Technology Briefs - Feb. 19 - Feb. 22
- iTech Express to Adjust Publishing Dates
- ComRoad Admits Accounting ‘Gaps’
- U.S. Vulnerable to Cyber Attack, Conference Told
- Raytheon to Continue Services to Two Army Depots
- Genco Distribution Inks New Deal with Ikea
- Greystone Releases Next Gen GPS System
- UPS Launches Supply Chain Solutions Unit
- Sunco Carriers to Install Tracking Units
- Qualcomm CFO Named President
- PeopleNet Hits Customer Milestone
- ComRoad Admits Accounting ‘Gaps’
iTech Express to Adjust Publishing Dates
Due to the Presidents' Day holiday, the iTech Express newsletter was not sent on Monday. This week, the newsletter will be sent out on Wednesday and Friday.
Click here to Subscribe to iTech Express or any of TTNews.com’s free e-newsletters.
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ComRoad Admits Accounting ‘Gaps’
Vehicle-navigation systems maker ComRoad AG verified reports that there have been gaps in its accounting and that one of its Hong Kong-based suppliers no longer exists, Bloomberg reported Friday.The German-based company is undergoing an internal examination of the situation, the story noted, but that share prices had already fallen sharply since Wednesday. That was when the company’s auditor, KPMG International, quit.
Germany’s stock market watchdog has also started a probe into whether ComRoad violated disclosure practices, Bloomberg said. Transport Topics
U.S. Vulnerable to Cyber Attack, Conference Told
Two members of Congress and Bush administration officials told a conference Thursday that they fear "weapons of mass disruption" -- or high-technology cyber attacks -- could be used against the United States, CNET News reported.Trucking companies use computer technology throughout their operations and interactions with freight shippers, and could be vulnerable to technological sabotage.
"We have to make certain that the next attack is better anticipated," said Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), who moderated a keynote panel with other members of the government and the RSA Conference 2000 held in San Jose, Calif.
Dan Mehan, chief information officer for the Federal Aviation Administration, said the "cyberarena" is different from others in that the U.S. is more vulnerable that countries that use technology less.
Rep. Mike Honda (D-Calif.) asked that more money be spent on computer security and that the private sector help the government find the appropriate way to secure itself.
However, Richard Clarke, the administration's cybersecurity czar, said Feb. 19 that about $4 billion had been earmarked for information-system security, a 64% increase over the previous year. Transport Topics
Raytheon to Continue Services to Two Army Depots
Raytheon Co. said Friday that it has been awarded a one-year contract extension to continue the supply chain management of spare parts at Anniston Army Depot, Ala., and Red River Army Depot, Texas.The Lexington, Mass.-based company said that by using its Real Time Logistics system, they can reduce material investment, allow for order optimization and improve supply availability.
The contract is worth $9.3 million and runs through January 2003. Transport Topics
(Click here for the full press release.)
Genco Distribution Inks New Deal with Ikea
Logistics manager Genco Distribution System announced a new partnership with Ikea on Friday whereby Genco will manage all distribution center activity for the furniture retailer’s new California facility.Pennsylvania-based Genco, who also counts Wal-Mart, Target and Hewlett Packard among its clients, will serve all of Ikea’s western, North American distribution needs.
Genco manages all distribution center activity, including software, services and staffing.
“These are the kind of partnerships that make the most sense for everyone involved,” Genco Senior Vice President of Retail Services Pat Wilson said in a prepared statement. “By outsourcing to us, Ikea has the opportunity to tap into our expertise in the startup of new distribution centers. We will staff and manage the ongoing operations, so Ikea can keep their attentions on the business of retail.”
IKEA’s new facility will reach about 1.7 million square feet and will handle about 5,250 container shipments annually. Transport Topics
(Click here for the full press release.)
Greystone Releases Next Gen GPS System
Greystone Group Inc. said Tuesday that it was releasing its next generation of Global Positioning Satellite tracking and communications system - the GreyLink System 2000.The small, mobile unit integrates cell phone and GPS technology, making Greystone, based in Smyrna, Tenn., one of the first companies to package the two technologies.
"The potential of the GreyLink 2000 is enormous because we are now able to work with any cellular provider, regardless of its technology, whether it be CDMA, TDMA, GSM or Analog," Rick Shade, vice president of sales and marketing, said in a release. "This will open doors for us that were previously closed to our analog-only System 1000."
The system locates vehicles in real-time through a direct dial-up from dispatch to the truck. Greystone said that historical breadcrumb tracking information is also available. Transport Topics
UPS Launches Supply Chain Solutions Unit
United Parcel Service announced Wednesday the launch of UPS Supply Chain Solutions - a new unit designed to streamline and combine sales, marketing, finance and technology resources for its supply chain subsidiaries.The Atlanta-based company said the new group will make it easier for customers to access UPS's various logistics, freight, financial and consulting services to improve their own global supply chains.
"These combined resources will allow customers to tap our global physical and technology infrastructure for broader, deeper solutions across the supply chain," said Joe Pyne, UPS senior vice president and head of Supply Chain Solutions.
UPS is ranked No. 1 on the 2000-2001 Transport Topics list. Transport Topics
(Click here for the full press release.)
Sunco Carriers to Install Tracking Units
Terminals for the tracking and monitoring of shipments of perishable foods are to be installed on 520 trailers belonging to Sunco Carriers Inc., NSI Global announced Tuesday.NSI Global Inc., based in Montreal, said the terminals, made by Vistar Datacom, will enable companies to monitor shipments throughout Sunco's 33-state service area over the Internet.
Sunco, based in Lakeland, Fla., said the tracking system called GlobalWave will give the company the ability to streamline operations, increase efficiency, and provide its customers with enhanced service and reliability. Transport Topics
(Click here for the press release.)
Qualcomm CFO Named President
Anthony S. Thornley, who has been chief financial officer and chief operating officer since 1994, was named president of Qualcomm Inc., Thursday, Reuters reported.Qualcomm, based in San Diego, provides satellite communications, position location and logistics management for commercial trucking fleets.
Thornley is the company's No.2 executive behind founder and Chief Executive Irwin Jacobs. Reuters said the change came less than a week after the company's practice of take equity in smaller licensees in lieu of cash payments came into question.
Thornley said investors are satisfied with the way the company addressed the report. Transport Topics
(Click here for the press release.)
PeopleNet Hits Customer Milestone
PeopleNet Communications Corp. announced that it has installed its g2x mobile communications system for its 700th customer — Arlington Heavy Hauling in Jacksonville, Fla.Minneapolis-based PeopleNet provides cellular-based mobile communications and vehicle location services to long-haul and metro-based fleets.
The privately held company said its fourth-quarter results were the best quarterly performance in its five-year history. Details were not disclosed. Transport Topics
