SKY-TRAX

Why Sky-Trax?
Technology Overview:
Sky-Trax vehicle location tracking technology works like a GPS, but unlike GPS, it works reliably indoors. Based on optics instead of radio wave technology, Sky-Trax Solutions are immune to radio interference and not affected by building construction materials or contents. Both the Sky-Trax System and the Skan-Free System utilize the same optical technology to determine the location of vehicles and/or full pallet loads of inventory within a facility. By knowing, the precise location of assets in real-time, material can be monitored and managed with new exactness.

Tracking Vehicles
The Sky-Trax System (STS), Sky-Traxs basic vehicle tracking solution, determines location in one, two, or three dimensions with accuracy necessary for almost any application. While onefoot accuracy may be adequate for vehicle tracking, single inch accuracy may be required to locate automated vehicles or vehicles carrying specialty items. STS determines position, orientation, direction of travel, and velocity. Even small movements are detected. These unique capabilities present new application opportunities and form a new vision of advanced supply chain operations.

Tracking Inventory
The Skan-Free System, Sky-Traxs solution for tracking full pallet loads of inventory in indoor environments, provides real-time access to complete and accurate data collection. Based on optics, Skan-Free is the solution that allows drivers to just drive and work safer, while automatically collecting essential data. By removing human error from inventory data collection

activities, the system automatically scans pallet or rack ID labels as the pallet is being picked or put away at its designated location. Once data has been collected, it is then wirelessly transmitted back to your WMS allowing drivers to concentrate on vehicle operations without stopping for manual data collection tasks while automatically recording pallet ID, Time and Truck ID information.

Real-Time Visibility and Data Collection Technology

Both the Sky-Trax and Total-Trax Solutions include and Operations Managers (OpsMan ) screen and console which provides a visual, real-time representation of the vehicle location and inventory tracking data that has been collected by Sky-Trax. The OpsMan screen displays the exact location of each Sky-Trax enabled smart vehicle provides full path data, speed profiles, and the ability to replay events and use bread crumb trail visualization for vehicle movements furthering accountability and safety through monitoring and recording the location and movements of all vehicles. In addition to real-time visibility tools, Sky-Trax has the ability to transfer collected data to an existing WMS or can be used in conjunction with Labor and/or Fleet Management systems for complete flexibility of use for the data that has been collected during hours of operation.

Value:
Most warehouse operations managers are painfully aware of the high costs and productivity killers in their fork truck fleet operations. And perhaps the most detrimental warehouse problem is keeping and maintaining accurate inventory counts. Too often warehouse managers find that despite elaborate warehouse management systems, it is not unusual for pallets to go missing. Each year, imprecise warehouse inventory issues cost employers hundreds of millions of dollars in lost goods, and a staggering number of man hours associated with locating lost inventory.

Sky-Trax Inc. develops software solutions designed to address all of the costs associated with low efficiency, low productivity, lost inventory and safety. These costs represent a form of untapped profit that managers can free up for higher revenues, and competitive advantage. Imagine the difference y Reduce capital expenses by 10% or more by right sizing your fleet and improved management of your assets. y Decrease operational costs by 30% or more with real time tracking of assets and inventory. y Remove dangerous conditions to achieve more efficient and productive operations.

Benefits:
Sky-Trax is the leading provider of Optical Real-Time Location Systems for tracking all indoor assets and inventory in any size facility. With complete visibility to detailed vehicle and inventory movement and location, Sky-Trax Solutions provide the tools necessary to drive rapid gains in labor productivity, fleet optimization, inventory accuracy and safety within operations.

Real-TimeVisibility
Sky-Trax Solutions provide managers with full operations visibility from anywhere. Vehicle tracking and inventory data collection data is translated by real timer viewer software allowing second by second visibility of your entire fleet in one view. The results are immediate increase in driver accountability and the ability to uncover better ways to manage your assets, inventory and resources.

ROI in 12 months or less

Sky-Trax Solutions deliver a payback period of 12 months or less with improved operations and lower costs from day one. Fact: data empowers management and monitored process operate better. By simply knowing what happened and WHY, warehouse managers have the data available to easily implement labor management, fleet management, slotting optimization, new safety and

security standards, and gain the visibility and control to perform operations analysis and optimization.

Lower Costs
Because Sky-Trax provides complete visibility from day one... ...customers can also expect a 10-20% fleet operating cost reduction by right sizing their fleets for savings, minimizing direct labor costs, slash overtime hours and cutting maintenance and damage costs.

Accuracy You Can See

Sky-Trax Solutions provide visibility to your operations through visualization tools and reporting packages. Visualization tools provide managers with complete, accurate and quantitative data including activity metrics, distances traveled, and other valuable efficiency and utilization. All data is displayed either in real-time via the real time player or in comprehensive reports that describe operations on an hourly, daily or monthly basis per shift or per driver.

Data Driven Improvements

Accurate real-time data provided by Sky-Trax Solutions allows for high-value operational improvements... ...including establishing and measuring true labor standards, re-engineering work processes, modifying facility layouts and travel routes to maximize slotting and routing and improves Six Sigma and CI initiatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Sky-Trax vehicle tracking solution work? The Sky-Trax System (STS) uses an Optical Position Sensor (OPS) and Optical Position Markers (OPMs) to determine the location of vehicles in indoor environments. The OPS Smart Sensor is aimed at the ceiling and captures digital images of OPMs. Contemporary machine vision software decodes the image to recognize location and calculates the orientation angle and exact position of the OPS.

