Mobitex wireless data technology provides a platform that offers immediately usable solutions, and services

The advantages of the MDRS are in its ability to support an extensive range of data applications, and achieve a wide variety of individual agency requirements simultaneously.

This versatility is a key feature of Mobitex, the network’s underlying technology.

Mobitex wireless data technology provides a platform that offers immediately usable solutions, and services that translate to genuine bottom-line value. It supports the widest array of data applications of any technology in today’s market, from Intelligent Transport Systems solutions to customised professional and commercial solutions.

Mobitex is also used for remote monitoring and control of fixed installations in buildings, industry sites and other city locations. Hence, its networks are widely deployed as vertical solutions within public safety, government, security, transport and logistics, public transport, banking and merchant organisations.

Typical Mobitex user solutions:

Public Safety Applications

MDRS technology is ideally suited to the operational demands of public safety and government. Based on industry standards, and using off-the-shelf components wherever possible, the solution provides secure communication and remote access to the databases of police, ambulance, fire, emergency services and related government departments. Terminals vary from application to application, but are typically PC-based. They support standard functions for computer aided dispatch and automatic vehicle location, as well as functions specific to the application.

Mobile Office Applications
The MDRS supports end-to-end solutions for mobile professionals who must remain connected and contactable at all times. A wide range of end-user devices can be integrated with network, from wireless PDA’s to standard Pocket PC’s and laptops.

Field Service Applications
Making data readily available at the point of activity can significantly enhance the efficiency and productivity of any remote workforce. The MDRS can extend a comprehensive range of data solutions across the supply chain using wireless and mobile computing devices.

Workers equipped with intuitive, feature rich wireless solutions have unprecedented access to customer records, product details and ordering information. The systems allow mobile workers to produce and print invoices on-site, request on-line help and perform other time-critical activities. Improved customer service and the convenience of on-site, on-demand real time data are the immediate benefits.

From a management perspective, in-depth reporting can be conducted efficiently and easily from base. Sales, marketing and operational managers can dispatch workers, analyse delivery processes, monitor order entry and delivery progress, track product returns, manage inventory and provide up-to-the-minute marketing offers throughout the business day – whenever it is most useful.

Logistics Applications
Imagine the impact on cost and productivity if logistics centres could pinpoint the arrival time of resources and the resources required for tomorrow’s work – all in advance. With MDRS connectivity and wireless data onboard, vehicles can become mobile work centres, transmitting a constant stream of real-time data to reflect driver performance, routes taken and hours worked. This data is useful for reducing mileage, improving fuel economy and boosting productivity across the board.

Real-time knowledge of fleet operations is also valuable for reducing delivery turnarounds, matching customer time windows, improving equipment usage, eliminating aborted deliveries and even remotely monitoring time-sensitive loads.

Public Transport
Mobitex is widely used in public transport applications, and has already been instrumental in increasing profit while improving service in many organisations. Today there are literally hundreds of solutions readily available that use Mobitex as their wireless carrier.

An overall traffic management system built on real-time data base access gives traffic controllers full contact with all aspects of the system. When drivers are equipped with data terminals, traffic controllers can send written instructions direct from their computers to each vehicle, providing information about delays and traffic jams, for example. The system normally includes AVL (automatic vehicle location), which allows controllers to monitor and project a vehicle’s location, speed and direction continuously.

The genuine “push” functionality of MDRS is also useful in security and device-to-device applications within pubic transport. Without it being requested, a host can initiate a transmission – or push it - to a remote device. The MDRS network is always available, and data deliveries with short response-time are contractually guaranteed by the MDRS network manager.

Machine to Machine Applications
MDRS technology is well suited to remote monitoring applications, which typically involve small, potentially frequent data exchanges. The MDRS provides a cost-effective means of monitoring and controlling remote machines from a central location. Examples include vending and ticketing machines, traffic lights and building control systems. In many cases this eliminates the need for site-visits and their related operational and budgetary demands. Utility networks have also reduced costs through telemetry applications, having successfully deployed solutions to monitor and control networks and automatically read gas, electricity and water meters.

Point Of Sale Solutions
Activities involving electronic funds transfer and wireless point of sale (EFT/POS) and the MDRS’s industry standard, largely off-the-shelf componentry are highly compatible. The MDRS meets the specific requirements of EFT/POS applications while supporting the mobile terminals that enable wireless payment at the point of purchase. These terminals are available from virtually all major suppliers and are essentially standard payment terminals with an integrated modem for MDRS network use.