Field Mobility News Weekly – Week of September 23, 2012

The Field Mobility News Weekly is an online newsletter made up of the most interesting news and articles related to field mobility that I run across each week.  I am specifically targeting information that reflects market data and trends.

Also read Enterprise Mobility Asia News Weekly
Also read M2M News Weekly
Also read Mobile Commerce News Weekly
Also read Mobile Health News Weekly
Also read Mobility News Weekly

GreenRoad and GPS Insight have partnered to offer GreenRoad Advanced Tracking, an advanced fleet tracking capability as part of a driver performance management service.  Read Original Content

According to the 2012-13 U.S. Mobile Resource Management Systems Market Study, the use of GPS based mobile resource management systems has grown more than 50 percent since 2009, with local fleet operations leading the growth.  Read Original Content

Nike has obtained a patent to put data-collecting sensors on golf clubs “to improve personalization” such as analysis of a golfer’s swing.  Read Original Content

ILS Technology provides ready-to-use cloud based platforms to implement and manage M2M (machine to machine) and embedded wireless devices that connect to SAP.  ILS Technology simplifies deployments and offers unparalleled security to protect company and customer data and to ensure regulatory compliance. This newsletter is sponsored in part by ILS Technology.

Third year replacement rates for non-ruggedized enterprise handheld devices are 82.6 percent, compared to 18.2 percent for ruggedized devices.  This information and more is available in Intermec’s white paper, “New Roles, New Rules:  Are Your Smart PhonesTough Enough for Work?”  Read Original Content

Green Mountain Coffee Roasters wants to simplify its Keurig single-cup coffee machines, so has announced a new brewing system which uses RFID technology to identify the type of coffee being used and guide the user through the process.  Read Original Content

The University of Arkansas has opened its RFID Research Center which simulates every aspect of the supply chain, from manufacturing and a distribution center to layouts representing grocery, department and convenience stores.  Read Original Content

Hong Kong Union Hospital has installed an RFID system to enable its pediatric patients to have a better night's sleep and to gain more frequent temperature and vital-sign readings.  Read Original Content

M2M News Weekly – Week of September 16, 2012

Welcome to M2M News Weekly, an online newsletter that consists of the most interesting news and articles related to M2M (machine to machine) and embedded mobile devices.  I aggregate the information, include the original links and add a synopsis of each article.  I also search for the latest market numbers such as market size, growth and trends in and around the M2M market.

Also read Enterprise Mobility Asia News Weekly
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Also read Mobility News Weekly

There will be over 700 million cellular-enabled machine-to-machine device adoption and system deployments in the U.S. by 2017, according to a recent Gigaom publication. Read Original Content

The global M2M industry is expected to generate some $290 billion in revenues in 2017, up from just $44 billion this year, according to new research from MarketsandMarkets. Read Original Content

The growing use of RFID in modernizing applications is set to overtake the traditional RFID use cases driving the market to over $14 billion in 2017, according to ABI Research. Read Original Content

ILS Technology provides ready-to-use cloud based platforms to implement and manage M2M (machine to machine) and embedded wireless devices that connect to SAP.  ILS Technology simplifies deployments and offers unparalleled security to protect company and customer data and to ensure regulatory compliance. This newsletter is sponsored in part by ILS Technology.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced it has reached its $250 million goal of improving the rural smart grids of the country. The agency has been keen to improve these grids for some time, hoping to better prepare them for the adoption of alternative energy systems. Read Original Content

China's smart grid components market is expected to achieve a CAGR of 6 percent between 2011 and 2021 reaching $1.43 trillion, SBI Energy says in a market study. The country is expected to become number one globally on the smart grid market, surpassing the U.S. whose CAGR is estimated at 4 percent. Read Original Content

The number of mobile connected devices will nearly double to 12 billion by 2020, the GSMA predicts. In addition to consumer electronics devices such as cell phones, the GSMA forecast includes a variety of machine-to-machine sensors, including devices for the automotive, education, healthcare, and public utility industries. Read Original Content

The total smart grid software and related IT services market will reach $4.3 billion by the end of 2012, according to Pike Research. Read Original Content

Field Mobility News Weekly – Week of September 16, 2012

The Field Mobility News Weekly is an online newsletter made up of the most interesting news and articles related to field mobility that I run across each week.  I am specifically targeting information that reflects market data and trends.

Also read Enterprise Mobility Asia News Weekly
Also read M2M News Weekly
Also read Mobile Commerce News Weekly
Also read Mobile Marketing News Weekly
Also read Mobile Health News Weekly
Also read Mobility News Weekly

Students and faculty from Delta State University in Mississippi utilized GIS technology to create search and rescue maps to assist the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency as Hurricane Isaac reached the Gulf Coast.  Read Original Content

Panasonic’s rugged Toughbook 19 convertible tablet PC has been upgraded and will now feature the Intel Core i5-3320M vPro processor.  Read Original Content

Vertical Solutions, Inc. has launched HTML5-based mobile versions of its customer relationship management and field service software solutions.  Read Original Content

Since 1995, Syclo has enabled hundreds of companies in 37 countries and industries supercharge their businesses with mobility.  This newsletter is sponsored in part by Syclo.

