The 10 Most Popular GPS Tracking Companies 2018

www.insightssuccess.com DECEMBER 2018

The

10 Most

Popular GPS Tracking Companies 2018

EDITOR’S DESK

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PS technology has totally changed the field of mobility and transforming human life a lot through their accurate positioning capabilities. Some of the GPS applications include; maps to guide traveler worldwide, live track the ferries from remote locations, smartphones, smart cities & smart homes, autonomous vehicles, drones, doorstep delivery services, smart taxies and cabs, IoT and AI devices, military solutions and many more.

GPS Tracking Solutions: Simplifying and Safeguarding the Human Life

The inception story of GPS is too interesting when two US physicists were tracing the position of first Russian satellite by its radio transmissions. They realized that due to the Doppler Effect it is possible to pinpoint the position of the satellite along its orbit.

While measuring the reverse effect they came to know that it is also possible to pinpoint the user’s location with reference of the satellite. This was given birth to the USA’s first satellite-based navigation system TRANSIT that uses five satellites, but it had less navigational accuracy. After doing many modifications, revisions, corrective measures and placing at least 24 satellites in an orbit, present Global Positioning System (GPS) have formed. Currently, the US has launched one more GPS satellite using nextgeneration operational control system called GPS OCX. Most of the machines and gadgets today are connected with each other via the internet and GPS is helping to provide their current location, so that authorized person can control or observe them. This way of

connecting machines to machines or machines to humans or humans to humans in a real-time is termed as IoT. Without GPS or any other positioning systems, especially for moving things IoT will not be effective.

GPS tracking has now become more popular as it provides the exact position of the respective person, vehicle, missile, pets or wild animals, online orders, and many more. GPS tracking becomes more important when it comes to critical factors such as safety, time management, customer satisfaction and more. So GPS Tracking solution industry is gaining too much popularity and becoming more valuable for highly sophisticated human future. These factors have made us go for the issue, The 10 Most Popular GPS Tracking Companies 2018. With this issue, we want to introduce you with current highly advanced GPS Tracking solutions and their provider companies who are totally transforming GPS tracking space.

After doing in-depth research, we have enlisted companies who responsibly transforming human life with the incorporation of GPS technology. Apex Protect GPS: The ‘all-in-one’ Solution for Dealer Inventory Management, Asset Protection and Retention Marketing, V Zone International: The Trace of Your Fleets and the Trail of Your Assets, Weenect: Safeguarding Families with Easy GPS Solutions, and WTS Positioning Solutions: Providing Advanced GPS Tracking Solutions for Enterprise and Individual.

Also, Insights Success has interviewed Aliaksei Shchurko is the CEO of Gurtam taking the company to the next level of success with his extraordinary ideas, strategies, and management skills. In the interview with Insights Success, Aliaksei has delivered insights about GPS tracking industry and his company’s contributions for making fleet management more advance and effective.

While going through our magazine, you must not miss out the articles such as; 5 Interesting Categories of ‘GPS Trackers’ to Trace Location, Eco-Mobile Apps for the Cleaner Environment, How GPS is Enhancing Fleet Management? and Wireless Mobile Technolgy: Scope for Tremendous Opportunities from the Editor’s Pick. Is Globalization Killing or Helping Start-ups?, Is the Automation Really Helping Humans?, and The Shift that broke the pendulum from the view of some of the Successful Leaders.

Hope this edition of ours will create a mark on your mind.

Happy Reading!

Suhel Mashayak

CONTENTS 16

aRTICLES 10

Interview

Tech Concern

Gurtam: For Together

5 Interesting Categories of 'GPS Trackers' to Trace Location

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24 Maestro's Viewpoint

Beginning

Is Globalisation Killing or Helping Start-ups?

Wireless Mobile Technology: Scope for Tremendous Opportunities

36 Robotech Is the Automation Really Helping Humans?

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30 Editor’s Perspective How GPS is Enhancing Fleet Management?

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Virtuoso's Vision

Towards Green

The Shift that broke the pendulum

Eco-Mobile Apps for the Cleaner Environment

Apex Protect GPS The 'all-in-one’ Solution for Dealer Inventory Management, Asset Protection and Retention Marketing

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V Zone International The Trace of Your Fleets and the Trail of Your Assets

Weenect Safeguarding Families with Easy GPS Solutions

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WTS Positioning Solutions Providing Advanced GPS Tracking Solutions for Enterprise and Individual

Editor-in-Chief Pooja M. Bansal Senior Editor Anish Miller Managing Editor Suhel Mashayak Executive Editor Stella Andrew Contributing Editors Upama, Nilam, Ryan Visualiser David King Art & Design Head Amol Kamble Art & Design Assistant Shweta Shinde Co-designer Paul Belin Art & Picture Editor Sapana, Deepanjali Business Development Manager Peter Collins Marketing Manager Marry D’Souza Business Development Executive Kevin Thomas Sales Executives Jennifer, Joseph, Kevin Technical Head Jacob Smile Assistant Technical Head Swapnil Patil Technical Consultants Amar, David, Robert Digital Marketing Manager Alina Sege Assistant Digital Marketing Manager Prashant Chevale SME-SMO Executives Rahul, Gemson, Swati Research Analyst Eric Smith Circulation Manager Tanaji sales@insightssuccess.com

December, 2018 Corporate Ofces Insights Success Media Tech LLC 555 Metro Place North, Suite 100, Dublin, OH 43017, United States Phone - (614)-602-1754 Email: info@insightssuccess.com For Subscription: www.insightssuccess.com

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5 INTERESTING CATEGORIES OF

‘GPS TRACKERS’ TO TRACE LOCATION

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lobal Positioning System (GPS) which was originally envisioned as a military project to assist guiding missiles to target the key objects more precisely and accurately has now been utilize by citizens (directly or indirectly), and businesses all across. It has become a vital thing which is needed to carry out day-today operations in many verticals. Today, this technology is benefitting many individuals and businesses to navigate and track their objects in a hassle free and timely manner that too with a single click of their electronic gadget. GPS has already spread its deep footprint in automobile navigation systems, mobile phones, and timekeeping systems and is ready to make a far deeper impression in some other sectors in coming times.

However, many people do not exactly know the different types of GPS trackers available in the market, their usage and working pattern. Here we have clear those confusions and come up with interesting details concerning various types of GPS trackers.

Personal Tracker Gone are those days when people used to stick posters of their lost pet in their nearby colony. People now-a-days are using personalized tracker to monitor their pets. GPSequipped collars have replaced ID collars which have been in use for a very long time. What’s interesting about these GPS-equipped collars is that it can be remotely monitored with the assistance of a personalised device. Moreover, such tracker is also gets use to track human beings with the help of pocket chip or bracelet. Such device provides a huge peace of mind since anyone can find their pets and even the close ones without taking the help of anyone and that too in a very quick time.

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Asset Tracker Many people got confused between a personal tracker and an asset tracker. Although, there is a very thin line that differentiates these two, but both are completely different as per their use. An asset tracker is use to track any non-vehicular item with the assistance of a small radio chip to a large satellite tags. Largely, supermarkets use such trackers to find their stolen or lost item.

For example, previously, supermarkets use cart blocking barriers to prevent it from getting stolen or lost but/since that process was time consuming which also demands extra manpower to manage those numerous shopping carts, supermarkets have now switched to using asset trackers.

Interestingly, by using such tracker in their carts, supermarkets have witnessed a significant drop in the share of their lost or stolen carts. And even of that get stolen, the rate of recovery is quite high. This is what the real benefit of using an asset tracker.

