Gearworks Releases etrace 2.0, a Powerful Mobile Communications and Work Management Platform for Transportation and Field Service Industries

Gearworks Releases etrace 2.0, a Powerful Mobile Communications and Work Management Platform for Transportation and Field Service Industries

		GEARWORKS ETRACE 2.0 Gearworks, a Minneapolis-based wireless application developer, releases etrace 2.0, a powerful mobile communications and work management platform for the transportation and field service industries. etrace is a flexible tracking and communication software that operates via Palm powered handhelds and Internet-enabled phones or pagers. (PRNewsFoto)[AG] MINNEAPOLIS, MN USA

Flexible and Easy-to-Use Tracking/Communication Software Operates via Palm Powered Handhelds and Internet-Enabled Phones or Pagers MINNEAPOLIS, June 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Users can now capture a legal signature for proof of delivery, transmit GPS-based tracking information, obtain real-time driving directions, and define their own smart mobile forms through a simple hand-held device in real-time with etrace 2.0 from Gearworks. (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20010626/HSTU014 ) Gearworks, a developer of mobile applications for industries with high-value mobile assets, said it is building on the success of etrace 1.0, first introduced Oct. 2000. Since its inception, etrace has been based on open standards that operate via off-the-shelf devices, such as wirelessly enabled Palm Powered(TM) handhelds, Web-enabled phones and Blackberry pagers, making etrace the most flexible mobile communications solution on the market. "With the initial success of etrace, we proved that the market was ready for a powerful mobile communication and fleet management solution that used affordable, off-the-shelf hardware," said Gearworks Founder and CEO Keith Lauver. etrace 2.0 continues to take advantage of the flexibility and unlimited messaging capability of these mobile devices and provide functionality not possible with older systems that require an expensive 'Black box' and have limited capabilities. "In the past several months we've seen a strong endorsement of our strategy from both our competitors and customers," said Lauver. "Several companies are now in the process of announcing PDA-based solutions. Our customers have had our devices for the last six months and are already seeing a strong financial impact on their operations." J&B Wholesale, a regional refrigerated foods wholesaler with a fleet of 65 vehicles operating in an 11-state area, began using etrace in January 2001. According to Kurt Anderson, J&B's director of operations, the company is already anticipating a 100 percent reduction in annual cell phone charges and a 15 percent reduction in driver overtime, on top of a 40 percent annual reduction in overall administrative costs. Each of the gains are due to the company's improved ability to communicate with and manage its drivers and vehicles. "With etrace as our mobile communication solution, we will see significant improvements in fleet utilization, better driver communication and satisfaction, and faster resolution of load discrepancies," Anderson said. "We did our homework on this and expect to see strong financial results from the implementation of etrace. "A box of beef is a box of beef when you go to buy it," Anderson said. "We sell the best quality we can ... the only other way to differentiate is to sell service, and with etrace, we're offering something that very few people are able to offer." etrace 2.0 features include: Real-time data for arrival, pick-up and drop-off of goods and completion of services Signature capture for proof of delivery Customized and automated messaging between dispatchers and contractor/drivers User-defined etrace SmartForms(TM) Web-based dispatcher interface for managing the fleet -- setting up new stops and work orders/deliveries, real-time tracking and status updates Web-based, real-time map views of entire vehicle fleet for dispatcher GPS-based driving directions etrace improves communications and workflow between field workers and the home office -- resulting in a better utilization of a company's mobile assets. etrace results in reduced operating costs, improved customer service, and increased revenue opportunities for transportation companies, including LTL carriers, private fleets, couriers, and truckload carriers. etrace was recently introduced to field service organizations, such as home and commercial repair, utilities, and telecommunications, where similar gains are anticipated. About Gearworks Gearworks develops wireless applications that optimize utilization of mobile assets by connecting workers in separate locations who perform interdependent tasks at different times. The company's flagship product is etrace, a versatile mobile communication, tracking, and work-management solution for mobile workers in transportation and field service. Gearworks is working in collaboration with Symbol, Palm, and Macromedia. Headquartered outside Minneapolis, Gearworks has offices in Boston, and San Francisco. For additional information on Gearworks visit our Web site at http://www.gearworks.com or call (800)545-4976. A case study on Gearworks' etrace 2.0 and J&B Wholesalers is available by e-mailing rdavis@gearworks.com . Palm and Palm Powered are trademarks of Palm, Inc. or its subsidiaries. For more information, contact Rob Davis of Gearworks, 651-209-0460, cell 612-384-6964, or rdavis@gearworks.com