This past September, Violet (our “pound puppy” that we adopted 5 years ago) broke through the fence in our back yard and disappeared. For anyone who has ever lost a pet, you can understand the range of emotions that a family experiences – especially when there are young children in the house. After the initial panic wears off, there is a sense of hope that comes with creating the lost dog fliers and remembering the great times that were spent with the pet. This, however, slowly fades into despair with each passing day. Finally, all that is left to do is accept the fact that you will never see your beloved friend again.

As part of the process, the family pulled together to see what we could do to better protect the pets that remained behind. Like many families in rural Colorado, we don’t have just one pet. We have a total of three dogs and three cats (surprisingly, they get along better than demonstrated in the old cartoons). All of the pets wear collars with tags and are micro-chipped. In researching additional safeguards, my wife found a website that sold GPS devices for pets. This particular device allowed the owner to call a number to report the pet as lost. This would initiate monitoring for the device, very similar to the way that tracking devices can find lost cars. 

Wow, to think that technology could be so advanced to help reunite lost pets with their families! Well, there is a catch. This device must be recharged nightly. This means that you must remove the collar (making it ineffective) for several hours to charge it. Another great idea just lost its practicality. This made me think about all of the GPS ideas that I’ve heard of the last several years. There are so many ideas out there that serve a purpose and may even be marketable; but are they cost-effective or even practical?

At Bold, we take pride in the fact that we have so many caring employees who are experts in the security industry. A big part of this expertise is making sure that we continually monitor the demands and trends of the industry so that we can provide you with practical applications that will promote efficient customer service and new revenue streams. Some of you may not know it, but Manitou has provided various levels of GPS/location based monitoring for a few years now; and we are continually working toward enhancing these tools. 

Below are a couple of PRACTICAL applications for GPS monitoring available in Manitou:

1.) XML Signaling – Bold has created a standardized XML format that allows for the processing of information (including GPS coordinates) via XML. Through the use of the Manitou Software Development Kit (SDK) and XML standard, many customers have created interfaces with GPS communication devices from Contigo, GemTek, and others to provide mapped coordinates that accompany alarms. In addition to location information, some devices will also provide the operator with speed, direction, and battery life information.

2.) SoloProtect – This MediaGateway module works specifically with the Identicom unit from Connexion2. Measuring just larger than a credit card, this unit contains a SIM card and uses the GSM network to communicate data via a cellular network. Ideal for lone worker applications, it can provide the central station with voice clips (.WAV file) and GPS data at the touch of a button creating a simple means for users to check-in or provide a definable alarm event (i.e., assistance required or emergency).

Bold is also very excited to announce that we will be releasing our new BoldTraks interface in 2010. This web-based solution will allow users to monitor the real-time locations of the devices as well as define geo-fences or safe zones on a variety of retail devices. In the event that the device holder crosses out of the safe zone or into a restricted area, the unit will transmit a signal into the monitoring center. In addition to border violations, it can also provide the holder with a means to transmit predefined signals such as SOS or requests for concierge services.

While I haven’t found a viable means to track the family pet yet, I’m working on it. I am also pleased to say that we had a happy resolution to Violet’s misguided adventures. About two weeks later, my wife and I were awakened at 3:00 AM by our other dogs. Not realizing why they were all excited, my wife got up to let them outside. As she turned around, she saw a shadowy figure through the sliding glass door. To everyone’s surprise and relief, it was Violet. She had survived an early winter storm and found her way home. The family is once again complete.