve their customers better by being able to remotely
monitor, protect, track and manage equipment, helping them to
provide proactive maintenance to their leased construction
equipment fleet. Dealers and contractors with leased equipment
would also have the option to access the GlobalTRACS solution’s
information for their own use, allowing them to benefit from
QUALCOMM’s fleet management and preventive maintenance services.
QUALCOMM and its GlobalTRACS solution will meet the needs and
requirements of OEMs looking for global partners and service
operators. QUALCOMM has a network of dedicated field engineers,
customer support and software integration teams throughout
Europe and North America. It is the only telematics service
provider with service availability and reliability on a
continent-wide basis, substantiated with 24/7 customer service
support, which includes redundant network operations centres and
a multi-language hotline.
QUALCOMM is showcasing the GlobalTRACS solution at BAUMA 2007 at
its own stand (C4-133) in the AEM Pavilion and on the Bobcat
Europe stand (F9.909). BAUMA 2007 is taking place in Munich,
April 23–29, 2007.
Email: liam.turner@fleishmaneurope.com