Moreover, such trackers also provide some extra benefits to a business rather than just tracking or recovering a misplaced or stolen shopping cart. These trackers also have the ability to identify the items placed inside the customer’s grocery cart. By analysing such data, a business owner can find interesting details like customers buying pattern, buying frequency among more. And can then effectively plan a customised marketing plan focusing on an individual customer’s shopping habits to boost more sales in the future.

Cell-based GPS Vehicle Tracker There was a time when delivery companies used to call their drivers to know the exact position of their vehicles and

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TECH CONCERN

keep themselves updated on regular intervals. Especially those delivery companies who transport precious as well as vital objects like gold, metals, cash, and other items. Such companies were under uncertainty and tension regarding the safe delivery of their goods till the time its reaches safely to the destination. But with the introduction of Cellbased GPS vehicle tracking, that worry has reduced to a minimum level. Such devices capture data from the device and then reports that data back to the business operator with the help of cell phones towers. What’s interesting about this device is that as compared to a satellite tracking, cell-based vehicle tracking costs less and reports faster to the business operator. This is one of the reasons behind its huge popularity in the vehicle-tracking segment.

Satellite-based GPS Vehicle Tracker What if your vehicle moving through a remote area which does not have cell towers for long distances, gets lost?

Would you be worry? Definitely yes! Then what is the solution. The answer is Satellite-based GPS vehicle tracker.

Since, the Satellite-based GPS can be able to track a vehicle no matter from where it is moving (remote village, dense forest, hilly regions etc.), it can sends regular updates to the owner even from the location where cell phones do not work or the area which does not have cell tower present in nearby areas.

Cellular-based Tracker Don’t get confused between Cellular-based Tracker and Cell-based GPS Vehicle Tracker. Both are different in their application of usage. Let us clarify with an example. What if you are into a logistic business, have plenty of warehouses but no vehicle. In such cases many times it happens that the third party who handles the transportation operations does not get convince to install a GPS device into their vehicle. In such scenario Cellular-based Tracker gets use, since it only require to install the business app into the driver’s cell-phone and no other devices in the vehicle.

As the vehicle moves, it sends the location information to the owner without installing an in-vehicle tracking device which is required in Cell-based GPS Vehicle Tracker. This is how a Cellular-based tracker can assist in your business operations.

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the

10Most

Popular

GPS Tracking Companies 2018

David Pollock CEO

The 'all-in-one’ Solution for Dealer Inventory Management, Asset Protection and Retention Marketing

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pex Protect GPS is a comprehensive Dealer Vehicle Protection and Inventory Management System designed exclusively for new car franchise dealerships. The hardware and software enables dealers to protect assets, manage inventory, prevent loss due to stolen vehicles, mitigate risk, increase sales efficiency and increase customer satisfaction. Dealers receive

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all these benefits plus the ability to build a strong, new profit center and greatly increase customer retention.

While most companies in this space view the end consumer as their customer, Apex Protect views the dealer as the customer, giving the dealer the tools and options necessary to succeed. Apex Protect personnel have been preloading GPS programs

into new car dealerships longer than anyone in the industry. As the pioneers of the pre-load model, Apex Protect personnel have unmatched experience and knowledge to customize a program that will be successful for every dealer.

Because of their unique approach, Apex Protect enjoys the highest sales penetration rates as well as the lowest dealer turnover in the industry. Apex Protect has replaced many failed GPS DECEMBER 2018|

programs across the nation with their product and processes, which are then successful and make dealers more money than ever imagined with their previous GPS providers. With proven processes that have been successful for many years, Apex Protect is a partner with the dealer not just a part provider.

Apex Protect provides a turn-key program for every dealer, training every person in every department, from the front to the back of the store to create a coordinated process which drives increased revenue in every department.

Protecting a dealer’s entire inventory while giving them the opportunity to sell the same protection to the consumer is what makes Apex Protect a win-win for dealers across the country. Apex Protect provides dealers more options to sell through to the consumer; resulting in sell-through penetrations more than double the industry average. After the sale, the consumer is able to take advantage of all the benefits and protections that Apex Protect provides. Monitoring location, speed and boundary alerts, low battery alerts and maintenance reminders are just a few of the benefits customers enjoy. The dealer wins again after the sale by obtaining maintenance information for previous customers and being able to proactively market to those customers with a solid retention building tool.

Moving with the trends in technology, Apex Protect is equipped with the best, most forward thinking and experienced technical team in the GPS business.

With the move to 4G devices and the corresponding bandwidths Apex Protect is working quickly to add even more key features that will help in the DECEMBER 2018|

enhancement of the connected car functionality and keep the company at the forefront of the industry.

These successes have led Apex Protect to being vetted by some of the world’s largest dealer providers and whitelabeling products for some of the largest, national F&I providers.

Versatility and Professionalism; Facets of an Effective Management Team David Pollock, CEO of Apex Protect GPS is a proven leader. Since 1990s, David has been training and establishing proven best practices to elevate F&I performance. A 22+ year automotive industry veteran and auto executive, his career ranges in working in retail automotive sales, F&I Management and Sales Management.

His experience also includes over 10 years managing a large F&I general agency and establishing and running a successful warranty administration company.

“We have perfected the process of how our GPS Vehicle Management system supports every department in the dealership”

Thomas J. Embree, Vice President of Sales - TJ became the pioneer of GPS, in the franchised dealer space, by preloading the very first new car franchise store with GPS and giving the dealer the functionality of the device, while the vehicles were still in inventory. This type of forward thinking has made him one of the masterminds behind the development of Apex Protect’s proven franchise model. His dealer-centric focus has created a uniquely viable model that quickly changed the sales model for virtually every GPS company in the industry. It is his sales model that other companies are still attempting to duplicate today. This model works so well that the first dealer that he preloaded almost a decade ago, continues to purchase products and service from him today.

Lee Burns, Vice President of Operations - Lee is the driving force behind Apex Protect’s proven franchise model. He has produced processes that are virtually unrivaled in the industry.

His programs have created a coordinated, seamless flow through the dealerships, which have helped dealers automate their inventory management, optimize dealer staff production and efficiency, provide added value and increased profitability. There is simply no other person in the industry better than Lee at implementing GPS preloads for new car franchise dealers, nor anyone who has overseen more successful franchised dealer preloads and ongoing programs.

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leet Management has become more important today for on-time delivery in an effective way. It helps to minimize most of unproductive time and activities. GPS enabled solutions give vendors and receivers a clear idea about the exact position of their fleet and assure accurate delivery timings and fleet safety.

Gurtam is a provider of innovative fleet management and IoT software enhancing the overall productivity of the logistic industry. Aliaksei Shchurko is the CEO of Gurtam taking the company to the next level of success with his extraordinary ideas, strategies, and management skills. In the interview with Insights Success, Aliaksei has delivered insights about GPS tracking industry and his company’s contributions for making fleet management more advance and effective.

Please say something about GURTAM. Gurtam is a global leader in fleet management and IoT software development. Headquarters is located in Minsk (Belarus) and offices are in Moscow (Russia), Boston (US), Dubai (UAE), and Buenos Aires (Argentina).

Gurtam provides fleet management solutions for more than 1000 partners from 130+ countries. They work directly with end-users – fleet and business owners. Among them, we have a lot of big brands – Coca-Cola, Lukoil, Mobil 1, DHL, Shell, and many others.

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What kind of vehicle tracking and fleet management (GPS) solutions do you offer?

Gurtam is a developer of Wialon, a multifunctional fleet management system used to track mobile and stationary assets – currently control more than 1,800,000 units all around the world. To distinguish ourselves from other companies we constantly increase the number of devices compatible with Wialon (now 1,500+), offer 24/7 technical support, and help to adjust the platform to any kind of projects or units.

Gurtam offers both a SaaS version and server-based products, named Wialon Hosting and Wialon Local, respectively.

