GE industry experts answer questions

Ask the Expert question: When I read about the technology behind asset tracking I hear the terms "telematics" and "M2M" quite often - what do these new buzz words mean and how is GE leading in this technology?

Joe Jesson, Chief Technologist - Asset Intelligence, answers: It can get confusing with all the new technology terminology being used these days in connection with trailer tracking. Simply stated, Telematics is the integration of wireless communications, vehicle sensor-based monitoring systems and location devices, and M2M stands for machine-to-machine wireless communications technology. For trailer tracking, its all about remotely monitoring assets to provide intelligent actionable information to help fleets run more efficiently.

However, it should be known that not all companies offering a tracking solution can claim to have expertise in telematics or M2M. By offering analytics applied to sensor and location data we raise the IQ dramatically over simple assets. While customers say they want location and security data, we want to take the next step and offer wing-to-wing logistics and analytics services.

Remote monitoring already has a long history in GE we've been using it for nearly 10 years to remotely monitor and diagnose aircraft engines, turbines, industrial engines, plastic pellet silo capacity and locomotives. Independent (untethered) trailer tracking offered through our VeriWise™ Asset Intelligence solution is just the latest application of our base telematics expertise.

So how can GE offer a total solution when it comes to telematics? First, start with the fact that we recently filed our 10th Telematics patent application and have dozens more in process. This shows our leadership in basic research and telematics innovation - supported by more than 2,300 technologists working in four research laboratories in four different countries: U.S., China, India and Germany. Next comes our ability to cross-pollinate the best research across 11 different business segments - from aircraft engines to hospital imaging equipment, from turbines to trailers. This gives us tremendous leverage and deep understanding of M2M technology. A good example is a covert satellite antenna for telematics - we invented and placed into practice a novel and innovative design since we could not purchase one off-the-shelf.

Finally, you add our access to capital from our expertise in financial services and our triple-A credit rating. We think this all places us in a leadership position when it comes to telematics, and we're excited about helping our customers gain its benefits.

To help educate our customers on the technology and process we've begun a tour of our "Mobile Solutions Center" - a 53-foot tractor-trailer equipped with an onboard conference center and several technology showcase exhibits that we can bring right to a customer's front door. We also offer various trial programs that help show a customer the use and benefits of this intelligence technology firsthand.

We've found that GE's stellar business reputation, history of innovation, and triple-A credit rating give many customers a degree of confidence in taking the step to equip their fleet with our VeriWise tracking solution. Clearly this is a nascent market and I believe M2M is on the "knee" of the "S" growth curve, and my opinion is the telematics/M2M market is poised to explode worldwide. What a great growth opportunity!