Simplytrak lands African deal
SIMPLYTRAK, based in Yorkshire, is homing in on international success after securing a contract to provide remote tracking systems for the mobile phone industry in West Africa.
The Brough-based company built its business on producing monitoring systems for vehicles, equipment and personnel, with a software suite that tracks and makes visible a range of data to aid security and asset management.
Now the firm has adapted its ground-breaking technology to remotely monitor not just the generators powering mobile phone masts but entire cell sites.
Simplytrak is working in Ghana to link up 600 sites as part of a deal with mobile operator MTN.
Company director Andrew Johnson said: “For some time now we have been exploring the export services offered by UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) as we look to expanding our overseas operations.
“We already have a good business profile in the UK, but an inquiry from Ghana about our other tracking systems led us to identify areas where our technology could help.
“In Africa, security around the sites for mobile phone masts is a major problem. Fuel gets stolen or is short delivered, and fuel shortages are often only identified when it’s too late to keep the generators going.
“The other problem is that the road networks and conditions of roads are not very good, so it can take a long time to reach some of these sites when they need servicing of any kind.”
To combat the problem, Simplytrak developed a hardware and software suite that allows the sites to be monitored remotely and gauge fuel levels, check deliveries and identify problems before they become crucial.
Mr Johnson added: “Our systems also have the capability to identify if non-authorised people are on the site at any time. It’s a little bit like having a 24 hour security guard built into the hardware. But the system goes further. It will inform the customer if the temperature is too hot or cold in the control room, whether the aircraft warning light is working on the tower, exactly what power is being used and has been used on site, and so much more.”
Simplytrak used UKTI’s Passport to Export programme to identify potential markets and cultivate contacts in Africa, working closely with international trade advisor Stephan Stahl.
He said: “UKTI has been able to signpost funding assistance to get Simplytrak out to Africa, and this together with our advisory support has played an important role in this latest success. The solution offered to MTN is impressive and I’ve no doubt the company will continue its global expansion in the months and years ahead.”