We collect and analyze just any data that a telematics device can provide, including sensors data and CAN bus readings. Our own Wialon data center comprises over 300 servers located in Belarus, Russia, the Netherlands, and the US. Other products are GPS-Trace, a free hosted B2C service for personal tracking with over 75,000 users in 159 countries, and the new-generation WiaTag which is a mobile tracking application used as an alternative to tracking hardware.

Wialon also offers niche solutions for entering different vertical businesses: Logistics is a service designed to control all stages of delivery and field services operations. It offers a web interface for dispatchers and a mobile application for drivers.

NimBus for fixed route vehicles control comprises the core functionality of the tracking system and specialized tools for passenger transportation management.

Fleetrun is a web-application for maintenance planning, control, and expenditure recording.

Another product is flespi – an innovative backend platform comprising three components: • Telematics hub to connect any types of tracking devices to fleet management, IoT, or BI platforms.

• Device management platform to take more control over your GPS hardware — send commands to trackers via SMS or GPRS from a generic GUI, carry advanced device diagnostics at every stage, easily visualize GPS data on dashboards, maps, and third-party platforms.

• MQTT 5.0 broker – a fast, secure, and free communications provider for your IoT infrastructure featuring private namespace, WSS, ACLs, and rich API. What is the present scenario of GPS Tracking Solution industry? How are you contributing to making it better?

Now, technology is changing on a daily basis in a way that almost any operation can be managed remotely. Any device connected to the internet can be managed from anywhere. Internet of things was just a concept a few years ago and is now becoming a part of our business and life.

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‘‘ ‘‘ We are changing our platform and improving it rapidly. Not only tailoring it to the existing clients’ needs but also thinking forward and providing the most cutting edge solutions you will definitely need in future – even if now they may look too complicated.

The platform brings together satellite monitoring and video surveillance in one place for you to reduce accident rates, increase fuel economy, and improve safety on the road. We provide access to video from the monitoring interface, allow to view footages in reports and save on mobile data with event-based monitoring.

Moreover, we are now moving from control with simple MDVRs to sophisticated ADAS systems minimizing the role of the human factor.

The world goes green. We control driver behavior in all types of vehicles and even trains making CO2 emissions considerably lower.

We implement the platform for safety and security: guard patrol, anti-theft, human tracking, prisoner tracking, cargo security, etc.

Smart agriculture is also following the IoT mindset with complex solutions combining transport and field monitoring

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with harvest control. Gurtam is currently working on the agricultural application that would allow companies getting the precise analytics in a basic interface.

Say something about yourself. What are the difficulties/challenges that have you faced from the beginning of your career till today and what inspired you to become a GPS Tracking Solution provider?

16 years ago, my father, my cousin, and I established a family-owned software development business. We had a single customer from the Netherlands and some spare time to play Counter-Strike.

Playing over the web we got acquainted with the guys from Specialty Hardware Dept. of Atlant Motors, a major Volkswagen dealer in Minsk.

Just like our current partners, they had a project in the sphere of satellite monitoring services. Totally ready to install hardware but having difficulties with software. So, they offered us to create a tracking system according to their technical requirements.

In a month though, it was obvious that we didn’t fit the budget. But as the process got on the road, we decided to finish and try to sell the product. The development of the proprietary product inspired us. Slowly, we started selling the product but knew that we could achieve more.

Then happened the event that changed everything. In our small company, I was a developer and a system administrator at the same time. During the installation of a new Linux version, I lost all the source data. It was a disaster! The disaster that turned out to be for the better – we developed the software again. From scratch.

Now, I know that this failure became one of the most amazing things in my life: we created the product without the need to keep within any limits, we could leave the past. I rely on this approach ever since. We can put the development process on hold in order to create

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something new. In my experience, every innovative solution demands a brandnew effort. At the same time, our partner from the Netherlands offered me the position of the CEO in the company he wanted to start in Minsk. My paycheck would be $3,000 which was a lot of money 16 years ago (I had $800 per month then). So, I had to decide what to choose: career opportunities and higher income or suspense and adventure.

We preferred the latter option and founded Gurtam. In the beginning, it was hard because of the lower income. Over time, we got first clients, hired the marketing and sales specialists, started visiting industry events, and eventually established the first office abroad.

What are the exclusive solutions and offerings that make your company stand tall among others?

16 years ago, we could generate revenue due to a number of factors. Firstly, we were offering the solution almost ten times cheaper than those of the competitors. At that time, you could pay €200 to monitor one vehicle, while we set the price at just €20. Secondly, partners could build a business and make money together with Gurtam. Each partner had 80-90% of the profit, not 10%.

And the most important thing, we took a groundbreaking step and developed the first web-based solution of that kind. The competitors were obviously not happy about it. A few years down the road, each client needed a web solution. Thanks to the ever-increasing number of partners, Gurtam was growing as well. On top of that, Wialon was designed as a hardwareagnostic platform – we started supporting different trackers from various manufacturers as opposed to when the equipment was inseparable from the software.

Now, the Internet of Things is the technology that caught our attention, and we are ready to offer flespi, our new solution. It is an innovative backend platform connecting telematics hardware

of any type to various BI and telematics systems. With us, you can count on the best quality, help in business development, 24/7 technical assistance, and the support of a global partner community. We operate all around the globe, our partners live in different time zones and speak different languages. You won’t find a similar company in our industry.

What are the benefits your clients are experiencing?

All our partners are the members of the international Gurtam community: • Gurtam partners provide GPS tracking services in the corresponding regions.

• Hardware manufacturers provide our partners with quality equipment that works with Wialon. We do not just integrate new devices with Wialon, but also build relations with HW manufacturers.

• Software developers create their products extending Wialon basic functionality and providing new opportunities for Wialon system application.

The largest technology partners co-exhibit with us at the international exhibitions, such as GITEX in Dubai or MWCA in Los Angeles. We used this concept for the first time at the beginning of 2018, and it was a huge success. The idea is to bring together our partners, the developers of Wialon-based solutions, and hardware manufacturers so that a customer can get an out-of-the-box solution in one place.

Each year in summer, we also host Gurtam partner conference in Minsk. In 2019, we expect 500+ participants from all over the world.

Please give advice for the young entrants in the GPS Tracking Solution space?

They just have to identify and create their product, find their end user. Does it really matter in what world it happens?

The main thing is to discover the right product.

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the

10Most

Popular

GPS Tracking Companies 2018

V Zone International: The Trace of Your Fleets and the Trail of Your Assets

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Zone International, LLC is a technology solution provider company popularly known as “Fleet-technology Brainboxes”. V Zone International is Preeminent in Fleet Management, GPRS based Vehicle Tracking & a homogeneous Solutionist globally since 2010, Headquartered in Dubai. The company has the great product list, VZoneTrack series, which has proven a history of more than 8 years in the GCC. This helps clients’ to enhance the efficiency of their business operations; the company’s clients are delighted to use

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their industry’s best GPS Vehicle tracking and fleet management system.

Recognized by Dubai police and Telecom Regulatory Authority of UAE, V Zone International has a significant history of official GPS partners with many reputed organizations in the GCC. Like hundreds of other smart and clever organizations who have decided to put a stop to the misuse of their resources and have now chosen to become a customer of V Zone International. By using V Zone

International’s reliable and well reputed GPS Vehicle tracking, monitoring and controlling systems help clients utilize time and resources in the best of all manners without wasting a penny. V Zone International has a wide product range starting from the basic trackers for the rent-a-cars to the in-vehicle Camera and high-tech solutions with GPS based live video feed systems added with high-end security measures. First time in GCC, V Zone International developed the Biometric Driver ID solutions for the foolproof tracking of the users’ fleet

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with fingerprint-based driver identification inside the vehicle. Also, the company is a pioneer in the Emirates ID based solutions in-car fleet management and tracking solutions. Automatic Passenger Counting System for Transit Video Surveillance System, which contributes highly to the manpower supply organizations as well as the schools. V Zone International’s applications and devices are programmed to guarantee savings on Money, Time, Resources, Manpower, Maintenance and Business operations.

