Dec 1, 2008 12:00 PM

Reed Boardall, one of the largest temperature-controlled food distribution businesses in the United Kingdom, has been working with information technology consultants Waterstons and fleet management specialists Mix Telematics to develop a monitoring system that gives real-time location and internal temperature information for its refrigerated trailers.

These trailers are being equipped with a trailer tracking unit that communicates a range of information to a central database via General Packet Radio Services (GPRS). The wireless communication service provides continuous connection to the Internet for mobile phone and computer users.

This is integrated with Microsoft MapPoint so the exact location of each vehicle in the fleet can be pinpointed.

Critical data that shows the temperature inside the trailer, along with a range of other operating factors in real time, is stored and plotted on an easy-to-read graph.

The new monitoring system enhances the planning process, improves operating efficiency, and increases service to the customer, said Reed Boardall officials.