Satamatics — a global provider of satellite-telematics, asset tracking and monitoring services — has launched its new Reefermatics service. The company says the launch is a major step toward enhancing its offerings in the over-the-road long-haul trucking and cold-chain logistics sectors. The satellite-based solution initially is being targeted at the U.S. trucking, rail and container industry.
Satamatics says its SAT 201 integrated solution, used in Reefermatics, is the first satellite modem of its kind in the industry to run the refrigerated systems’ microprocessors protocol in its firmware. This reduces reliability issues previously experienced in the industry and greatly reduces the equipment cost for this type of technology, according to the company.
Reefermatics’ tracking system is designed to provide essential information on a refrigerated trailer’s status, location, temperature set point, fuel levels, battery and history. Operating over the Inmarsat D+ satellite network, the solution also is designed to start and control refrigerated systems remotely. This combination of control, security and data monitoring allows cold-chain logistic companies to provide the most reliable and protected services to the shippers of perishable and high-value commodities and products, Satamatics says.
“Up until now, remote refrigerated control and monitoring has been technologically complicated, requiring several microprocessors to communicate between the onboard microprocessor that runs the refrigeration system and then sending the resulting data through various satellite or terrestrial communication modems,” says Brian Hester, president and chief operating officer of Satamatics. “Our goal was to reduce the multiple failure points in the communication of this critical refrigeration information. In doing so, we have created a highly reliable cost-effective system for less than the cost of cellular-based systems. Satamatics has the ability to deliver locally or globally critical cold-chain logistics information, providing end users with real-time information for better management, usage and protection of refrigerated cargo and the assets that move them.”
For more information, go to www.satamatics.com.