The Architect behind V Zone International Dr. Anwar Mohammed is the Founder and CEO of V Zone International Group. He spent his early career in the 1998’s in the education sector. Starting as the founder of multipurposes English School in Rural Villages of India, he spent most of his time on diversification in the education field. Later he shifted the focus to Management field and migrated to UAE. Starting his career with a biotechnology firm as Finance and Administrative Manager. Two years later, he focused on startup business and interested in GPS Tracking Services.

Dr. Anwar Mohammed’s vision is to integrate more friendly smiles into any theme of work that is to be undertaken and develop inspirational solutions and service applications that serve more than monetary benefits and are in tune with elevated goals towards humanity.

Dr. Anwar Mohammed was born in 1978 and holds a post graduate degree in commerce with additional qualifications in Business Management. He is a Ph.D. holder in business management.

Extraordinary Innovative Solutions VZoneTrack provides 360° solutions for the growing organizations with the unique demand. It has GPS tracking solutions, which helps the client to track the fleet in real time as well as DECEMBER 2018|

the history of the fleet movements. The comprehensive reporting system was developed by in-house R&D team who constantly improves the current system based on the client feedbacks and develop the innovative features like Biometric Driver ID solutions, Emirates ID based solutions, Mobile DVR based camera solutions etc.

VZoneTrackFB (Fleet Budgeting) foresee the cost of the individual fleet activities and related costs. The fleet manager can budget the cost at the Q1 of the financial year and reconcile at each upcoming period based on the real-time data from VZoneTrack.

VZoneTrack4D contribute greatly to the FMCG industry in the GCC market with the Plan-Execute-MonitorImprove cycle coupled with an ingenious algorithm; helps to reduce the operational cost of the organizations with the route planning, on-time delivery, and improved supply chain process. Annual savings are in millions for their clients and the product is greatly accepted as a key parameter in the growth of the organization.

One of the key issues faced by the manpower supply and MEP companies leads to the development of VZoneTrackT&A. The entire manpower and resource planning can be done through this software. The software ensures that the demands from the client are met with on-time arrivals of an employee at the sites and the Real-time view of the operations

“A Better Service in a Better Technological World.”

through the Key Performance Index based dashboard. The employee attendance at entry and exit is recorded electronically and any delays and absentee are notified real time to the control center.

VZoneTrackFM (Fleet Maintenance) takes care of the entire fleet workshop activities and related cost. The fleet manager has a clear idea about the maintenance due dates for the services and other related reminders. This feature alone contributes to the saving of about 10-20 % of the parts and maintenance cost.

Mobile data terminal integrated with RFID, CANBUS, Fuel sensors, navigation, ADAS, driver behavior are some of the add-ons that come with the current system. Car License Plate Recognition Camera With HLC and Smart Electronic Shutter Speed are utilized in special projects.

Customer Oriented Approach The unique features designed by the VZone R&D team is focused on the client requirements and the related cost savings in terms of Money, Time, Resources, Manpower, Maintenance and Business operations. VZone clients either can reduce the size of the fleet or take more business operations from the existing fleet by improving the efficiency of the operations.

Future Roadmap of V Zone International The in-house R&D team of V Zone International constantly monitors the challenges in the industry and conducts a seamless contact with the clients, whose feedbacks are the backbone of the recent developments of the innovative features. The latest 5G development calls for a high-speed MDVR solution. The company is also upgrading its current products to IoT platform. Also, Advanced Research on the Front Line of Artificial Intelligence over VzoneTrack is in the Labs. www.vzoneinternational.com

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Wireless Mobile Technology Scope for Tremendous Opportunities

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ireless mobile telephony was mainly invented and implemented only for voice communication to be used anywhere, anytime, and on the go. With time wireless telephony has been heavily researched and developed. Each year, each month, and even each day new innovations and trends are being added in mobile communication technology. That has produced till dates, the most sophisticated wireless mobile telephony that we are using in the form of a smartphone.

History Some decades ago, mobile phones were costly, large in shape and heavy in weight used for voice calling only with limited access within metro cities. Gen X people know these big-1G-analog-mobile phones very well. These big phones remained the status symbol of rich people only. In 1990’s 2G-digital-mobile service was introduced that consisted voice as well as data capabilities, this was the major innovative generation of mobile phones. With this, doors opened for mobile telephony for all with ease and compact mobiles. These mobile phones were a bit costly and not heavy performers like PCs because of their weak hardware.

Satellite Mobile Phone In addition to the cellular network phone, mobile phones can also be connected directly from Earthorbiting satellites. These satellite phones can be used in remote areas where wired network is unavailable or where setting up of a cellular network is difficult. The Inmarsat system is the world’s oldest satellite phone network. Some other operators like Iridium, Globalstar, and Thuraya also provide satellite phone services. Use of a satellite phone is very low due to the need of a special expensive device that supports satellite frequency and high usage cost. In some countries, the use of satellite phones is illegal. Most of the satellite phones are used in defense and disaster response.

Wireless Broadband With the rise of 21st century, 3G service was first introduced by NTT DoCoMo in Japan. This technology becomes a game changer in the field of mobile broadband. Use of high-end-cutting-edge technology for manufacturing made mobile cheaper in addition to good hardware that can perform an internet browsing and downloading very well. 3G mobile phones reached the popularity with the Internet Access and Video Calling. Use of mobile phones instead of PCs made compulsory for OEM’s to build similar strong hardware and OS as PCs. New hardware and OS were introduced and replaced with new one.

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BEGINNING

Operating Systems for Mobiles For a decade, Symbian of Nokia was very popular as a mobile OS. It faced stiff competition afterward with the introduction of Android and iOS. After Symbian OS; Android, iOS (Apple), and Windows operating system became popular that converted a mobile phone into a smartphone. Symbian, Android, iOS, and Windows are the milestones in mobile technologies that provide nearly similar computing capabilities of PC’s to mobile with the similar hardware configuration. All these OS supports different applications for a different purpose depending upon the user requirements.

Need for Mobile Applications Digitization in banking, governing, and in near about all the fields increases use of smartphones instead of PCs and laptops because of their low cost and compactness. Now people are not only using mobile phones for communication, but also for gaming, online transactions, social media, job hunting, online shopping, downloading-watching videos, and more. All these needs cannot be full-filled by Mobile OS and Mobile Browser only, which demands most sophisticated separate application for different use. Mobile Applications are becoming more popular as they are time saving and simple in operation. This has given birth to the Mobile Applications Industry.

Effect of New Technologies Newly developed 4G technology broadens the use of wireless mobile technology. IoT (Internet of Things) mainly use the wireless network for their operation. Using the IoT machines can be connected to each other and can be remotely controlled and operated with the help of wireless internet and software. IoT needs high internet speed and strong software to control machines like drones, autonomous vehicles, etc. 4G technology provides 50-1000 Mbps speed which is highly suitable for IoT devices. IoT also needs a special application depending on need, which may run on iOS or Android or any operating system.

Base for Mobile Applications Mobile applications are mainly based on the OS and hardware on which mobile phone or device works.

Today there are mainly three popular OS; Android, iOS, and Windows. Based on this, developer develops the applications for specific use. These applications are available in App Store of that OS. Like Android places their apps in Play Store, iOS of Apple in App Store, and Windows in Microsoft Store. All these apps are third party apps developed and maintained by other developers and solution providers. Some of the apps are free and some are priced small amount with some validity. Another fact is, free apps are also available in chargeable premium version, maybe with ad-free versions having high-end features.

