The mobile unit resides with a truck trailer, cargo container or rail car, and travels anywhere the cargo goes on a global scale, recording location and status of the shipment. In addition to satellite tracking (GPS), its sensors monitor environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, multi-axial shock, and door integrity (openings).

The ProfitMAX™ mobile unit communicates via wireless link (satellite or cellular) to a central computer monitoring station in San Antonio, Texas, which archives data to be retrieved by system users. The unit transmits status reports on a selected schedule and whenever an alarm condition occurs, and can be queried on a user-selected schedule. User needs and available power to the mobile unit will determine the potential frequency of transmissions. When the unit is not making scheduled or unscheduled reports, its communications platform returns to a "sleep" mode to conserve power. The mobile unit draws its operating power from self-contained batteries, from solar panel trickle-charge or from the host vehicle when a connection is available.

Because the mobile unit contains a microprocessor, it is capable of analyzing the data which it collects. If a shipment is subjected to an event which violates parameters set by the user, an "alarm" condition will immediately be noted. If an alarm message is received, the system can provide immediate notification to all designated parties by automated phone messaging, beeper, fax or electronic data transfer.

The ProfitMAX™ system is uniquely designed to resolve the types of concerns commonly raised about international, intermodal, mission-critical, or high-value/high-theft shipments. ProfitMAX™ is an essential operating tool, providing a seamless information flow through the entire supply chain which can be used to manage resources as well as shipments; to analyze trends relating to routes, drivers, equipment performance and breakage and loss; and to settle insurance claims.

The central monitoring station not only collects and disburses reports, but also creates a library of data on cargo movement which becomes an invaluable tool for understanding and anticipating occurrences and trends in damage and loss, operating costs and other features of the supply chain.

A client/user will access data collected on his shipments through his computer running a standard Internet browser.  The screen will display maps indicating precise locations of shipments, and will allow you to view current or historical measurements from internal sensors or GPS location.  Data can be downloaded into familiar report formats and graphic presentations.  The ProfitMAX™ server-side software enables the secure, electronic transfer of shipping documents linked with the cargo.

Rather than a data deluge, the user sets guidelines for the type and format of the information or events which he wants to view.  Other data is simply archived for future use.  The open architecture of the system allows for great flexibility to meet the needs of each company and to integrate with existing office systems.  Through a process we call Envisioneering™, ICMS process engineers will examine with a user the implementation of a system which fits the needs of his operation as it relates to shipping, logistics, Business-to-Business (B2B) and supply chain management functions.

The ProfitMAX™ mobile unit is rugged, space-conscious and tamper-resistant.  It can even be moved from one container or trailer to another in less than 15 minutes once the container has gone through the one-time preparation process.  Since some shipments may not require monitoring, or containers may stand idle for periods of time, this mobility allows the user to maximize the service from the ProfitMAX™ units, and thereby maximize his investment in the product.