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Vehicle-mounted computer: I.D. Systems Inc. has introduced
its fourth-generation Vehicle Asset Communicator (VAC), an
RFID-based vehicle-mounted computer that forms the backbone
of I.D. Systems’ wireless vehicle management systems for lift
trucks and other industrial vehicles.
I.D. Systems says its new VAC is simpler to install than other
vehicle-mounted computers because it has a universal electrical
architecture that works on any brand of lift truck, from 12-volt
internal combustion (IC) vehicles, to 48-volt AC electric vehicles,
to 100-volt DC electric vehicles. It also has a universal mounting
bracket that is capable of affixing to both flat and curved surfaces, while protecting the unit’s connecting cables.
The device comes with a simplified wiring harness and an
Installation Wizard that guides the user through the installation
process and instantly verifies the accuracy of vehicle sensor interfaces. In addition, the fourth-generation VAC has a smaller overall hardware footprint than earlier versions, so it can be mounted
easily on even the smallest vehicles, like pallet jacks.
I.D. Systems’ new VAC has a phone-type alphanumeric keypad
and a larger, more versatile display. An operator can view up to
nine menu options simultaneously, and any menu option can be
selected by pressing a single button, without toggling or scrolling. New on-screen iconography and animations make it easier
for the operator to see, understand, and interact with system
information and alerts. In addition, the new VAC displays the
real-time status of various functions, like wireless connectivity
and device diagnostics. (I.D. Systems, www.id-systems.com) ;
Battery charging system: Ametek Prestolite Power, a supplier
of industrial battery charging and fleet management solutions,
has introduced the TruBID lift truck battery charging system,
which it says is the first of its kind to accurately measure an
undercharged battery so it can be properly recharged.
According to Business Manager Jim Lichtenberg, TruBID
accurately measures the specific gravity of the electrolyte in the
battery. By reporting an accurate measurement of undercharge,
TruBID minimizes damage caused by large crystalline deposits
that build up in the undercharged battery, reducing the battery’s
life and capacity as well as its ability to accept a charge.
With TruBID, the charger is programmed to match the charge
specified on the nameplate. The system is able to measure
the specific gravity while the battery is charging—rather than
checking after charging has been completed—and can change
charging time and curve to prevent under- or overcharging.
(Ametek Prestolite Power, www.prestolitepower.com/)
Temperature-tracking tool:
Oceasoft, a supplier of sen-sor-based solutions for monitoring environmental parameters, has created a temperature-tracking tool whose measurements can be read through
isotherm wrapping or container
walls via smartphones and tablets using Bluetooth technology.
The Oceasoft Atlas module is designed to meet a growing
demand for an inexpensive disposable temperature tracker,
according to the company. It eliminates the need for returning
data loggers and, because it is inexpensive, reduces the cost of
lost modules. In addition, it provides an inexpensive temperature-tracking option for high-volume shipments that require
hundreds or thousands of modules.
The new solution is designed for the life-sciences market, the
pharma industry, specialized transport, and cold-chain companies. Oceasoft believes Atlas will make it easier to comply with
expected mandatory cold-chain monitoring requirements for the
shipment of medicines or vaccines.
Most tracking solutions require computer systems (and in some
cases, software and docking stations) to read information gathered by sensors. Rarely do they come with a Bluetooth low-ener-gy connection to read the information as the Atlas does. Another
key advantage of Oceasoft Atlas is that it allows users to easily
upload data to the “cloud” from their smartphones or tablets
using the free Dropbox connectivity or GoogleDrive included in
the OceaView app. (Oceasoft, www.oceasoft.com)
Supply chain analytics: Supply chain management software
developer Tecsys Inc. has launched a new Visual Metrics
Performance Measurement Suite that provides performance analytics and dashboards for an organization’s entire supply chain.
The suite can provide visibility into such areas as vendors’ shipment performance, warehouse and labor force performance, and
inventory. It also provides visibility into sales and accounts receivables, and can make suggestions on how to stratify customers.
On the distribution side, the solutions provide insights into
outbound shipment activities, shipping costs, and overall performance. The dashboards can also show how various supply chain
activities affect the bottom line. (Tecsys, www.tecsys.com)