Scope for Business Mobile apps business is growing faster after the 3G technology. 3G and 4G technology provide faster internet access that brings users to the mobile internet platform. Mobile is now used as a replacement for bulky PCs. All-day-today activities are carried on mobile that demands different applications for different use with periodic update depending on changing trends, security, and needs. All biggies are making large investments in the app solution business due to huge demand for different apps. Dependency on apps is growing due to use of the new technologies like IoT, M2M, Virtual Reality (VR), and more. Again gaming apps are also gaining more popularity as hardware of mobiles are becoming more advance that can support high-end gaming.

Numbers of apps are entering into the mobile market, creating lots of space for mobile app developers and solution providers. New mobile technology innovated, implemented and grew continuously, that again creates the new requirement of different apps, keeping app industry growing.

DECEMBER 2018|

23

Is Globalisation

Killing

Or

Helping Start-ups?

Mike Rosenbaum CEO & founder Spacer.com.au

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DECEMBER 2018|

MAESTRO'S VIEWPOINT

About the Author Mike Rosenbaum is the CEO and a founder of Spacer.com.au - The Place for Space. He is also CEO of Parkhound. Mike previously co-founded DealsDirect, a pioneering online Dept store in Australia and is an angel investor & advisor to a number of startups in the Sharing economy.

Mike also co-founded The Sharing Hub, aiming to accelerate Sharing Economy startups in Australia & contribute to the ecosystem.

O

ften denounced as the harbinger of inequality, the term ‘globalisation’ has been making waves since the 1960’s. With the move away from traditional enterprises and the rise of entrepreneurs, questions surrounding the impacts of globalisation on startups have increased. Is it more of a hindrance to developing businesses or a help? To try and settle this matter, Mike Rosenbaum, the co-founder and CEO of the Australian start-up, Spacer, and the Sharing Hub, shares his insights into the impacts of globalisation on start-ups.

The Sharing Economy has taken the business world by storm with its innovative outlook on what consumers want today and using underutilized assets to meet these demands. Whilst the industry is still relatively new, with some of the most well-known businesses just approaching their 10 year anniversary, the Sharing Economy is drawing a lot of attention.

Most of the businesses in the Sharing Economy operate in a peer-to-peer or business-to-consumer business model, providing the average person with the DECEMBER 2018|

opportunity to derive additional income. Companies are empowering the general public to use their idle assets, such as their own vehicles and properties, to supplement their income.

These businesses have become increasingly popular in cities with a high cost of living, for example Sydney, Paris, Amsterdam, London,San Francisco and New York, where residents are struggling to afford the expected lifestyle.

When examining some of the correlations between successful businesses in the Sharing Economy, it becomes clear that these companies tap into a universal need. Whether this be affordable transport, accommodation or parking. The benefits for consumers is clear, with consumers offered a wider variety of goods and services. Start-ups, in return, are best placed to address these global demands and to respond to different cultures. They are flexible, adaptive, at the forefront of technology and are comfortable with the world of digitalisation and the dependence on the internet. They can respond far quicker than traditional multi-nationals

and as such, globalisation appears to be less of a threat to them. The eventual entry into international markets becomes the obvious next step for businesses, once it has been successful in its opening country.

Consequently, in considering the typical trajectory of Sharing Economy businesses, the reasons for and benefits of globalisation starts to become clear.

With the prominence of globalisation, entrepreneurs are now considering international scale during the conception stage of their business.

Startups that haven’t adopted to a global mindset have been left behind and out-competed by the businesses that have integrated these ideologies into their culture. In regard to the importance of having this global perspective, Mike shares that “it’s not exactly a choice, it’s more of a necessity”. As the world shrinks and entrepreneurs are increasing in numbers, there is more competition to stand out and produce something new and different. Having a global perspective, the respect for cultural differences and willingness to communicate and engage with a wider

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audience greatly benefits the business as well as the startup and Sharing Economy as a whole.

Despite this, it is important for start-ups, as well as established organisations, to recognise the differences between marketplaces. The details of a business offering are rarely interchangeable between cities, whereby a successful company in London may not function as smoothly in Sydney. A slight difference in the country’s culture or logistics can have a detrimental impact in the future. Reflecting on the past few years, there have been many examples of hasty, failed market entry. Perhaps these examples have fueled the doubts and negativity surrounding globalisation for start-up’s. Scholars have argued that this climate is forcing smaller companies either out of business or to compete on a global level, highlighting a divide between multinational corporations and smaller companies. Rosenbaum disagrees, “it’s more fear of the unknown”, he says when talking about the limitations and negative thoughts surrounding globalisation. Small businesses are now more familiar with operating on a global scale then ever before. The increased competition leads to more startups using a plethora of skills and ingenuity to challenge the market. Startups have no option but to compete or watch as their competition passes by and beyond.

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Rather than fight the tide, the Sharing Economy is turning globalisation into a benefit for all startups. Businesses are utilising the tools of digitalisation to connect with audiences from all over the world and to source new talent.

This movement is reflected in the common flat organisational structure of startups, a consequence of the need to accommodate for workers spread across the world.

International teams are then encouraged to learn about the different cultures and customs in order to communicate effectively and respectfully within their international marketplaces. “You’re able to extend your reach into other markets, which ultimately gives your business a much bigger advantage.” says Rosenbaum. There has been a rise in the number of digital platforms supporting startups and the Sharing Economy. This includes mobile phone applications that act as aggregators for retailers, placing startups on the same playing field as some the more established corporations. Additionally, accelerators, such as the Sharing Hub, facilitate relationship building between startups from across the world, whether it be for marketing, manufacturing or technology purposes.

Returning to the original question, of whether globalisation is more of a hindrance or a help, the perception of the changes is critical. It seems it is more about how startups leverage and respond to globalisation, that defines it as an opportunity or a threat to success.

DECEMBER 2018|

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the

10Most

Popular

GPS Tracking Companies 2018

Ferdinand Rousseau Founder

Weenect Safeguarding Families with Easy GPS Solutions

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any families keep tracking devices, which are used to monitor the loved ones and keeps the family members connected and safe. Such devices assure that everyone in a family is out of the harm’s way. With GPS tracking devices for the kids, pets, and elders, one will not only be less worried but will also have more time to relax. One such company dedicated to keep

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families safe is Weenect. Weenect is the sole business offering a complete GPS tracking solution for the families.

Its solutions include a product for the kids, the elderly, and the pets with specific features for each member of the family.

The Compassionate Founders Two childhood friends Adrien Harmel and Ferdinand Rousseau founded

Weenect, and it was not long before Bénédicte, joined them. Hence, the family was at the heart of the start-up.

The idea of inception came naturally to Adrien and Ferdinand when they were having dinner with their parents and talking about youth and how parents got scared when kids left home and came back late. They both really wanted to provide a solution that would bring security, peace of mind DECEMBER 2018|

and freedom to all the families.

After graduating from French business school, Adrien and Ferdinand, both wanted to launch their own company that would help families in their dayto-day lives. Being compassionate about the family safety and their love towards the B2C industry, they decided to work for the benefit of families across a range of connected objects.

More than just a GPS Solution Weenect goes further than just a plain GPS tracking solution as it matches specifics needs of the customers. For example, Weenect is the only company to offer an intelligent SOS alarm system (patented) with voice call for kids and the elderly. This system allows the loved ones to connect in voice contact with an unlimited number of guardian angels at a simple touch of a button.

The firm also provides the smallest GPS tracker for cats and dogs that allow citizens to train their pet with vibrate and ring features. This allows the pets to come home when called as experience has shown that pets respond very well to the voice of their master.

With Weenect, people do not need to run after their pets and they will come back to them, thanks to this innovative feature.

