Automated Tracking and Control Systems

QueTel develops automated systems that help clients control operations. As things or people move, are processed, or change, our systems use bar codes to simplify the task of logging such activities. Whether tracking assets, manufactured assemblies, police evidence, or inmates, our systems capture, store, and collect bar code data to avoid loss, control quality, prevent tampering, and assure continual monitoring.

Full Service Implementation

We help clients nationwide by providing expert consulting, systems design and planning, modification or development of software, installation, training, technical assistance, and extended warranty support. We capitalize on our knowledge of bar code technologies and the principals of their use in tracking to tailor our core capabilities to clients’ individual processes and operations.

The Beginning - Asset Tracking

In August 1982, QueTel Corporation incorporated in Virginia to sell handheld bar code data collection terminals. Because clients needed software in their bar code terminals, we soon found ourselves developing such software. It was not a big step to begin providing software in PCs to take advantage of this new technology, and we installed our first asset tracking system for the National Science Foundation in 1984.

Asset Tracking Led to Evidence Management

Since then we have installed over 100 asset tracking systems and serve our largest client, the U.S. Dept. of State, by supplying the HW/SW for performing inventories at embassies and consulates around the world. It was a simple transition to apply asset tracking principles to a law enforcement environment. In 1989, we installed our first evidence application. Since then, over 100 police agencies use our systems for tracking evidence. Recently our systems have been adapted to correctional facilities for scheduling and controlling inmate movement.

Warehouse managers use our systems to track pallets and material movement and control order picking to prevent errors in customer shipments. We have installed systems to track maintenance of equipment and to ensure sensitive medical products strictly follow prescribed procedures. One client tracks expensive electronic components used by television stations to store, edit, and enhance network and locally produced shows.

Bar Code Technology Partners

As a partner of Symbol Technologies, the largest manufacturer of bar code technologies, we employ the latest technologies to help customers make their operations more accountable. Our systems incorporate portable handheld devices which collect, store, and transmit inventory data to the computer.

Other Related Technologies

Other systems employ wireless LANs to move data directly from a remote location to the computer instantaneously, using RF (radio frequency) telecommunications. We combine other ID technologies as well: RFID tags, image capture, electronic signature capture, and ID cards.

Easily Customized Tools

The core of our software technologies are off-the-shelf tools that allow us to create customized and easy-to-use tracking and control systems quickly. As an example, after the 1999 floods in North Carolina, it took us only two days to customize and install a tracking system to help insurance salvagers to account for and inventory thousands of bales of potentially spoiled tobacco.

Rapid Enterprise Application Generator

TranQuility is a rapid application generator that can create “agile” enterprise applications in days. These are full-fledged applications not prototypes. They include complex relational databases, queries on any field, a facile ad hoc report writer, a sophisticated, finely grained access control system and many options. It includes an API and scripting system to add additional functions using tools such as VB Scripts, VB, and Visual C++.

The benefits in saved time and money realized from accelerated development are obvious, but they pale when compared to the savings in time and money from system’s maintenance. Users can add and integrate fields and, even complete tables and drag and drop them on a data entry screen in minutes . . . and it won’t impact core capabilities.

Easy Data Collection

What distinguishes our systems is the focus on making data entry easy and make tracking log changes automatic. We use bar codes; we employ simplified data entry processes; and we limit the amount of data collected to that required to control the operation. Large record keeping, database systems which collect and store enormous amounts of data, suffer because of the difficulty and amount of data stored in them. Our systems recognize that the "data needs" of operating managers must be weighed against the time required to collect and enter it into the computer.