The city of Indianapolis is using GPS technology with private field service crews taking inventory of streets and street signs, utilizing special vans equipped with cameras, sensors and laser guided radar.  Read Original Content

South African firm Harmonic Group is working with a private hospital to utilize RFID technology to track and secure newborn babies.  Read Original Content

MIT researchers have developed an ethylene-detecting sensor with an RFID chip that communicates with a handheld device to detect and display ethylene levels and reduce food waste in the supply chain.  Read Original Content

The City of Honolulu is undergoing a project which integrates GIS technology with 3D apps to help visualize and map development and planning proposals.  Read Original Content

The ThingMagic division of Trimble has created a new infographic titled “The Future of RFID:  Think Big, Yet Simple,” illustrating the benefits of RFID technology in industries such as healthcare, retail, construction and transportation.  Read Original Content

Field Mobility News Weekly – Week of September 9, 2012

The Field Mobility and M2M News Weekly is an online newsletter made up of the most interesting news and articles related to field mobility that I run across each week.  I am specifically targeting information that reflects market data and trends.

Also read Enterprise Mobility Asia News Weekly
Also read M2M News Weekly
Also read Mobile Commerce News Weekly
Also read Mobile Marketing News Weekly
Also read Mobile Health News Weekly
Also read Mobility News Weekly

The town of Westminster, Massachusetts has automated access to its waste transfer station using RFID technology.  Read Original Content

The city of Redmond, Washington has unveiled a new GIS map-based online zoning code and property viewing system.  Read Original Content

The real-time location systems market has reached nearly $300 million in 2012, and forecasts see it coming close to $4 billion by 2022.  Read Original Content

Since 1995, Syclo has enabled hundreds of companies in 37 countries and industries supercharge their businesses with mobility.  This newsletter is sponsored in part by Syclo.

Garmin and Navigon GPS apps are getting new features such as public transportation info, parking finders and even walking directions with upgrades this fall.  Read Original Content

Gordon Sumerling of Esri Australia feels that GIS technology is a critical tool for creating the cities of tomorrow, and engineering firms that fail to incorporate GIS technology “will be damaged by cost and efficiency barriers that remove their ability to remain competitive”.  Read Original Content

California-based Tactus Technology is pioneering a new tactile user interface for smartphone touch screens in which the “tactile layer” will have transparent, physical buttons that can pop up when needed and disappear when not. Read Original Content

Holland 1916 has developed an RFID solution in which the RFID tag is embedded in the surface of a washer and attached with a bolt to the item to be tracked.  Read Original Content

Field Mobility News Weekly – Week of September 2, 2012

The Field Mobility and M2M News Weekly is an online newsletter made up of the most interesting news and articles related to field mobility that I run across each week.  I am specifically targeting information that reflects market data and trends.

Nikon has introduced a new camera, the S800c, which comes complete with an Android OS, GPS, and Wi-Fi.  Read Original Content

Law enforcement agencies, like the Allamakee County Sheriff’s Department in Iowa, are utilizing mobile computing and GPS technology to improve response times to emergencies, improve officer safety, reduce the time spent on paperwork, improve access to records and more.  Read Original Content

A software engineer in Los Angeles has developed an iPhone app and now a corresponding website that uses GPS technology and social media to aid in locating missing pets.  Read Original Content

Since 1995, Syclo has enabled hundreds of companies in 37 countries and industries supercharge their businesses with mobility.  This newsletter is sponsored in part by Syclo.

According to a recent study from Scanbuy, there were over 16 million mobile barcode scans in the second quarter of 2012, with the majority of users in the 25-44 age range.  Read Original Content

Craig Aberle, Publisher of Bar Code Media Group, finds barcode scanners boring - so his firm has launched a contest for developers to create an eye-catching (and even ear-catching) barcode scanner. Read Original Content

Twenty-two companies, including Qualcomm, Sony, Nokia and Samsung, have banded together to form the In-Location Alliance.  The companies will collaborate to standardize indoor location services across the mobile industry.  Read Original Content

In a recent BYOD survey of IT technicians by OnForce, 50 percent of those responding indicate they have received 25 percent more requests for personal mobile device configuration and/or setup at businesses in the past six months than in the previous six months.  Read Original Content

Field Mobility and M2M News Weekly – Week of August 26, 2012

The Field Mobility and M2M News Weekly is an online newsletter made up of the most interesting news and articles related to field mobility that I run across each week.  I am specifically targeting information that reflects market data and trends.

