OmniTRACK - How it Works

OmniTRACK offers Monitoring and Control

OmniTRACK is a remote Asset Monitoring service that gives the user the tools to monitor and control his assets worldwide through a range of communication channels.

The gathering of information on remote objects, such as vehicles, pumps, buoys and vessels etc. and then measuring this data against a set of pre-determined criteria e.g.: 'Is the vehicle within a predefined area?', 'Has a battery voltage gone low?' or 'Has an alarm button been pressed?', allow the operator to monitor the status of a resource. OmniTRACK can then forward alert messages via various means available i.e. on-screen pop-up message, an Email or SMS, a call to a Pager or Facsimile, etc.

OmniTRACK also allows remote intervention, for example in case of emergency situations, the message recipient can trigger remote equipment to close, shutdown, switch off or take any other action to prevent escalation until personnel have arrived on-site.

To be able to achieve all this, OmniTRACK uses 3 key col omponents:

This is the device responsible for gathering information at the object and communicating that information through a communications network. We offer various remote communicators that fit various communication networks.

OmniTRACK uses satellite as well as terrestrial networks. The network infrastructure enables wireless communication between the remote communicator and a central point, mostly referred to as LES (Land Earth Station) or Gateway.

A LES works pretty much like an Email server. Messages originating from a remote communicator are stored at the LES for pickup. Messages to be sent to a remote communicator are also stored at the LES for forwarding to the remote communicator.

The OmniTRACK server is the centre of the system.

Connected to many networks, it ensures that messages are collected, evaluated, stored, displayed and acted upon in case the message content should give reason to trigger an alarm. Depending on the system configuration, OmniTRACK may be running in one location or be distributed over more than one location.

Network Independent

OmniTRACK can utilize various satellite communication systems including Inmarsat C, Inmarsat D+, Vistar, Orbcomm and Thuraya.

When appropriate, terrestrial systems such as GSM are also used. OmniTRACK enables one to adopt any of these communication systems simultaneously and seamlessly within one or more applications.

Mapping

Often the client will require a mapping application i.e. an operator would like to see where a vehicle is on a map or where a specific Cathodic Protection unit is located.

OmniTRACK also supports Open GIS map standards. This means that the operator can either utilize map information already being used by the end-user or purchase specific map data in a variety of formats.

One Single Platform

All OmniTRACK Applications are built on one single platform to enable optimal use of IT resources. Cost of hardware and software largely depends on the system configuration selected, as well as on the load (volume of messages) placed on the system.

OmniTRACK is flexible. Smaller applications can run all components on one service. Larger applications can be distributed over multiple machines. In situations where resources such as a database or map server are already available, these components can generally be used as an integral part of the system.

Using a single platform for all applications has large advantages for system maintenance, eliminating the need for an extra box for each new application that is added. This solution prevents possible administrative complications associated with running parallel software, operating systems, and service pack versions, etc.

A direct consequence of using a single platform is that the system has only one administration interface and very similar user interfaces for all applications. Once a user is familiar with one interface, he can automatically also use other applications.

Operator access is restricted to registered users, who log onto the system via username and password.

Users can be divided in two categories, 'End-user' and 'Advanced user'. End-users have only viewing rights, Advanced users have viewing rights as well as the ability to change certain system parameters (e.g. change the number of daily reports sent by a remote terminal) and initiate commands (e.g. ask a remote communicator for its current location).

For more information regarding the individual applications available on OmniTRACK, please refer to the OmniTRACK Application brochures.