Bluetooth Technology Optimizes Mobile Asset Tracking Applica

From: Automated Valet Dec 1, 2006 Automated Valet Parking Manager created the first and only valet parking application to track, monitor, and manage vehicles, valet keys, tickets, employees, payroll and revenue in one system. How this Patent Pending system works? AVPM introduced the AVPM Virtual Data Entry System, ProDoor system utilizing the Bluetooth Baracoda Roadrunners barcode scanners. The system enables AVPMs valet service customers to prevent the loss of vehicles and keys as well as cutting costs associated with false damage claims and employee over-compensation. Barcoded tickets, employee badges, VIN numbers and color sheets track the date and time of check-in /check-out, automobile information (make, model, year, color, and damage information) and employee data (hours worked and who services the vehicle). Because each scanner works like a wireless point-of-sale PC, remote cashiering and the capability to request vehicles are among the other features.

A Bluetooth wireless barcode scanner presents several advantages over the industry alternative of a regular PDA including higher accuracy and speed. With a handheld device, the risk of human error still exists since the user is required to type an entry. Coupled with the chance for inaccuracy, manually typing an entry also takes longer than simply capturing information with a barcode scanner. Choosing a wireless barcode scanner also enabled AVPM to provide its customers with a solution at a lower cost with better usability and scanning capability. By not relying on manual entry thus increasing accuracy while capturing information instantly, valet parking operators streamline their process and provide faster and more efficient service.

Automation creates the Revenue Control

Beyond just the usage efficiencies, AVPM was able to provide its customers a lower cost and less complex wireless solution. The scanner interface can be running in the background of a standard operating system of any PC that has the AVPM software installed. There is no need to invest in additional devices and install several licenses on each. A valet application set up on a regular PDA can be priced anywhere from $5,000 to $12,000 per device not including the server client application. For ProDoor, the only device used in the mobile environment is the Baracoda RoadRunners scanners priced at less than $1,000 (excluding the client application). When it comes to hardware, even more cost savings are achieved with a wireless barcode scanner. Up to seven scanners can be connected at a single time to a single host computer. While regular valet system solutions on PDAs typically offer a limited number of applications, ProDoor enables the customer to add applications to the system as needed.

For AVPM, a significant advantage of the Baracoda RoadRunners was the optimized durability, usability, form factor and scanning capability. The Baracoda RoadRunners includes a wristband and/or belt holster with a key retractable reel enabling complete hands free-usage, a critical element for a parking attendant who needs to carry luggage and open doors. Also, thanks to its Auto Scan mode and perfect scanning capability, the Baracoda RoadRunners scanners do not require users to hold or use the trigger to scan. With this capability, a valet can welcome the customer, scan the different barcodes, and wirelessly send the request to another valet who can then pick the right key and bring the appropriate car to the guest. It is difficult to protect the screens of PDAs in a work setting such as valet parking operations. With a device that can withstand six feet drops on concrete, AVPM is providing a solution appropriate for more rugged environments with the Baracoda RoadRunners. Advanced scanning capability allows workers to read barcodes through windshields in any weather. The Li-on extended battery of the scanner also allows the valet to use the scanner aggressively for several days at a time without having to recharge the scanner.

AVPM is using scanners with Bluetooth technology thus enabling its valet business customers to take mobile data capture solutions one step farther. Bluetooth technology uses ten times less power than Wi-Fi, enabling superior battery performance which is critical in a mobile environment where workers can not constantly take the time to recharge a device. AVPM also ensures its customers 100 percent of data transmissions because the product uses guaranteed data acknowledgement and frequency hopping. When a transmitting band becomes too noisy, the scanner changes bands to avoid interference. Bluetooth technology uses 79 bands where Wi-Fi only uses three. The scanners Bluetooth Class 1 radio allows barcodes to be transmitted up to a distance of 330 feet. For additional data integrity, if for any reason the scanner gets out of the Bluetooth range (330 feet of its receiving device), the barcodes scanned will be immediately stored inside the device (up to 10,000 UPC barcodes) with the Baracoda RoadRunners batch mode. Once the scanner is back in Bluetooth range, it automatically reconnects itself to the receiving device and the data is downloaded. With Bluetooth data encryption, data cannot be retrieved by other devices during transmission after the scanner is paired with its receiving device which provides security.

With mobile data capture solutions from AVPM, valet companies and their customers have no reason to worry or stress their automobiles and employees are in safe hands. This technology, while optimized for this industry, can benefit all businesses with a need to access and organize large amounts of information and inventory, to reduce operating expenses and provide superior customer service.

AVPM is the creator of this new valet system. Dozens of new installations don't stop them keeping their promise, 100% customer satisfaction. More information can be found at www.AVPManager.com.