Also read Enterprise Mobility Asia News Weekly
Also read Mobile Commerce News Weekly
Also read Mobile Marketing News Weekly
Also read Mobile Health News Weekly
Also read Mobility News Weekly

It is forecast that by the end of 2016, the addressable revenue opportunity for mobile operators as a result of M2M will be $1 trillion and will rise to $1.2 trillion in four years' time. Read Original Content

DAP Technologies has introduced a new rugged Windows tablet, the M9700, a waterproof and dustproof device the company claims will withstand 4 foot drops to concrete.  Read Original Content

New data from IDC reveals consumers use retail apps on their smartphones during the week (Monday through Friday) and on the weekend consumers take advantage of barcode scanning type price comparison apps.  Read Original Content

Since 1995, Syclo has enabled hundreds of companies in 37 countries and industries supercharge their businesses with mobility.  This newsletter is sponsored in part by Syclo.

True Context Mobile Solutions and Canada’s Bell Mobility are collaborating to offer Bell Mobility’s business customers access to TrueContext's ProntoForms app with the objective to increase business productivity by improving the quality and speed of data collected in the field, allowing mobile workers to access business data directly on their mobile devices.  Read Original Content

The BarCode News has tested and made recommendations on several of the top-rated free and paid weather apps, which enable users to access weather information on the go.  Read Original Content

Combining RFID technology and social networking, new cloud-based software is being utilized at all of the Susan G. Komen 3-day events in 2012, allowing race participants to automatically post updates as they reach different milestones along the course.  Read Original Content

Mobile GPS tracking devices provide real-time safety monitoring for probation and parole agents working alone.  Read Original Content

MobileCON 2012 is a mobile IT and enterprise event designed specifically for the IT executive and professional and will be held October 9-11, 2012, in San Diego.  Read Original Content

The M2M Evolution Conference & Expo will be held October 2-5, 2012, in Austin, Texas.  Read Original Content

RFID technology is enabling officials in Shanghai, China, to protect passengers and taxi drivers and to hopefully slow or stop counterfeit taxis in the city.  Read Original Content

Field Mobility and M2M News Weekly – Week of August 19, 2012

The Field Mobility and M2M News Weekly is an online newsletter made up of the most interesting news and articles related to field mobility that I run across each week.  I am specifically targeting information that reflects market data and trends.

Also read Enterprise Mobility Asia News Weekly
Also read Mobile Commerce News Weekly
Also read Mobile Marketing News Weekly
Also read Mobile Health News Weekly
Also read Mobility News Weekly

The use of RFID wristbands in hospitals and health care facilities is on the rise due to the many benefits the technology offers for both the patients and health care personnel.  Read Original Content

Deutsche Telekom has announced the launch of a new M2M developer community which provides developers with access to APIs, programming guidelines and software development kits for building and selling M2M apps.  Read Original Content

Location management, cloud services and tablet-based options are included as part of the enhanced Field Force Manager and Fleet Control solutions from Verizon Wireless.  Read Original Content

Since 1995, Syclo has enabled hundreds of companies in 37 countries and industries supercharge their businesses with mobility.  This newsletter is sponsored in part by Syclo.

Truecount has developed a solution for retailers unsure of how to begin implementing RFID technology for their business.  “RFID in a briefcase", or RFID 2-GO, provides all of the necessary RFID hardware and software (except for tags), packed into a compact carrying case.  Read Original Content

GPS provider MapmyIndia has launched CarPad 5, a combination GPS navigator, smartphone and 3G tablet that runs on the Android OS.  Read Original Content

A GPS app, ZabKab, allows users to “hail” a taxi from their mobile device and their location is sent to ZabKab app-equipped taxi drivers looking for passengers.  Read Original Content

The BarCode News provides detailed information and reviews on barcode readers and scanners in this article, “Bar Code Hardware - Barcode Scanners and Barcode Readers”.  Read Original Content

Field Mobility and M2M News Weekly – Week of August 12, 2012

The Field Mobility and M2M News Weekly is an online newsletter made up of the most interesting news and articles related to field mobility that I run across each week.  I am specifically targeting information that reflects market data and trends.

Also read Enterprise Mobility Asia News Weekly
Also read Mobile Commerce News Weekly
Also read Mobile Marketing News Weekly
Also read Mobile Health News Weekly
Also read Mobility News Weekly

TomTom Business Solutions has announced a new program, the Software Alliance Program, which will enable fleets to integrate vehicle and driver management capabilities.  Read Original Content

Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores is utilizing RFID technology for cardless fueling at their travel stops.  The rollout is expected to be complete by the end of September 2012.  Read Original Content

Global Industry Analysts, Inc. predicts the global market for RFID technology in healthcare and pharmaceutical markets will reach $1.7 billion by 2018.  Read Original Content

Since 1995, Syclo has enabled hundreds of companies in 37 countries and industries supercharge their businesses with mobility.  This newsletter is sponsored in part by Syclo.

