Two EU peacekeeping bodies have deployed SafeFleet Telematics fleet management, which includes Globalstar’s SmartOne device.
The European Union Monitoring Mission in Georgia (EUMM) and EU Rule of Law Mission (EULEX) both chose SafeFleet Telematics to track and manage fleets, monitor driver behaviour, and safeguard personnel and civilian passengers in Georgia and Kosovo respectively. Both missions maintain law and order, as well as carrying out judiciary, policing duties and border patrol.
They each sought a fleet tracking and monitoring platform to replace incumbent technology deemed inadequate. A tender process for each of the two deployments saw regional competitors and European providers proposing technologies including radio, GSM and SIM-based solutions.
Phased deployment at the two countries is now complete with SafeFleet Telematics installed in vehicles used for logistics and transport, including armoured vehicles and all-terrain pathfinder vehicles. The more recent deployment, for EULEX, incorporated over 530 Globalstar SmartOne B Line Power devices.
Oliver Albu, International Business Manager, SafeFleet Telematics, said: “In many areas where these peacekeeping organisations operate, the GSM network is not stable or far-reaching enough. The most critical requirement was ubiquitous and reliable connection even where adequate GSM could not be guaranteed. Globalstar satisfied this demand.”
Globalstar VAR (value added reseller), ETA Automatizari Industriale SRL, based in Romania, developed the SafeFleet Telematics platform. The reseller describes it as bespoke hardware and software that automatically switches between GSM and Globalstar’s simplex satellite network. This dual approach delivers flexibility and maximises cost effectiveness, according to the developers.
SafeFleet Telematics includes RFID-based identification to ensure each driver is authorised and in possession of the required licence. A one-touch panic button enables the driver to alert security and to summon support in an emergency. It also lets customers monitor fuel consumption and other engine metrics to manage maintenance scheduling.
Users can monitor and manage fixed and portable assets including shipping containers, transport trailers, construction machinery and vehicle fleets. SmartOne enables customers to track assets and alerts them to any unexpected motion, such as attempts of theft. SmartOne uses motion sensors, comparative GPS positions and sensors to gather and transmit asset status information over Globalstar’s satellite network, such as movement and location reports, geo-fencing alerts, stop/start messaging and theft recovery alerts via email or text message. It also transmits battery status, input alarm status and diagnostic information.
Corry Brennan, Simplex Regional Sales Manager EMEA at Globalstar said: “ETA Automatizari Industriale is an innovative Globalstar partner that has had great success with its fleet management and tracking platform. Its technology is now improving security for organisations that are vital to EU regional development. SafeFleet Telematics is enabling these personnel to carry out their important operations with better efficiency, communications reliability and security.”
