Trucking Technology Report - Dec. 19
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Both the online report and e-mail are sponsored by @Track Communications, a supplier of wireless communications and dispatch services.
Today's Technology Headlines:
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Radiation Levels of Cell Phones to Be Revealed to U.S. Consumers
Cell phones available in the United States during the Christmas shopping season will come with information concerning radiation emissions. Analysts are uncertain how the information will impact purchasing behavior of the nation's 97 million mobile phone users. But most independent industry observers believe that revealing radiation levels will not harm demand for mobile
While no federal health official says there is a study that clearly links cell phone radiation with health risks, health risks have not been ruled out. The lack of consensus has influenced one wireless company to suggest that parents provide pagers instead of wireless phones for their children.
Cell phone radiation levels will most often be listed inside packaging as many cell phone makers are weary of listing the radiation levels of their products on the outside of packaging. Cell phone makers believe consumers will use the radiation figures on the outside of the box as a means to comparison shop. Worries over the safety of cell phones has also caused new products to enter the market claiming to reduce the amount of radiation absorbed by the user.
Most scientists are primarily concerned with the potential of low-energy RF waves to produce non-thermal biological effects on a user. While incidents of brain tumors have gone down 1.4% since the beginning of the 1990's, cell phone use did not significantly rise until 1996. Some observers point out that health risks may not occur until many years after using the devices. Associated Press (12/18/00); Neergaard, Lauran
Hong Kong Industry Group Readies Global Logistics Database
The Hong Kong Article Numbering Association and General Electric's (GE) GE ECXpress unit are joining to create a global database of products and company data, in a standard electronic format for trading partners in the supply chain.An association spokesman says that the Global e-ID Repository will also include data like images and dimensions used to facilitate communication and integration over the Internet. Association CEO Anna Line says that the depository will serve as a central point for all supply chain product information, for all industries, and that it will try to provide a common language for accurate and efficient communication in market research, electronic procurement, business planning, and inventory and warehouse management.
The project will be an online database that gives all products and services standardized identities and provides a product registration service. It will increase data accuracy, reduce costs, and facilitate the flow of product information through a supply chain e-commerce infrastructure. The association intends to launch the database in 2001's second quarter. Journal of Commerce (12/18/00); Bangsberg, P.T.
Handspring's Phone Module for Handhelds Hits Market
Handspring (HAND) has begun offering its VisorPhone module in regions of the United States where Cingular Wireless provides coverage. Cingular customers who subscribe to services in California, Nevada, North Carolina, South Carolina, eastern Tennessee, and coastal Georgia will be able to purchase the module for $299.Handspring plans to launch the module, which transforms its GSM-based VisorPhone PDA into a wireless phone, on a wider scale next year. Currently, consumers can only purchase the device via Handspring's Web site. CNET (12/18/00); Fried, Ian
Wireless Technology Finds a Place In Shipping
Wireless technology is making inroads in the construction industry, particularly in the on-road shipping sector. Wireless enables long-haul drivers to receive real-time data on pending freight shipments and increase fleet efficiency. Shipping superintendents can also bring wireless technology to job sites through services that provide Internet content. Vendors will need to establish wireless transmitter networks in order to supply such services.The type of interface will depend on user preference, but wireless computers with touch screens will enjoy wide industry use with the advent of compatible software and strong, affordable hardware.
The use of personal digital assistants throughout an entire construction company may be years away, but mainstream project management vendors are now providing handheld software applications to streamline field data collection. ENR (12/11/00) Vol. 245, No. 23, P. 76; Phair, Matthew
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