UPS has incorporated a “wearable” scanning system for employees to speed up the loading of packages into vehicles through the use of a hands-free imager and wireless terminal.  Read Original Content

According to a research study from Frost & Sullivan, the RFID technology market in the Asia Pacific region is the fastest growing in the world, with the Americas accounting for the majority of RFID revenues.  Read Original Content

Fleet management solutions provider Cadec Global Inc. has implemented Verizon Wireless’ M2M Management Center to deploy and manage devices for its fleet customers with devices on the Verizon wireless network.  Read Original Content

Singapore’s infrastructure for mobile payments using NFC technology will be rolled out through NFC-enabled mobile phones by the end of August with three types of payment modes.  Read Original Content

Field Mobility and M2M News Weekly – Week of August 5, 2012

The Field Mobility and M2M News Weekly is an online newsletter made up of the most interesting news and articles related to field mobility that I run across each week.  I am specifically targeting information that reflects market data and trends.

Also read Enterprise Mobility Asia News Weekly
Also read Mobile Commerce News Weekly
Also read Mobile Marketing News Weekly
Also read Mobile Health News Weekly
Also read Mobility News Weekly

The seven standards bodies for telecoms that joined together to create a common M2M platform have now published a roadmap and have named the group “oneM2M”.  Read Original Content

MicroPower Technologies has formed a partnership with Sprint’s M2M network to enable MicroPower to add Sprint’s network as an additional channel to transmit wireless video.  Read Original Content

Automaker Honda is collaborating with M2M cellular carrier Aeris Communications to support its new electric-vehicle smartphone app, HondaLink EV.  Read Original Content

Since 1995, Syclo has enabled hundreds of companies in 37 countries and industries supercharge their businesses with mobility.  This newsletter is sponsored in part by Syclo.

Aegis Technologies is building London 2012, a 3D database for the 2012 Summer Olympics utilizing multiple 3D modelers, texture artists and GIS analysts.  Read Original Content

Cloud-based, mobile and social field service applications provider ServiceMax is hosting a customer summit that will focus on ServiceMax, its customers and the journey toward field service transformation.  The summit will be held September 18, 2012 in San Francisco.  Read Original Content

The Siemens Foundation has partnered with Discovery Education to introduce an education program for teachers, which focuses on integrating technology with learning in new and innovative ways, in particular with the use of QR codes.  Read Original Content

Verizon Communications has finalized its $612 million acquisition of Hughes Telematics Inc.  Verizon states the acquisition prepares the company to speed up growth through the delivery of advanced automotive and fleet telematics and M2M services. Read Original Content

Field Mobility and M2M News Weekly – Week of July 22, 2012

The Field Mobility and M2M News Weekly is an online newsletter made up of the most interesting news and articles related to field mobility that I run across each week.  I am specifically targeting information that reflects market data and trends.

Also read Enterprise Mobility Asia News Weekly
Also read Mobile Commerce News Weekly
Also read Mobile Marketing News Weekly
Also read Mobile Health News Weekly
Also read Mobility News Weekly

LightSpeed and Socket Mobile have formed a partnership to join Socket’s hand scanners with the LightSpeed for iPad app.  Read Original Content

Group Mobile has added three new rugged tablets to its product line: The Windows-based DRS ARMOR X7et, the Android DRS ARMOR X7ad, and a new DRS convertible tablet, the ARMOR™ X12kb.  Read Original Content

The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles is using barcode technology with 45 stand-alone kiosks, enabling customers to use the kiosks to receive printed vehicle registration certificates, driver’s license renewals, driver history records and more.  Read Original Content

Since 1995, Syclo has enabled hundreds of companies in 37 countries and industries supercharge their businesses with mobility.  This newsletter is sponsored in part by Syclo.

GeoSpatial Experts has released the Android version of its GeoJot app for mobile devices.  Part of an end-to-end system for geospatial data capture, mapping and reporting, GeoJot turns Apple iOS and Google Android mobile devices with integrated cameras into field data collection tools.  Read Original Content

TDIndustries implemented a field service automation solution and received payback in half the time anticipated.  Details are provided in a new article, “The Payback of Field Service Automation” in Field Technologies magazine. Read Original Content

As wireless broadband becomes more available and affordable, people are no longer confined to the traditional office environment.  “The future of mobile computers is rugged” according to Jerker Hellstrom, CEO of Handheld Group, in this article in Mobile World.  Read Original Content

The British Insurance Brokers’ Association predicts that telematics ‘black box’ auto insurance sales will reach 500,000 policies in the next two years.  Read Original Content

Field Mobility and M2M News Weekly – Week of July 1, 2012

The Field Mobility and M2M News Weekly is an online newsletter made up of the most interesting news and articles related to field mobility that I run across each week.  I am specifically targeting information that reflects market data and trends.