Taking on the Current Industry Solutions According to the company, current GPS tracking solutions mainly focuses to display GPS pings on a map; however, the company always try to be one step ahead. The firm’s research teams are currently working on machine learning and AI to create a virtual intelligence guardian that will constantly check whether citizens need assistance based on unusual situations

DECEMBER 2018|

like an elderly person who would be disoriented, a lack of movement in a supposed active moment, an unusual shock, an unusual speed etc.

Diversified and Unique Solutions Weenect is the only company that provides a global solution for the family whether it is securing kids, elderly parents or pets. All this can be managed from one single app. The company offers an intelligent SOS feature with acquittal process. This feature will allow the person who has the tracker to reach out to an unlimited number of guardian angels at a simple touch of a button.

When the SOS is triggered, then all the app users connected to the account receive a notification, the first one to sees it gets in vocal touch with the tracker and all other users are notified, finally at the end of the call, an acquittal process is launched to make sure the incident is taken care of.

Furthermore, the application also helps to recreate a link between people.

The company’s virtual intelligence

“We offer a complete range of connected GPS trackers for every member of your family”

keeper will help to prevent many dangerous situations such as accidents, disorientation, immobility, shocks etc.

As far as the firm’s clients are concerned, there are two main benefits gained by them: security in which people can find their loved one when lost. They can manage an incident easily etc. but the most important benefit is freedom. Weenect’s ultimate goal is to allow kids, the elderly and even pets to gain the maximum independence possible. For kids, it’s the ability to explore, for the elderly it’s the possibility to continue their active lives like before.

Future Well-being With the advent of the new technologies like AI, cloud etc., the company is keen to adopt them and wants to stay as a leader in the tracking solutions. The company states, “the scope is endless, the new wireless technologies will increase the battery life as well as connectivity and hopefully price barriers will decrease that will allow the market to expand.

The new connectivity and AI will allow us to disrupt the telecare market by offering an all in one solution for the elderly and people at risk”.

Weenect is developing a disruptive B2B security solution for lone workers and people at risk, which have already been sold to the French police to protect retailers. The company’s mission is to bring freedom and peace of mind to all families, and it hopes that citizens will continue to expect that from the company in the forthcoming future.

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H O W

GPS IS ENHANCING

FLEET MANAGEMENT?

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DECEMBER 2018|

EDITOR’S PERSPECTIVE

F

leet management is an administrative task which allows organizations to co-ordinate with vehicles and drivers in order to maintain a smooth functioning of the fleet operations that too in compliance with the government regulations. Recent advancements in GPS technology have empowered fleet managers to improve efficiency, reduce costs and enhance driver’s safety in a hassle free manner. Here we have enlisted few of the advantages in detail which GPS technology has brought for the betterment of fleet management’s operations.

Improve the Efficiency of Drivers GPS devices have the ability to enhance the efficiency of drivers and help save more money which any company requires to manage its fleet operations. This device can assist the fleet managers to know more about the driving pattern of the driver like: At what time a driver can drop the delivery? At what speed a driver can complete all deliveries?

By knowing answers to such vital questions can empower the business owners to schedule each driver’s future weeks more effectively by focusing on individual driver’s driving pattern. The data which a GPS device transmit to the central device can further be utilized to gain some more meaningful insights utilizing data analytics services like

DECEMBER 2018|

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deciding the better route, tracking traffic hit areas, deciding what materials to be sent and how among others. Adoption of such technology can empower both the drivers and the business to attain efficiency with elevated performance that too in lesser time.

Keep Vigil like a Spy Data collected by the GPS device can provide many performance related concerns to the upper management like: At what time the driver has started his journey? Which different places the driver has visited during his entire journey? Where did he stop and for how much time? Answers to such vital questions can help the upper management to keep track of their driver’s work behaviour and assist in maintaining better efficiency in future. Moreover, to manage the health of a vehicle it is important that a driver move vehicle as par standard road safety guidelines or protocols, which is beneficial for maintaining the safety of drivers and longevity of vehicle’s parts. Using the benefits of GPS device and specialized software, fleet managers can get to know about various important things like: sudden accelerator pattern, driving pattern at the turn, speed breakers, and close residential areas, whether the vehicle gets use for non-work related activities, etc. and thus keep a strong vigil on their fleet operations like a spy.

Moreover, by analysing driver’s speed, companies can keep track of the amount of gas required and number of times the vehicle has gone for a repair. Such things ultimately assist in reducing the maintenance cost, make vehicle’s resale value last long, and also reduce the speeding fines to a great level.

Help Improving Drivers’ Safety In the past, when GPS was not in place, drivers used to work very much on their own space and schedules. Although, having freedom to do their work is not a bad thing but unnecessary wasting of time creates inefficiency which ultimately costs the company. Moreover, drivers’ safety is yet another concern which repeatedly creates tension on manager’s mind, since the drivers are more distracted than ever. In one recent study published by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute discovered that truck drivers are 23 times more prone to fall into an accident than someone who is not at all distracted. GPS tracking can address such issues.

Telematics, in-fact lets you know whether your driver has worn the seat belt or not and is there any unauthorized passenger in the vehicle. In such a way, it can help in enhancing the safety of your vital human resource which is needed to carry out your fleet operations.

Enable Integration for Better Customer Experience Management, employees and the customers are the most integral part of any business. In-fact the end customers are the most vital aspect as it is from where all the money flows into the company’s coffers. Therefore, it is necessary to provide much better and more transparent services to the end user to create a much better customer experience where customers don’t need to call customer’ care to know about their delivery.

It is thus important to provide real-time updates to your customers as well. Thanks to the recent innovations happening in the GPS integration technology, now fleet managers can integrate GPS devices using APIs to delight their customers and create a much better end-user experience. Such integration can show your customers where your service vans are with the help of map and reduce significant burden on your helpdesk executives. Another integration which revolves around social media is starting to take shape in fleet management. It lets followers know where their logistics currently is with the help of messages and provides a real-time update in a hassle free manner to the clients. Currently, fleet managers use accounting systems, CRM systems, and fleet systems to access more information.

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DECEMBER 2018|

the

10Most

Popular

GPS Tracking Companies 2018

Michel Bracké CEO

WTS Positioning Solutions Providing Advanced GPS Tracking Solutions for Enterprise and Individual

G

PS tracking systems are prevalent in industries like ecommerce and transportation for reducing operational costs and improve their productivity and efficiency. With the introduction of new and advanced technologies, there is greater possibility of tracking everything that is valuable or is instrumental to generate valuable information. Companies like WTS Positioning Solutions have pioneered

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GPS trackers for personal safety and security purpose as well.

Personalized Tracking for Anything Anywhere WTS is technologically the most advanced real-time GPS tracking company and a pioneer in the field, leading the market with products backed by latest technologies. WTS Positioning Solutions is popular for its Trax Smart GPS, a personal tracking

device for kids and pets that has established itself as a leading brand in personal GPS tracking. Over the past few years, the company has expanded its scope in line with general technological developments, to cover tracking for a different type of asset classes and established itself as a positioning solution provider to enterprises too.

It has developed solutions to cover DECEMBER 2018|

various needs such as transportation and logistics, for lone workers, for commercial drone fleet management purposes. Its services have been used within the healthcare and special need care sector and even for sports events.

For these enterprises, the company delivers solutions with software and hardware customizations tailored to their specific needs.

The company’s trackers are one of the most technologically advanced GPS trackers on the market. Trax G+ is one of the latest generations of products.

WTS is the first company that has made 4G commercially available tracking devices. These devices support the new technology with 4G LTE CAT M1 standard, which is the first of its kind in the world.

Veteran Entrepreneurial Leadership Michel Bracké is the CEO of the company, joining the WTS team in 2016. He immediately switched the focus of business to B2B solutions and to the introduction of the latest IoT technologies.

