MalaysiaGIS.com

Source: Business Computing, New Straits Times (page 33)

CyberTrack, an Internet-based global tracking and monitoring solution, is able to detect, transmit and provide fleet information to customers. These information can be viewed via digital report, e-mail, fax and other formats.

It is designed for all types of transportation ranging from land vehicles to marine ships and containers. The service integrates a wide spectrum of technologies such as Internet mapping, satellite data communication, wireless communication, global positioning system (GPS), geographical information system (GIS) and remote sensing.

The system can detect various conditions of the vehicle with preset parameters such as trigger door and zone violation sensors, so that the base can be alerted when violated.

A panic button is also available as a standard alert feature. These information allows customers to take fast and corrective action to minimise loss of revenue and productivity.

Lai claims that all the back-end system of this solution is developed locally, "That's our strong point," he says, explaining that the solution could be easily customised to the needs of local transportation companies. The MSC-status company took about three years to develop the whole system.

There are about 10 staff involved in developing the map throughout Malaysia for the solution.

In the Klang Valley, Lai says, the maps are updated within six to 12 months, updates in other parts of the country depends on the speed of development in the location.

Lai adds that there are currently about three to four companies testing the system locally. The company aims to have about 5,000 to 10,000 vehicle using this system within the next one to two years.

By the end of this year, the company will be offering GSM-based system, in addition to its current satellite system.

"GSM-base system will be more cost effective, where there is no GSM signals, we will use the satellite signals," sys Lai.

Currently it costs about RM5,000 to RM7,000 to install the tracking system in each vehicle.

A tracking equipment will consists of the subscriber's communicator device, antenna, triggers and sensors, and backup power supply. To use the system, users have to pay a subscription fee ranging from about RM300 to about RM600, for less than 100 units. The subscription fee is waived beyond 100 units. Besides that, the charges are based on access time.

Eighty-five per cent of CyberTowers Sdn Bhd is owned by Lai and a local company, Demi Maju Sdn Bhd. The remaining 15 per cent is owned by individuals from China, Canada and United States.