Also read Enterprise Mobility Asia News Weekly
Also read Mobile Commerce News Weekly
Also read Mobile Marketing News Weekly
Also read Mobile Health News Weekly
Also read Mobility News Weekly

Hidden RFID tags can be inserted into book, CD or DVD packaging during the manufacturing process, allowing the publisher to track the products throughout the supply chain, and also prevents counterfeit products being returned for a refund.
Read Original Content

Sierra Wireless has announced it will acquire Sagemcom’s M2M business, to occur in the third quarter of 2012.  Read Original Content

Analysys Mason predicts M2M connections will grow to 2.1 billion by 2021, and revenue from M2M connectivity will reach $50.9 billion.  Read Original Content

Since 1995, Syclo has enabled hundreds of companies in 37 countries and industries supercharge their businesses with mobility.  This newsletter is sponsored in part by Syclo.

ProfitZoom has launched a mobile field services application for Android devices, which enables field technicians of fire and life safety companies to download service tickets and all relevant information to service their client locations.  Read Original Content

Barcodes have inspired furniture and home décor, such as wall art, pillows, CD holders, chandeliers and even sofas.  Read Original Content

Telit Wireless Solutions, Inc. will host its second annual international developer’s conference targeting M2M industry experts, developers and analysts.  Telit DevCon will be held October 8, 2012 in San Diego.  Read Original Content

Field Mobility and M2M News Weekly – Week of June 24, 2012

The Field Mobility and M2M News Weekly is an online newsletter made up of the most interesting news and articles related to field mobility that I run across each week.  I am specifically targeting information that reflects market data and trends.

Also read Enterprise Mobility Asia News Weekly
Also read Mobile Commerce News Weekly
Also read Mobile Marketing News Weekly
Also read Mobile Health News Weekly
Also read Mobility News Weekly

Two RFID rugged mobile computers are now available to help retailers simplify inventory management - Honeywell’s Optimus 5900 RFID mobile computer and Motorola’s MC3090-Z RFID mobile computer.  Read Original Content

Raco Wireless and Enterprise Mobile are working together to increase the popularity of M2M services, helping businesses without telecom expertise launch M2M services.  Read Original Content

A survey conducted by researchers at Sam Houston State University and Southern Arkansas University from 2005 to 2012 reveals that the utilization of RFID systems by manufacturers in the United States to track inventory has grown at a steady pace.  Read Original Content

Since 1995, Syclo has enabled hundreds of companies in 37 countries and industries supercharge their businesses with mobility.  This newsletter is sponsored in part by Syclo.

In a move that may spell trouble for the portable GPS device market, Apple has announced the launch of Maps, its in-house mapping and GPS navigation service for iOS devices.  Read Original Content

A new e-book is available from NetMotion Wireless “The Top 5 Best Practices for Field Mobility”.  Read Original Content

Impinj has launched a new web-based analysis tool, the Store Performance Simulator, to enable retailers to perform “what-if” scenarios to aid in deciding whether or not to utilize RFID technology.  Read Original Content

RFID product maker Intermec has announced it will lay off 7 percent of its workforce in a move to cut costs.  Read Original Content

Field Mobility and M2M News Weekly – Week of April 22, 2012

The Field Mobility and M2M News Weekly is an online newsletter made up of the most interesting news and articles related to field mobility that I run across each week.  I am specifically targeting information that reflects market data and trends.

Also read Enterprise Mobility Asia News Weekly
Also read Mobile Commerce News Weekly
Also read Mobile Marketing News Weekly
Also read Mobile Health News Weekly
Also read Mobility News Weekly

According to Analysis Mason, three trends for small and medium enterprises over the coming year are:  More mobile cloud applications, including mobile device management; M2M fleet management solutions; and increased reliance on indirect sales channels. Read Original Content

ABI Research predicts that shipments of cellular M2M modules produced in China will reach 13.6 million units by 2016, making up almost 40 percent of modules shipped in Asia. Read Original Content

Since 1995, Syclo has enabled hundreds of companies in 37 countries and industries supercharge their businesses with mobility.  This newsletter is sponsored in part by Syclo. http://www.syclo.com/.

Boeing is developing an Android-based secure and encrypted mobile phone, targeting the defense and intelligence sectors, as well as commercial markets.  The launch of the “Boeing Phone” is expected in late 2012. Read Original Content

Intel has unveiled the Studybook, a rugged tablet developed for use in schools around the world, including developing countries. Read Original Content and Read More Original Content

An upgraded smartphone app from Allrecipes.com uses barcode scanning of grocery store items to find recipes that use each item. Read Original Content

Field Mobility and M2M News Weekly – Week of April 15, 2012

The Field Mobility and M2M News Weekly is an online newsletter made up of the most interesting news and articles related to field mobility that I run across each week.  I am specifically targeting information that reflects market data and trends.