A wireless link transmits OPS data to the STS Controller which collects location data from all OPS sensors. The Controller stores data in a standard database and makes it available in real-time for high value applications.

How does Sky-Trax achieve inch-accurate tracking? The Sky-Trax STS system (patent pending) uses digital image processing and machine vision technology to accurately determine the position of an object on which an Optical Position Sensor (OPS). OPS smart sensors typically are positioned to capture digital images of the ceiling of a building, and programmed to look for and recognize SkyTrax location markers installed overhead at ceiling level. Each marker contains a unique code, which identifies a position, and each position is mapped to the specific floor area beneath the marker. Machine vision software determines the exact position of the sensor relative to the marker overhead, providing location accuracy to the pixel level in the digital image. In real world Sky-Trax applications, pixel-level position data is translated to inch-accuracy on the floor. How is a Sky-Trax vehicle tracking solution installed? The Sky-Trax STS system components include an OPS which is easily mounted on any vehicle that can supply DC power in the 12-to-72 volt range. Installation requires mounting the OPS Smart Sensor to the vehicle, and connecting the units to the vehicle's power supply. (Sky-Trax can also supply self-contained battery-powered OPS Smart Sensors for use where power is not taken directly from the tracked object).

Sky-Trax Optical Position Markers (OPMs) are installed above the working area, typically beneath ceiling beams. Installation can be done using simple tools and common warehouse equipment, and can normally be accomplished without disrupting current operations. The Sky-Trax Solutions will integrate into existing commercial wireless networks for data collection through the Sky-Trax Controller. Can the Sky-Trax System STS be used to track assets other than lift trucks? Yes. Anything that can be equipped with an OPS (hand jack, overhead crane, cart, AGV, mobile equipment, etc.) can benefit from the inch-accurate indoor tracking capability. How does the Sky-Trax inventory tracking solution work? Skan-Free, Sky-Traxs inventory tracking solution, uses an Optical Label Reader (OLR) for automatic data collection. The OLR is affixed to the front of a forklift or other warehouse vehicle to scan pallet or rack ID labels as the pallet is being picked or put away at its designated location. The data is transmitted to the Sky-Box, an onboard data processor, which creates an on-board mobile network allowing all sensors and aftermarket additions to all plug-and-play together for real-time access to complete data collection. Once data has been collected, it is then wirelessly transmitted back to your WMS. How does the Total-Trax solution work? Total-Trax, Sky-Traxs complete solution for tracking vehicles and inventory, each vehicle is equipped with an Optical Position Sensor which views ceiling mounted, Optical Position Markers located overhead and uses image analysis techniques to determine that vehicle's precise location and orientation. An Optical Label Reader (OLR), the main component of the Skan-Free system, is affixed to the front of the vehicle to identify pallet ID labels. Vehicle location data is transmitted wirelessly to a controller, which monitors all vehicle locations and records every movement in an industry standard database. While data collected by the OLR is transmitted to an onboard data processor to be transmitted wirelessly back to a data collection system.

How does Sky-Traxs OpsMan application work? OpsMan actively captures the movement of forklifts in warehouses and manufacturing facilities by pinpointing vehicle locations in real-time and creating maps showing all vehicle locations within the facility. Data accessed via local area network or secure Internet, allows remote operations monitoring and management. Ops Man will also store vehicle-tracking data for fleet management purposes, enabling instant replay and standard or custom reporting.

Are Sky-Trax Solutions reliable enough for a 24/7 environment? Yes, the digital image processing technology used by Sky-Trax has been proven in industrial and military applications for over 20 years. Real time industrial machine vision systems are in standard use throughout industry to automate critical product inspection and high speed package sortation tasks. As the cost of the technology decreased while capabilities soared, Sky-Trax recognized and developed a method to apply this technology for inch-accurate indoor position data collection. The technology is very intuitive - it works just like our own vision. Unlike tracking systems based on radio frequency (RF) technologies, such as RFID, Sky-Trax optical technology receives no interference from building structure or inventory, making it reliable and accurate.

What are the cost factors of a Sky-Trax solution? The cost of an Sky-Trax Solution installation is calculated from the number of sensors required, site-specific factors such as building dimensions, and customer preferences such as the choice of inventory tracking solution and/or vehicle tracking as well as additional software and reporting features, and system integration. Engineering issues affecting the cost include square footage of storage space to be mapped, the working height of the warehouse, types of vehicles, and details of the existing systems, if any, with which the solution is to be integrated.

What are the operating costs associated with Sky-Trax solutions? Sky-Trax Solutions are designed for easy installation and are low maintenance resulting in very low operating costs; --especially when compared to RFID and radio wave technologies. There are no consumables (like tags or labels) no periodic recalibration or system maintenance required, and no army of skilled technicians needed to keep it running. If a sensor is damaged in use, replacement is quick, easy, and relatively inexpensive. Request information about our standard warranty and extended warranty plans.

Will Sky-Trax integrate to the business systems I already have? Yes, all Sky-Trax products are designed for easy integration into Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Warehouse Management (WMS), Manufacturing Execution (MES), Materials Management (MMS), and Inventory Control (IC) systems.

What support is available for my Sky-Trax solution? After installation, complete system training is offered to operators, supervisors and management personnel. Documentation is provided with each product, along with an Operator Manual, Quick-Start Guide, and detailed installation drawings if applicable. Sky-Trax proprietary software is constructed using commercial industry-standards based software products. Sky-Trax offers a Standard warranty for a period of 12 months. Additional and extended Maintenance and Support plans are offered for a reasonable yearly fee. Request information about our maintenance and support plans.