Technology We Use

Exotrac’s platform leverages leading wireless, software, and hardware technologies to provide unprecedented real-time logistics information to its clients. Exotrac further distinguishes its offerings with its easy to use web interface, interoperability with EDI and enterprise systems, centrally managed scalability, and client level customization.

Web Application

Capitalizing on the latest in technological advances, Exotrac offers its clients cost-effective, cloud-based solutions with a SaaS (Software as a Service) subscription model. SaaS is an on-demand software delivery model in which the client pays a monthly fee instead of paying for the complete solution upfront with costly licensing fees. With Exotrac’s SaaS, our clients can focus their resources on their core business activities while we take care of the underlying IT infrastructure

Exotrac’s Yard Management Solutions are hosted in the cloud and can be conveniently and securely accessed as web applications on any Internet connected computer or mobile device. It can also be co-hosted on any client-owned servers.

As technologies advance over time, Exotrac always stays ahead. The technology used can be improved upon, however there will be no huge capital investment to get started. As Exotrac upgrades to new internal components (e.g. system upgrades for faster speed and processing) over time, our clientele automatically make the seamless transition to higher operational capability free of charge.

As our clients’ operations grow, our solution grows with them. Our cloud based system offers the ultimate in flexibility to scale with the organization. We can adapt to spikes of more transactions and higher traffic right away, as well as accommodate long term expansion without growing pains.

Security

Exotrac utilizes multiple layers of security within its system to ensure data integrity and protection.

Business critical information being transferred between Exotrac’s system and clients’ web browsers is protected using SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate. Backup information between Exotrac’s primary, secondary and off-site backup facilities are transferred using SFTP (SSH security File Transfer Protocol). All sensitive data residing in our servers as well as those in transit are encrypted with state-of-the-art encryption technology.

As an additional level of security, all web servers, application servers, and database servers in each environment are protected by multiple software and hardware firewalls.

Within Exotrac’s system, user level security privileges set by customer administrators limit access to sensitive information based on the user’s job role and security access.

Mobile Applications

Exotrac employs its own programmers to build their Android and Windows Mobile applications. This provides several advantages to the client including: programs tailored specifically to the client’s operation, simplified error reporting and fast, direct customer service and issue resolution.

Android applications are very user friendly and extremely powerful tools for business. Rugged Android devices deployed among departments empower users with quick access to data and a simple, reliable means for inputting or updating information. Eliminate paperwork and increase speed and accuracy with this cost effective, comprehensive solution that also offers:

  • Familiarity – Nearly everyone has used apps, so there is a minimal learning curve
  • Security – We have direct control over our apps and the data processed through them
  • Flexibility – Choose from many compatible rugged devices including phones and tablets
  • Can tether to barcode scanning, RFID, WiFi tags

Windows Mobile applications provide the familiarity of desktop applications and the convenience of handheld portability. They can facilitate quick communication for two way data transfer between the web and handheld devices, bringing timely and actionable information to everyone in your organization.

Hardware
Handheld Devices

Exotrac capitalizes on adaptable next generation hardware technologies by integrating ruggedized, GPS-enabled, smart wireless mobile devices. Exotrac’s Yard Management Solutions are compatible with mobile devices based on a range of platforms such as Android and Windows Mobile.We can recommend specific hardware that can meet the client’s needs and keep capital outlay as low as possible

RFID

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a wireless system that uses radio frequency electromagnetic fields to transfer data from a tag attached to an asset for automatic identification and tracking. Some tags require no battery and are powered by the devices used to read them, while others use a local power source and emit a signal themselves. The tag contains electronically stored information which can be read from up to several yards away. Unlike a bar code, the tag does not need to be within line of sight of the reader and may be embedded in the tracked asset.

RFID, combined with our cloud-based technologies, provides a way for companies to identify and manage their assets. Mobile hand held units with integrated RFID readers can now deliver a complete set of tools that eliminate paperwork, record and monitor the current status/location of assets, and communicate whether they have been maintained. This is an approach that completely eliminates manual data entry.

Using RFID tags combined with Exotrac’s cloud-based management solutions allows companies to monitor their assets and make management decisions from anywhere in the world. 3PLs and co-packers can be granted access to update asset data, history and transfer documentation online ensuring that the end user always has accurate, real time data.

Barcode

Exotrac uses durable synthetic barcodes that can last outdoors for years. Each trailer is labeled as it is checked in to the facility for the first time, and the same label can be reused each time the trailer is at any of your facilities. Scanning the barcode increases both speed and accuracy throughout all the yard operations. A yard check done with a scanner and barcoded assets typically takes as little as half the time of a written audit, and is more accurate.

Connectivity

Exotrac utilizes leading edge wireless technologies, such as 4G, LTE and WiFi, for connectivity ensuring speed, reliability, and security in the transmission of our clients’ data. We deploy smart mobile handheld units using WWAN/WLAN or GSM/GPRS data networks to transfer data to and from Exotrac’s web applications in real time. We employ strong, established network carriers such as Verizon Wireless for cellular data. Alternatively, we can use the client company’s own protected wireless network.

Integration Technology

Exotrac’s Yard Management Solutions are designed to integrate easily and seamlessly with industry standard enterprise software to create a single coherent framework for our customers. Our system utilizes middleware, EAI software, XML standards, and web services to connect to a variety of enterprise solutions – legacy and client server systems alike. Flat files and CSV files are transmitted via secure FTP or web services. Our solutions can interface with the client’s ERP, WMS, TMS, or even Legacy systems – supporting a wide range of formats. The client can define virtually any import or export format they want.