Also read Enterprise Mobility Asia News Weekly
Also read Mobile Commerce News Weekly
Also read Mobile Marketing News Weekly
Also read Mobile Health News Weekly
Also read Mobility News Weekly

Google Maps currently covers 187 countries, providing 26 million miles of driving directions and covering 75 percent of the world’s population. Read Original Content

An enterprising team in Los Angeles has created Road Stoves, allowing customers to locate their favorite mobile food vendor. Mobile food vendors install GPS units in their trucks and customers can download an iPhone or Android app to locate the participating vendors. Read Original Content

Tablets and smartphones could become the control point for the connected, automated home of the future, allowing homeowners to dim the lights, open the curtains, engage the alarm or check in on our kids via video feed. Read Original Content

Since 1995, Syclo has enabled hundreds of companies in 37 countries and industries supercharge their businesses with mobility.  This newsletter is sponsored in part by Syclo. http://www.syclo.com/.

A new system utilizing bar codes and smart printers has allowed Koegel Meats of Flint, Michigan to streamline their antiquated labeling and product tracking operations. Read Original Content

Consulting firm Burns and McDonnell has found that using rugged tablets and specialized mobile data collection applications has markedly increased the efficiency and accuracy of data collected by its field staff. Read Original Content

Siemens and Streetline have partnered to create an M2M solution for urban parking limitations.  Wireless sensors detect the presence of vehicles in individual parking spaces.  A free smartphone app provides real-time data to motorists, guiding them to available parking spaces, allowing them to keep track of the time left on the meter, and pay for parking. Read Original Content

Field Mobility and M2M News Weekly – Week of April 1, 2012

The Field Mobility and M2M News Weekly is an online newsletter made up of the most interesting news and articles related to field mobility that I run across each week.  I am specifically targeting information that reflects market data and trends.

Also read Enterprise Mobility Asia News Weekly
Also read Mobile Commerce News Weekly
Also read Mobile Marketing News Weekly
Also read Mobile Health News Weekly
Also read Mobility News Weekly

InSync Software has announced the availability of Sapphire, its new iApp 4.0 application platform.  Sapphire features enhancements that include GPS device support and smartphone support for InSync Mobile. Read Original Content

Law enforcement's use of geospatial analytics has moved far beyond a couple of researchers or the fictional exploits of the television show Numb3rs; and businesses are now following their example in using GIS technology and applying geospatial predictive analysis to their businesses. Read Original Content

New 2010 U.S. Census datasets are now available and can be downloaded as a collection of layer packages from ArcGIS. Read Original Content

Since 1995, Syclo has enabled hundreds of companies in 37 countries and industries supercharge their businesses with mobility.  This newsletter is sponsored in part by Syclo. http://www.syclo.com/.

The RFID Journal has announced the finalists for the 2012 RFID Journal Awards, in categories including Best RFID Implementation, Most Innovative Use of RFID, and Best Use of RFID to Enhance a Product or Service. Read Original Content

The French North Pole 2012 Expedition will be using the Algiz XRW notebook by Handheld for communications and computing during its five-week expedition. Read Original Content

Field Mobility and M2M News Weekly – Week of March 12, 2012

The Field Mobility and M2M News Weekly is an online newsletter made up of the most interesting news and articles related to field mobility and M2M that I run across each week.  I am specifically targeting information that reflects market data and trends.

Also read Enterprise Mobility Asia News Weekly
Also read Mobile Commerce News Weekly
Also read Mobile Marketing News Weekly
Also read Mobile Health News Weekly
Also read Mobility News Weekly

Microsoft will soon have another operating system available for download in "preview" form: Windows Embedded Standard 8. That OS is at the heart the company's big push into so-called "intelligent systems. Read Original Content

An RFID solution is trying to put the breaks on warehouse accidents. Several consumer goods manufacturers are testing technology from Transmon Engineering to alert forklift drivers when they come within range of a pedestrian. Read Original Content

Identive Group, Inc., a provider of products, services and solutions for the security, identification and RFID industries, has announced results for Q4 2011. The company saw a 21 percent revenue growth to $102.7 million.  Read Original Content

Since 1995, Syclo has enabled hundreds of companies in 37 countries and industries supercharge their businesses with mobility.  This newsletter is sponsored in part by Syclo. http://www.syclo.com/.