Being a Harvard Business School Alumni, he is a veteran business professional and management executive with a long corporate and entrepreneurial background in consumer products. With the experience of nearly twenty-five years, his specialties are within the telecom, consumer electronics industry. He has handled various functions ranging from marketing, sales, and distribution to manufacturing and supply chain management. Besides IoT and telecommunication, his passion for healthy lifestyles also translates into several projects within the cycling industry.

Advanced Solutions for Rising Demands Enterprises are already starting to embrace these opportunities. There is a wave of products and services based on

DECEMBER 2018|

GPS or other tracking technologies.

The increasing acceptance of GPS, WTS has built a flexible technology platform on top of the hardware technology that allows for customization. It offers flexible solutions adapted to specific needs of customers.

The original idea for Trax was to help parents keep track of their beloved small kids, as well as pets. Technology started to allow for smaller devices and applications on the market, innovative solutions to cover individual needs, and gradually opened up both the consumer and the enterprise market.

Company work with high-security surveillance projects and have developed custom solutions. Its products are updated to advanced technology and are used in logistic companies working with time-based invoicing at specific locations, sports equipment manufacturers, and health care providers.

The Approach towards Emerging Technologies WTS follows the developments closely and makes its choices based on the anticipated penetration of a technology.

Every technology has to be weighed in terms of penetration, use case and how it fits with the core product offering.

Hence the 4G LTE CAT M1 is the choice made by the company for shortterm future technology. The new technological developments pose challenges to manufacturers, as the market is becoming very fragmented and probably will remain like that for a while.

Customized Solutions for Specific Demands WTS has several unique features in its tracking apps, such as built-in Augmented Reality. It offers flexible and customized solutions towards enterprise customers. It has webhosting, data, SW, map tiles, and other services. A unique set of accessories are equally available to end users and soon to be introduced services are available for customization for the individuals.

“We are committed to improving the lives of people through reliable, intuitive and smart GPS trackers to track anything, anywhere in the world”

Expected Future Plans The GPS industry is growing at a fast pace and is forecasted to be worth 95 Billion USD over the next few years.

Therefore the flexibility and customization are going to be key strategies for any major player on the market. Technological advancements are creating such circumstances for a near future where everything valuable will be tracked. There are various applications being used at an enterprise or personal level when it comes to tracking.

WTS is capable to deliver at scale, on complex specific needs, and will be a reliable partner for major names in various industries. The company has been working enormously for past few years in building a flexible platform for quick and easy custom implementations and it is quite confident that these efforts will pay off fully.

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DECEMBER 2018|

ROBOTECH

ABOUT THE AUTHOR As the Founder and CEO of one of New York's premier SEO agency, Seun Ajanwachuku is a leading New York digital marketing consultant.

Some of his innovations include the creation of conversion marketing software for Wix Market Place, and establishing & cementing his ď€ rm as a leading, reputable and award winning marketing company in NYC. Seun's expertise has created one of the most dynamic and youngest SEO companies in New York City.

In addition to Seun's marketing background, he also holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering and an airplane power plant license. This rare combination of background makes Seun an ideal and indispensable resource for engineering and technical startups.

DECEMBER 2018|

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History of Automation Automation goes back many centuries to the time when the Greeks and Arab needed a way to keep track of time.

One of the human first practical inventions that mimics some form of automation was the invention of a mechanical calculator by Wilhelm Schickard. The creation of devices like calculators allowed people to accomplish task fast with higher accuracy. Similarly, some other inventions were developed across a wide range of industries to enhance further the speed and efficiency that comes with accomplishing daily tasks.

highly accessed. Since manufacturing requires many steps and processes, the creation of the automated machinery has improved a lot in terms of efficiency and quality control.

There are different types of automation available in the ground, and some of them are mentioned below.

Numerical automation – Machines programmed to perform repetitive tasks such as 3D printing and embroidery machines Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) – This automation accessed computer software to control machinery.

Example: CAD

Automation in the Digital Age Currently, people are living in the era where everything is moving towards automation. You can see news related to automation every day in the newspaper, on Tv and online.

Sometimes, it makes people say “Wow, things are moving fast” or “I pray that the day that a machine will replace me at work will never come”!

Automation is permeating every corner of our lives from the apps that exist on your phone to machine powered selfdriving cars. It was projected that 70 million US jobs would be lost to automation by 2030. This is a staggering number, and it plainly explains why automation is considered by some to be a curse more than a blessing.

Overview of the automation and its types These days, automation can be discovered in nearly every industry, which ranges from transportation to defense and medical operations.

Manufacturing is one of the most common areas in which automation is

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Flexible manufacturing systems (FMS) – It combines robots, numerical control system and other industrial automation tools into a single system. Case: metal cutting and forming Industrial robot – It can be programmed and manipulated in two or more axes. It may also operate in mobile or fixed applications. Example: Palletizing Automation and Productivity In specific industries, automation has increased employment opportunity highly unlike before. For example, with the introduction of ATM in the banking industry, it developed more employment for staff in every branch.

According to a recent report, about 43% of human tellers have been added in the past thirty years after the establishment of ATMs. Most importantly, bear in mind that over 90% of jobs will not be able to undergo complete automation. In fact, automation will help you become smarter and do things much better than before.

Automation and Job Security Automation has indeed increased the jobs in so many industries. e-commerce is one of these industries; which is still in its developing stages.

As the retail sector faces multiple disruptions over the convenience and shopping comfort, which e-commerce industry (automated) offers, job reports have highly focused on the job losses, which this industry has faced.

On the other hand, e-commerce sector is growing at an alarming rate that is three times faster than the retail industry. This eventually adds more 40,000 jobs along with high salary package. When compared to the retail sector, online e-commerce job renders more pay. This is 31% more than the average salary of the person who works in the retail store.

How Automation is Helping us Discover Our Origin At present, many debates are going on whether automation is detrimental to the livelihood of the human. Some of the people remain convinced that massive adoption of automation will potentially lead to the demise of many jobs. As mentioned already, in reality, people should be resistant and fearful of automation. Because contrary to this belief, this incredible technology is not meant to replace humans; instead, it is intended to improve and extend human life. Finally, it is safe to say that automation is here to stay. On both ends of the spectrum, automation will work to amplify job loss and creation of higher quality and paying jobs.

DECEMBER 2018|

Eco-Mobile Apps for the

Cleaner

ENVIRONMENT E

ffects of Climate Change are becoming worse and disturbing the overall culture of living being.

Increased carbon dioxide emissions tend to the greenhouse effect and the heat emerged from that, melts the ice of the poles and the ocean that worsens the weather and expands the oceans. Uneven weather is a major threat to agriculture that reduces outcome or destroys all crops in a single attempt. Polluted air directly affects the human respiratory system, causing different health disorders.

Polluted water also leads to different diseases of stomach, eyes, bones, and much more. Pollution not only affects the humans, but also all living beings. Species dependent on forests, polar/sea ice, etc. are vanishing. These effects make human beings to take efforts for changing their living style for the survival of self and the entire world.

Many fruitful efforts have been done and are going on to reduce or stop emissions of carbon and other pollutants into our atmosphere like; use of hydrogen in vehicles, use of solar/wind/tidal/water energy for power production. All these efforts are limited to specific authorities, but from an individual point of view, that needs different solutions.

Growing mobile technology helps a lot through the mobile apps which guide an individual towards the cleaner environment that results in great future and health of living being. There are millions of apps specially developed for an ecological purpose. This large growing eco-apps market is making a significant effect on cleaner and greener future of our planet and its inhabitants.

