Sirf Technology Inc. has developed a low-cost Global-Positioning (satellite) System (GPS) chipset and modular operating software package aimed at consumer applications. Sirf hopes that the lower costs will prompt OEMs to build a wave of new products incorporating GPS. The company is already beginning to work with OEMs on products scheduled for Christmas 1996 introduction. For example, Mitec Inc. is building a low-cost, PCMCIA GPS add-in card for portable computers.Locarta is just one of the many tracking device products available on the market now. Another industry leader, FleetMinder, uses a Global Positional Satellite (GPS) system to track vehicles for reporting data that includes routes, stops, total mileage and even the number of times a vehicle's doors are opened and closed. The FleetMinder data can be overlaid on a map program for fine- tuning route plans and cutting back on unprofitable side trips.
Locarta advertises that an average 30-vehicle delivery fleet wastes as much as $1,700 per month - 30 trucks times 20 wasted miles each times 22 working days, using fuel at 12 miles per gallon at $1.55 per gallon. A service fleet can save even more, the company estimates.