LAS VEGAS – Intergis, a single-source provider of mobile resource management and logistics technologies, introduced the new Kuva, a configurable wireless asset tracking device for the construction and homebuilding industries, at the 2009 International Builders’ Show (IBS) in Las Vegas, January 20-23.

Kuva enables companies to track and protect high net worth assets including heavy equipment, vehicles, loads and cargo shipments using GPS/GSM system technology.

“Fleet and asset management is an essential element of a well-run construction and building operation,” explains Jim Price, General Manager of Intergis’ Southeast region.

“Kuva can be used to maximize productivity as well as locate assets and track vehicles, cargo or other high net worth materials.

Since theft at unmanned building and construction sites is increasing, an intelligent tracking solution like Kuva is even more valuable for both construction companies and their financial backers.”

In a 2008 National Home Builders study, construction equipment theft is called “a costly problem,” with contractors losing roughly $5 billion annually in equipment and materials. 

As unguarded homes go unsold due to the struggling real estate market and hundreds of building projects are halted, tons of equipment will be left vulnerable and easily accessible to thieves.

On assets, Kuva is easily attached and immediately provides location, time/date and motion information which it then transmits to a remote server via the GSM/GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) wireless network.

Users can track each transmission which appears in a web-based mapping or satellite imagery application, with the exact location of the asset being tracked.

The data is integrated into the Intergis system or any number of logistics management technologies.

Unlike many fixed tracking devices that transmit according to pre-determined parameters, Kuva features proprietary software that allows users to select reporting frequency for each device.

Set to send data in “time-only mode,” Kuva will transmit at pre-programmed intervals, for example reporting hourly from 5 pm to 6 am when no one is on site to monitor equipment and materials.

Kuva can also be set to report based on specific events such as movement, no movement, or simply when being polled.

Reprogramming the devices remotely or over-the-air (OTA) is easy and efficient and each device can be moved to different vehicles or assets according to need.

The rugged, compact Kuva devices are encased in sturdy, water-resistant molded-plastic and have internal antennas that enable it to operate within the environmental conditions of any shipment, vehicle, load, machine or asset.

The units are easily hidden on materials to limit detection and feature a fully self-contained, battery powered unit that may last up to 2.5 years before recharging depending on reporting frequency.