DETROIT--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 17, 2005--An innovative handheld diagnostic tool, developed by GE (NYSE:GE) for its VeriWise(TM) Asset Intelligence product, has earned the 2005 award for "Best Telematics Portable / Handheld Product" from a leading telematics industry group. VeriWise is also one of the GE "Imagination Breakthrough" projects described in this year's annual report.
Telematics is a term used to describe the integration of wireless communications with vehicle sensor-based monitoring systems and location devices.
"Our customers told us they wanted to gain the benefits of VeriWise technology as quickly as possible after a deal is signed," explained Thomas Konditi, General Manager of the Asset Intelligence business of GE Equipment Services. "This handheld device has software that ties into the same dual-satellite transceiver on the asset itself, to calibrate the new system with the network. It enables accurate installations to occur around the clock, anywhere in the field - a real benefit for customers with highly mobile assets."
GE's handheld device was the outcome of a Six Sigma approach to improve the speed and ease of installation by field technicians of its VeriWise product. VeriWise is a "virtual brain" which can be mounted inside an over-the-road trailer for instance, to remotely monitor cargo status, or to remotely obtain engine diagnostic data, such as with an industrial portable generator. VeriWise was launched two years ago and thousands of units are now in use.
Before GE designed and introduced its handheld association device last year, an installer had to phone a Customer Service Center representative during business hours for assistance with testing and association. Information was verbally shared as each unit was calibrated, leaving room for error and delay.
GE filed a patent on its handheld device last year and released it for commercial use earlier this year. The tool itself weighs just 14 ounces, and is encased in a protective shell. Designed for simplicity and to remove guesswork by field technicians, GE's handheld includes software that gives an image of a satellite on its mini-screen, for instance, when the device locates the GPS satellite overhead. An image of a trailer door opening and closing appears when testing the door sensor. An image of the cargo area full or empty appears when testing the cargo sensor. The device can also read and diagnose the status and charging capability of the battery that powers the transceiver on the mobile asset. It is scalable to handle additional sensors as they are added to the base tracking capabilities. It can also download stored data, e-mails or other records held on the asset transceiver.
GE's product was recognized during at an annual telematics symposium held in Detroit, a focal point of remote monitoring technology to support the transportation industry. The awards are sponsored by the conference organizer, Telematics Update, an industry publication based in London, United Kingdom. GE was a finalist in five of 11 award categories, together with leading firms such as OnStar, LoJack, SONY Ericsson and XM Radio.
The majority of GE's VeriWise units sold to date are installed on over-the-road trailers. The VeriWise system sends an alert if the trailer deviates from a planned route or if its doors and cargo have been accessed unexpectedly. Trucking companies have found VeriWise improves security from terror threats and criminal activity, while providing enhanced productivity in shipping and logistics by making a previously "dumb asset" - the trailer part of tractor trailer rigs - very smart.
More information about VeriWise(TM) Asset Intelligence can be found at www.trailerservices.com
GE Asset Intelligence is based in Barrington, Ill., and is a unit of GE Equipment Services, one of the 11 GE divisions. It provides worldwide mobile-asset tracking and condition-monitoring products and services. With more than $16 billion of assets, GE Equipment Services helps businesses around the world manage, finance, operate and maintain a wide variety of equipment including vans, trucks, trailers, railcars and modular buildings. GE (NYSE:GE) is a diversified technology, media and financial services company dedicated to creating products that make life better.
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