F4Devices has released its new Flint rugged handheld. The Flint offers a combination of flexible GPS configurations, ranging from 1 to 3 meters to sub-meter accuracies, while supporting geotagging with the 5 megapixel autofocus camera as well as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and 3G data. Read Original Content

The Census Bureau is considering trying out RFID technology to keep track of hundreds of thousands of computers and other items in a pilot project. The bureau issued a Request for Information looking for input from vendors on what types of RFID systems might be suitable to track 80,000. Read Original Content

Field Mobility News Weekly - Week of January 30, 2012

The Field Mobility News Weekly is an online newsletter made up of the most interesting news and articles related to field mobility that I run across each week.  I am specifically targeting information that reflects market data and trends.

Also read Enterprise Mobility Asia News Weekly
Also read M2M News Weekly
Also read Mobile Commerce News Weekly
Also read Mobile Marketing News Weekly
Also read Mobile Health News Weekly
Also read Mobility News Weekly
Also read Mobility Charts Weekly

Group Mobile has declared Panasonic’s Toughbook 31 to be the “best rugged computer” of 2011. In making this selection, Group Mobile's experts took price, processor, battery life, wireless options, media bay options, display brightness, and the ability to withstand harsh environments into consideration. Read Original Content

Motion has developed a tablet device that helps smart grid companies improves efficiency by 75 percent. Read Original Content

Swiss waste management and material transportation company Challande et Fils is tracking the locations of its containers and waste bins as they are deposited at construction sites and other locations, using RFID tags on the bins, as well as readers on trucks to transmit GPS location data, along with each tag's unique ID number. Read Original Content

Since 1995, Syclo has enabled hundreds of companies in 37 countries and industries supercharge their businesses with mobility.  This newsletter is sponsored in part by Syclo. http://www.syclo.com/.

Oracle has introduced new Utilities Mobile Workforce Management 2.1 and Utilities Mobile Workforce Analytics, which help utility companies improve field service efficiency, customer service and system reliability. Read Original Content

Mobile Expert Podcast Series: PSION's Mike Petersen, Part 2

This is Part 2 of my interview with PSION's Mike Petersen on what makes rugged mobile devices different from consumer grade mobile devices.  Mike reveals some surprising ROIs and TOC (total cost of ownership) considerations. Listen to Part 1 here.

When you are done listening to this podcast, I hope you will take a moment to complete the enterprise mobility survey.  All participants will receive the survey results.

*************************************************************

Kevin Benedict, Independent Mobile and M2M Industry Analyst, SAP Mentor Volunteer

Visit MobileEnterpriseStrategies.com

Follow me on Twitter @krbenedict

Join the SAP Enterprise Mobility Group

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Read The M2M News Monthly

Full Disclosure: I am an independent mobility analyst, consultant and blogger. I work with and have worked with many of the companies mentioned in my articles.

Mobility ROI Weekly - Week of September 5, 2011

This Mobility ROI Weekly consists of ROIs that I come across in my daily research on enterprise mobility and mobile data collection.  My goal is to create an archive of mobility related ROIs that we can all use when we need them. I hope you find this useful.

United Airlines Replaces Pilot Logbooks with iPad Tablets
 
Recently, United Airlines officials announced that the company is replacing all manuals, charts and logbooks for over 11,000 pilots with new iPad tablet computers.  The company began the replacement process early in August and will complete the iPad distribution later this year.  Expected ROIs are:

• Replacing logbooks, charts and manuals with iPads will relieve pilots of 38 pounds of required documents and paperwork.
• iPads will store 12,000 pages of required documentation on a 1.5 pound, compact device that allows pilots to travel lightly.
• 326,000 gallons of jet fuel will be saved each year through the reduction of 38 pounds of paperwork per pilot.  This equates to 3,208 fewer metric tons of carbon emissions being released each year.

 http://www.cnn.com/2011/TECH/gaming.gadgets/08/23/united.ipad.mashable/index.html?iphoneemail

Companies Benefit By Allowing Employees to Bring Their Own Devices to Work

Lately there has been an increased push both by employers and employees to allow the use of personal handheld devices in work environments for work related tasks.  Many companies are seeing the benefits of personal devices at work not only to include savings on company IT expenses but other ROIs as well:

• By allowing employees to bring personal smartphones and tablets to work, companies save money that would have been spent purchasing company owned devices.
• Worker moral is improved when employees can bring familiar devices to work.  Employees feel more comfortable using a device for work purposes, which they also use personally.
• Companies see an increase in productivity when they allow employees to use personal devices for work purposes.  Employees will often complete work related tasks at home when company information and applications are on their personal devices.
• Personal smartphones are also maintained, repaired or replaced by the owner, which saves the company money.

http://mobileenterprise.edgl.com/how-to/How-Workers-Can-BYOD-Without-Risking-Data,-Networks-75175

Supermarket Chain Secures Storage Rooms with RFID

Two German supermarket chains ALDI and Lidl have both established RFID tracking systems throughout their warehouses and grocery stores to increase security and monitor access into freezer rooms and storerooms.  The system allows the RFID badge on an employee to trigger a door or gate into automatically opening when within range (3 meters).  The reported ROIs are:

