Steatite Rugged Personal Tracking System

19th October 2016, Redditch, UK - Drawing on its expertise in producing advanced, resilient engineering solutions to deal with exacting application demands, Steatite now introduces a comprehensive, high integrity tracking system. It presents the national security, border control and law enforcement sectors with an ultra-reliable, all-encompassing, end-to-end solution that is simple to implement and can be tailored to fit their specific operational requirements. What essentially differentiates it from alternative solutions is that it has been designed from the initial concept phase with the goal of providing irrefutable forensic evidence - through its sophisticated diagnostic resources, precision positioning and secure operational capabilities.

The worn unit comprises a secure GPS tag with a robust ankle strap. A wide range of sensors are incorporated, which constantly acquire numerous forms of data concerning the wearer’s locality and the external environment, as well as other key parameters such as battery status, etc. Extremely sensitive, adjustable tamper alert mechanisms have been integrated, which are triggered if any attempt is made to break into the case or to cut the strap.

The unit connects securely to a configurable web portal, which can be referred to in real time. This relies on geolocation data from multiple satellites and base stations, as well as access to state-of-the-art mapping sources, to determine the tag wearer’s exact position with very low possibility of error. Geofence notifications can be utilised to prevent the tagged subject from leaving (or entering) predetermined areas. Data being transferred between the tag and the web portal is encrypted to safeguard against the risk of security breaches. Also data segregation means that confidentially is always maintained, as not all the information is held in one place and will only be brought together if required for judicial purposes. The graphic user interface (GUI) has been developed to make it as operator-friendly as possible. Data recording and reporting rates can be set to suit specific requirements, with multiple monitoring modes available. Steatite can work directly with the customer to ensure the effectiveness of operational processes and thereby mitigate the chances of false alerts occurring (something that can prove a major problem with other solutions).

Through its elevated power efficiency, the tag unit has a long battery life (running for up to three days between charges). Furthermore, it has a rapid charge period (taking just one hour to fully replenish its reserves). Untethered charging means that it does not have to be connected directly to the mains (thus making it more convenient for the wearer). Its sturdy construction can cope with heavy shocks, vibrations and other forms of mechanical stress, as well as wide temperature fluctuations. As the casing is waterproof, this unit is not affected by exposure to water (from heavy rainfall, showering and even swimming).

“This personal tracking system showcases Steatite’s adept engineering, plus our in-depth knowledge of cloud computing technology and our understanding of the importance of data protection in relation to this. Every element, from the tag unit’s electronic hardware, firmware and mechanical structure, right through to its supporting software ecosystem, has been developed in such a way that it is fundamentally able to stand up to intense legal scrutiny, thereby providing the highest degree of evidential assurance,” states Chris Oxlade-Arnott, General Manager at Steatite EMS.