Location and tracking systems offer efficiency as well as security

Location and tracking systems offer more potential, more functionality and more variety than any other products in the field of plant security. They are also evolving into more all-encompassing systems providing the means to immobilise a machine, reduce its maintenance costs and improve its efficiency, as well as track it should it be stolen.

All location and tracking systems work on either Global Positioning Systems (GPS) satellites or cellular phone technology. Mobile phone based systems have the benefit that they can still send and receive signals when inside a building or a trailer but are limited to the range of that network (or networks) and may not be useful once a machine is overseas. GPS on the other hand is a truly global system and can pick up a machine anywhere in the world - provided that a/ the system can 'see' the satellites and is not inside a trailer, and the provider subscribes to a worldwide service and not just one for the UK or Europe.

Global systems

Systems installed by the plant manufacturers such as Komatsu's Komtrax and JCB's LiveLink will be global in their scope and pick up a stolen machine anywhere in the world - the moment it is unloaded from the container. Some of the traditional and aftermarket systems are limited in their coverage and signals from stolen machine shipped abroad may go 'unheard'.

When a machine goes missing the tracking device is activated (often by the service provider) and transmits its location to a monitoring control room or the owner. The police can then be alerted with the possibility that the criminals can be apprehended and the machine recovered. While this can, and indeed does, happen, stolen plant is not high on the police priority list and the notification may have to be done in a proscribed manner if it is to be acted upon.

Where such systems score over other forms of security is with all their added benefits such as geofencing, where a 'virtual' boundary is drawn around a machine (for instance 100m outside the perimeter of the site). This could become increasingly useful to counter deception theft where a bogus customer hires machines and gets a week (or month) head start when they disappear with the plant. Geofencing would alert the owner the moment the machine moved outside the pre-set area.

Tracking systems are evolving fast and some now provide two-way communication making it possible for machine fault codes, running hours, fuel levels, engine temperature and the like to be transmitted back to the office. Furthermore, the latest equipment allows owners to remotely shut machines down and change immobiliser PIN codes or place curfews on machines so they can't be used outside agreed hours. This is particularly useful for plant hire companies that can't pick up an off-hired machine for a day or so: it increases security on the machine itself and ensures it cannot be used outside the agreed hire period.

Worldwide coverage

Somewhat typical of this new breed is Enigma's Skyline system which is now available as a wholly Internet-based version (6.0) which is said to have faster response, better functionality and enhanced flexibility. The new version has worldwide coverage and enables customers to check positions, set geofences and check hours used (per rental or accumulatively) at any time from any computer, Blackberry or mobile phone with internet access. It is fully integrated with Google's road mapping, and has a 'tow-away' alert, battery disconnection and low power warning and the option of 24/7 monitoring by a Secure Operating Centre.

Keypad immobiliser

The system has the option of a keypad immobiliser and remote immobilisation which are functions now offered by immobiliser manufacturer Kosran. It started with its Thatcham P2 approved immobiliser and added a keypad option and now remote operation using its 'Satlid' system offering service alert and location ID.

Evidence of the accuracy of these systems comes from Satrak. Having had a Terex roller stolen, Satrak customer Mech Plant was able to watch it on the computer screen as it made its way to Newcastle Docks. Mech Plant's managing director Bill Kilner alerted the local police who arrived to find three ferries about to sail. Satrak's system was able to identify which ship the machine was in and they removed the low loader carrying the stolen item and 8 other pieces of plant, and arrested the shocked Dutch driver, who had instructions to head for Poland.

Charges

Anybody considering installing a tracking/communication system should look carefully at the charges, air time and the like, that each will entail. Further considerations are any cost associated with activating the tracking device following a theft and if there are recovery fees if a stolen machine is returned. But while doing the calculations, try and put a value on factors like knowing exactly when a machine needs a service, or knowing the cause of a breakdown before leaving the yard, and of lost revenue where a less than honest customer off-hires a machine and then uses it for another day before it is picked up.

Only then the real benefits of these high-tech systems become apparent - and they could help you get back your stolen plant too.

Tracking system products and services available

• Autoleck: 02083031981
• Autometrics Ltd: 01329663812
• Box Telematics: 01675434200
• Custodia: 01908330385
• Eagle Eye: 01928795400
• Enigma: 01268478000
• Eye Wave: 01594530740
• FMC: 01949838343
• Global Asset: 0844412860
• Kosran: 08707875687
• Mtrack: 01329663812
• Police 5: 01737222999
• Retrieve: 01234720842
• Satrak: 08702418754
• Surelock: 01252547791
• Tag Guard: 02392598218
• Thales Telematics: 0208916541
• Thiefbeaters: 08000833066
• Toad Group: 08701601745
• Tracker Network: 0500090909