Ecologically oriented apps are available in a number of categories that includes air and water, energy, transportation, education, food, chemicals, and much more like; Air & Water Apps Pollution: Pollution app by aMobileFuture informs about local pollution sources, and their measured exposures like; Electromagnetic Pollution, Air Pollution, Water Pollution,

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Pollution and emissions to soil, Real-time air quality, Interactive map, with visualization of pollution sources, and more.

State of the Air: The State of the Air app gives the ability to see what your lungs are collecting anywhere in the United States. That provides through different tabs like; Today’s Air Quality, Air Quality Alerts, Get Informed, Speak Up, Donate.

EPA’s AIRNow: The app will allow users to get location-specific reports on current air quality and air quality forecasts for both ozone and fine particle pollution. Air quality maps provide visual depictions of current and forecast air quality nationwide, and air quality-related health effects explain what actions people can take to protect their health at different AQI levels, such as ‘code orange.’

Bluesky Map: This is a mobile app by the Institute of Public and Environmental Affairs (IPE) of China, which allows users to monitor air and water pollution in the China. It reports real-time emissions from sources all over the China. High pollution areas are shown with orange circles. This app encourages citizens to report the government official regarding high levels of pollution.

Transportation and Energy Apps Alternative Fueling Station Locator: The Alternative Fueling Station Locator app helps the user to find fueling stations that offer electricity, natural gas, biodiesel, E85, propane, or hydrogen. It shows the stations on a map or list of stations ordered by distance from current location. It also DECEMBER 2018|

TOWARDS GREEN product reviews based on scientific research and ratings.

Products are rated on the scale from zero to 10 for their impact on health, environment, and social life. The user can find ratings for food, personal care, and household products, by scanning the barcode of products and get information about it.

provides the contact info and other details.

Carbon Emissions Calculator for Air Travel: Carbon Emissions Calculator allows passengers to estimate the emissions attributed to their air travel. The user just needs to select origin-destination airports, and then specify the class of travel and number of the passengers. It will evaluate the carbon footprint on that specified trip.

GasHog: GasHog is a fuel-efficiency app that evaluates the efficiency of the vehicle by entering the odometer reading and the amount of fuel added each time in the tank and compares it to historical averages. The app also offers tips for improving fuel efficiency.

Waze: Waze is a community-based traffic and navigation app. The user can join drivers in their area who share real-time traffic & road info to save time, gas money, and improve daily commuting for all. This traffic navigation app helps the user to waste less time and reduce emissions.

Light Bulb Finder: It is a mobile app that makes it easy to switch from conventional light bulbs to energy-saving equivalents with the right fit, style and light quality. The app allows users to view bulb images, cost, savings, and its environmental impact.

Think Dirty: Think Dirty provides the easiest way to learn about the potentially toxic ingredients in the cosmetics and personal care products. It allows the user to compare products on shopping. It needs to scan the product barcode and it will give the information about dirty ingredients that helps to shop for cleaner options.

Visualization Apps NASA’s Images of Change: NASA’s Images of Change app provide the close-up view of many of changes due to human activities which are rapidly altering the face of our planet. For example; it compares Alaska’s Muir Glacier in 1941 to the glacier as it looked in 2004, Shows the expansion of agriculture in Saudi Arabia as viewed from satellites. It provides constantly updated, informative, compelling, and up-to-date visual experience.

These are some of the mobile apps which are benefiting us and our environment by securing our health and future. The introduction of new technologies in mobile phones again easing the working of apps with new improved features.

These are only some initial steps taken towards green and clean future using mobile apps. No doubt in the future, numbers of new Eco-Apps will be introduced with improved features using advanced technology; helping human beings in securing the future of the Earth.

Breeze Wind Farm Monitor: The Breeze app collects data from users wind turbines and presents it in an intuitive interface. It provides detailed data of wind farms and the status of each wind turbine on the go. It provides a track record of wind turbine stops and warnings in the real-time.

Consumer Information Apps GoodGuide: This app helps consumers to find safe, healthy, green, and ethical products with

DECEMBER 2018|

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he

TShift that

broke the pendulum

Murray Oles President

About the Author Murray Oles is the President of CHALEX Corp. The company is specialized in Workow Management for Marketing Communications Projects through the use of SmartFlo and integrated third party tools.

C

orporations are shifting their marketing services in-house and re-defining relationships with their suppliers. This is a strategic shift brought about by a confluence of technical, social and political change on a global scale. At the core of this movement is the corporation’s need to control global brand messaging quickly in an increasingly regulated world. Is this a temporary shift or is there more to it, and how far might it go?

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DECEMBER 2018|

VIRTUOSO'S VISION

The rise of mobile computing combined with an explosion in SaaS software development has led to more intuitive purpose-built applications with built in learning tools. The net effect is that corporations can do much more with less.

Hence, the rapidly accelerating move to take internal control of the corporate global supply chain. More specifically, control of process, digital assets, resources, and the brand message. Evidence of the shift can be seen in global corporations like P&G who in recent years consolidated their packaging prepress supply chain from hundreds of companies to only three. The ANA (Association of National Advertisers) committee for in-house agencies includes members from hundreds of the Fortune 1000. A Google search reveals many recent articles detailing the rise of in-house ad agencies.

that can be analyzed as a service in real-time. The ability to analyze any combination of process and behavioral data yields valuable predictive insights. Standards such as BPMN notation and the XPDL file format have allowed developers to simplify the user experience for defining, managing, and sharing process maps across BPM platforms. A virtual task can automatically serve up the tools the user will need. SaaS tools have one thing in common. They can be called through a RESTful API without the need for a software developer. The workflow can be configured to invoke access to tools based on the nature of the task. For healthcare workflows a digital radiology file format (DICOM Web) enables secure cross-platform viewing and collaboration over a patient’s scanned images and medical history.

The drivers of this shift are affordable and effective new technology and the need for speed to market. The value of a middleman controlling portions of the marcom workflow has diminished. This does not mean that everything is being produced in-house, just internally controlled and managed by in-house staff who are defining new best practices for their agile enterprise. Many companies go back and forth between insourcing and outsourcing, but this time it is different. Companies are focused on process, and it is not just marketing, legal and business analytics, recruiting, employee services and even providing in-house healthcare.

Business agile companies adjust to market conditions faster by adopting a culture of managed change. It is no longer acceptable to be so disconnected from your projects that you can’t even access your own brand packaging and promotion files. The same is true for legal, regulatory and compliance work. The agile company controls all of these processes. Their DAM enabled BPM system interacts with a SaaS reporting service like EZBI that concatenates and reports on data across distributed systems. Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma programs are used to configure these systems to monitor compliance to regulated processes.

With change comes opportunity. Demand for business process management tools is growing rapidly. Many new companies are developing SaaS products to further enable the agile business. Online workflow modeling and business process management tools are becoming main stream. File sharing and digital asset management services are widely accepted. Integrating these services to meet the requirements of a project has never been easier now that RESTful APIs have become widely available. Artificial intelligence applied to big data analytics will provide the agile business with insights previously inconceivable. Best of all, the enterprise can securely access most SaaS services without making any upfront investments or long term commitments.

These changes are far more profound than may appear on the surface. The gig economy is fueling a virtual cottage industry that circles the globe. Project managers are increasingly in demand. This is not just an IT thing, every business runs on projects. The certified project management professional PMP is a new college certification. Rachel Burger in a Capterra article explained The 5 Biggest Project Management Trends Shaping 2018. In brief, “business agile” is the new way of doing business. A visit to the Fiverr.com web site will show how one SaaS service is bringing buyers and sellers of creative services together.

This in-house trend is not just another swing of the pendulum.

At the core of the agile business is an integrated business process management platform. This is the tool that enables distributed process control. In-house is only practical when the technology enables the staff to do an order of magnitude more with less. BPM systems capture huge amounts of data

DECEMBER 2018|

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