• Reduces theft by restricting access to employees with RFID badges only.
• Reduces employee theft by tracking any access to storerooms after business hours.
• Hands free door or gate opening enables employees to enter while driving a vehicle or carrying a load, which saves time and improves efficiency.
• Hands free access also enables a much faster entry than a manual code or swiping system.
• The RFID system also records how long an individual has been in a room or freezer and can send an alert to a manager to check on the health and/or status of the individual.

http://www.rfidjournal.com/article/articleview/8711/1/1/

Lamb Ranchers Increase Production Through Radio-Frequency Tracking

Alberta lamb producers are working on a radio frequency tracking system to create a remotely manageable herd system and to increase awareness and tracking capabilities. The potential ROIs are:

• Cost-savings through lowered labor expenses 
• Allows for expanded production through increased oversight of larger herd populations.

http://www.rfidworld.ca/lamb-traceability-project-gives-alberta-lamb-producers-access-to-rich-information/429

Maryland School Board Approves GPS Enabled Bus Fleet

A school board in Prince County, Maryland has approved a GPS vehicle-management system for the school district’s fleet of 100 buses.  The expected ROIs are:

• An average of 8.6% reduction in fuel.
• 15% reduction in overtime claims by bus drivers.
• 13.3% reduction in communication overhead - locating buses, communicating with parents, etc.
• Provides quick guidance for lost drivers to keep them on schedule.
• Monitors bus driving patterns to help supervisors train more efficient driving skills.
• Reports diagnostic data to mechanics for improved maintenance reduced downtime.

http://www.fieldtechnologies.com/school-bus-fleet-updates-gps-tracking-system-to-enhance-safety-and-cut-costs/

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Kevin Benedict, Independent Mobile and M2M Industry Analyst, SAP Mentor Volunteer

Visit MobileEnterpriseStrategies.com

Follow me on Twitter @krbenedict

Join the SAP Enterprise Mobility Group

Read The Mobility News Weekly

Read The M2M News Monthly

Full Disclosure: I am an independent mobility analyst, consultant and blogger. I work with and have worked with many of the companies mentioned in my articles.

Mobility ROI Weekly - Week of August 1, 2011

This weekly ROI (return on investment) report includes ROIs that I come across in my weekly enterprise mobility and mobile data collection research.  My goal is to create an archive of mobility ROIs that we can all use when we are called upon for them.  I hope you find this useful.

John Deer Factory Uses Wi-Fi Sensors to Increase Efficiency

John Deer has increased productivity in a factory in Illinois by employing Wi-Fi enabled sensors that track the progress of materials along the production line.  The sensors are specifically designed to help notify welders throughout the manufacturing stages when materials are running low.  The reported ROIs are:

• The company has seen a 40 percent increase in efficiency in welding due to improvements in material replenishment and fewer delays caused by waiting for materials in its welding areas.
• The system has reduced the amount of time to assemble an average row-crop planter vehicle by 5 percent
• Provides awareness for the number of materials left in a “kitcart” so that supplies never completely run out for assembly workers.

Read original source here.

Electronic Ear Tags Help UK Farms Detect Sick Animals

Newcastle University is testing a new way to detect sick animals by using electronic sensors attached to animal ear tags.  By monitoring the amount of time each animal spends at the feeding trough farmers can observe animals with unusual eating habits.  The expected ROIs are:

• The ability for farmers to detect sick livestock before animals are too ill to recover.  Helps extend the life and production of the animals which increases the value of these assets. 
• Early detection prevents the spread of disease which helps maintain a healthier and more valuable herd.
• Allows farmers to efficiently monitor the status of the herd remotely.

Read original source here.

RFID Sensors Help Mining Companies Eliminate Paperwork

Ascendent ID recently introduced an RFID tracking system for companies involved in the mining industry.  The system is designed to track materials being shipped to and from mining sites by large trucks.  The reported ROI's are:

• RFID tracking has allowed mining companies to eliminate a significant amount of paperwork and administrative costs that were required when shipping materials.
• RFID tags can be used as physical access permits that allow them into construction zones and mining site.  This improves security, safety and loss by authorizing only trucks with tracking tags to enter these areas. 
• Using RFID sensors increases efficiency by automating data logs and eliminates time spent on paperwork.
• Eliminating data entry and paper processing errors through automated data collection improves the accuracy and efficiencies of many business processes.

Read original source here.

*************************************************************

Kevin Benedict, Independent Mobile and M2M Industry Analyst, SAP Mentor Volunteer

Follow me on Twitter @krbenedict

Join the SAP Enterprise Mobility Group

Read The Mobility News Weekly

Read The M2M News Monthly

Full Disclosure: I am an independent mobility analyst, consultant and blogger. I work with and have worked with many of the companies mentioned in my articles.